Camiguin is a volcanic Philippine province defined by its unique soil and cultural heritage.

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Located in the Bohol Sea, this pearl-shaped island is the second-smallest province in the Philippines. Famous for its exceptionally sweet lanzones fruit, the island owes its distinct agricultural profile to rich volcanic soil. Beyond its natural beauty, Camiguin preserves centuries of history through its protected cultural treasures and ruins.

Camiguin is a volcanic island province situated about 10 kilometers off the northern coast of Mindanao. Its geography is dominated by mountainous terrain, including the active Mount Hibok-Hibok, which is part of the Timpoong and Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument. This protected landscape was declared an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2015. The island's name is believed to derive from the native word Kamagong, an ebony tree species, and its indigenous language, Kinamigin, remains a northern variant of the Manobo languages.

The island's history is deeply intertwined with its volcanic nature. In 1871, the eruption of Mount Vulcan destroyed the major Spanish settlement of Catarman, leaving behind the ruins of the Old Bonbon Church, which is now a National Cultural Treasure. Today, the province is known for its commitment to preserving heritage, boasting numerous Important Cultural Treasures, including 14 ancestral houses and the Old Mambajao Fountain. These sites are protected by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, reflecting the island's significant historical and artistic value.

Economically, the province relies on fishing and farming, with copra and the sweet lanzones fruit serving as primary income sources. The lanzones, celebrated annually during the third weekend of October, are considered among the sweetest in the Philippines due to the island's fertile volcanic earth. While the population has grown to 94,892 as of the 2024 census, the province maintains its identity through its five municipalities and a rich tapestry of cultural influences, ranging from its ancient Manobo roots to its enduring Spanish colonial architecture.

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