Cebu City History
Before the Spaniards colonized Cebu City, it used to be a small fishing village that was ruled by Rajah Humabon. During that period, the City developed trade relation with countries of Southeastern Asia and China. At that time the name of Cebu City was San Miguel.
On 7th April, 1521, the city was visited by Ferdinand Magellan and was heartily welcomed by Rajah Humabon. Magellan after arriving in the city planted a wooden cross, which turned out to be the first symbol of Christianity in the city. On 14th April, 1521, 800 natives along with Rajah Humabon and his wife were baptized by the Spaniards. Magellan did not receive the same response from all parts of the city. He was killed by Lapu-lapu, the chief of the neighboring Mactan Island, which was one of the major incidents of Cebu City history.
Andres de Urdaneta along with Miguel Lopez de Legazpi landed in Cebu City on 27th April, 1565. The name of the city was changed to Villa del Santissimo Nombre de Jesus. During the year 1898, a revolution was organized by General Leon Kilat of Bacong, Negros Oriental against the colonialism of Spain. At that time, a fort named Fort San Pedro, was built by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi for providing shelter to the Spaniards.
The Spanish control over Cebu City was resisted by the Americans. The struggle for independence of Philippines started from 1901. On 20th October, 1936, Cebu was assigned the title of a chartered city under the Commonwealth Act No. 58. In March 1945, Cebu City attained full freedom and in the same year Philippine Civil Affairs Unit was established in the city.
Cebu after Independence
On 10th June, 1964, the charter of Cebu City was revised. From next year the people of the city started to concentrate on Christianity and San Augustine Church, which is now popular by the name of Basilica Monre del Santo Nino was built.
From 1970s, the city started to prosper in all directions and population started increasing. Cebu City faced expansion and the emergence of Metropolitan Cebu took place. At present, the city happens to be one of the most prosperous cities in Philippines.
