The Official page of LGU Catarman, Catarman, Camiguin CATARMAN, as called by the Visayans, means a point or cape. It is the oldest town in Camiguin.
It was founded in 1622 under the patronage of San Roque. Fray Francisco de la Concepcion, Recollect, was the first Priest when it was founded. It had 357 tributes and a population of 1,625 with Sagay and Mambajao as station or visitas. ACCORDING to chronicles, the first parish that was established in this island was that of Guinsiliban (1596 or 1599), with station or visitas in Catarman and Sagay.
According to Vicente Elio, Magellan came to discover Camiguin where he set foot in April 1521 and according to local folks, Magellan set foot to get water at site where Catarman was established. For more than two centuries only the parishes of Guinsiliban and Catarman existed. FROM THE 18th CENTURY to the early 19th century, Camiguin as a part of Misamis Oriental, was governed from Cebu by 1818. Misamis Oriental gained its provincial status with Camiguin Island as one of the division of the Misamis Oriental territory called PARTIDO de CATARMAN composed of Catarman and the villages of Guinsiliban, Mambajao and Sagay. On 1848, the parish of Guinsiliban was abolished and transferred to Sagay together with Mahinog. They became visitas of Sagay and Sagay was separated from Catarman and Mambajao remained as visitas or station.
0N JANUARY 4, 1855, a special decree separated Mambajao from Catarman and on July 6 of the same year, it was made a municipality with Rev. Father Valero de Sebastian as the first parish priest and Tupsan its visita and Agojo became the only visita of Catarman. THE TOWN OF PARTIDO de CATARMAN was frequently subjected to natural calamities. Lava, hot rocks and volcanic ashes due to the eruption of Mt. Vulcan on October 10, 1870 destroyed Catarman. Until 1871, the town was located in its original site. But due to volcanic activity, it had been transferred to Guiob, then a barrio; this is its present location. It is the biggest town in the island in terms of land area, very fertile, hilly. The climate is healthful. The first view the town offers is beautiful scene. It is not yet too developed; it has many forests with excellent timber for construction. ON MAY 1, 1871, Catarman was established in present location headed by Pio Gomez, Hilariun Abad, Patricio Basa, Pedro Anonuevo, Marcelo Bacol and Marcelo Cadion. In 1872, Mambajao claimed Agojo from Catarman and Agojo separated from Catarman. IN 1899, an Amercian gunboat bombarded Camiguin. After a brief skirmish with the Los Libertados under the command of Ricardo Reyes, the inhabitants readily submitted to American rule. Sporadic clashes however continued against the remaining elements of the revolutionary force that was led by name of a certain Balero. In 1899, the Americans appointed Mr. Macario Gimeno First President of Catarman and later on replaced by Mr. Rosendo Bailo, then succeeded by Mr. Leopoldo Ilago as President. IN 1901, Balero and his followers were completely annihilated in the Battle of Manduaw that ended the resistance in the island. IN 1903, Mr. Mateo Roasol was the President of Catarman. Between 1903 and 1906, Catarmanons became rebellious. They did not want interference from people outside from Catarman who interfered in their governing system and they preferred to fight with bolos and spear, but not without a single drop of blood. IN 1906, Catarman was abolished as a municipality and integrated as a barrio of Mambajao and Pablo Rodrigo and Gregorio Basmayor were the Councilors. IN OTHER VERSION of 1903, the towns of Catarman, Mahinog and Sagay were all combined with Mambajao to form into a single municipality out of the entire island. Guinsiliban was formed part of Sagay from 1848 to 1950. ON JULY 30, 1910, the construction of the municipal building begun and finished in January 26, 1911 and the amount collected to finance the project was P 1,344.20 and the total cost of the building was P 1,218.82. The project was completed. IN 1912, PabloRodrigo was elected President of Municipality of Catarman. through plebiscite, up to 1915. In 1912, Catarman was re-created or re-established as municipality separate from Mambajao. During the Second World War, the municipality was not spared of the threat of war. Although there was no war encounters within the municipality, a guerilla outfit was present. There was no bombing made during the invasion of the municipality. The people were prepared of the event and most went to the nearby hills and mountains to hide. The eruption of Mt. Hibok-hibok on September 8, 1948 and December 3-4, 1951 precipitated a dramatic exodus of Catarmanons for safety to other places. Most of them went to mainland Mindanao and settled. To them, Mindanao was the island of promise. True to their beliefs, most of them had improved and settled permanently.
02/06/2026
๐ปLGU Catarman Explores Digital Innovation for Better Public Service
The Local Government Unit of Catarman is exploring a Government-to-Government initiative with CPSC students behind Internix IT Solutions, with the support of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)โto transform local ordinances into real-time digital systems.
The proposed collaboration aims to improve the delivery of public services through technology-driven solutions, including:
โ๏ธ Automated Passenger Queuing System โ for faster and more organized passenger processing.
โ๏ธ Motor Launch Entry and Exit Monitoring Systemโ for improved monitoring, safety, and record-keeping.
โ๏ธ E-Payment Systemโ for secure and convenient cashless transactions.
This initiative reflects LGU Catarman's commitment to innovation and digital transformation, paving the way for more efficient, transparent, and accessible government services for every Catarmanon.
02/06/2026
Free Maintenance Medicines Distributed to 11 Beneficiaries in Sto. Niรฑo, Catarman
The Provincial Government of Camiguin, through its Long Life Program and in coordination with the Local Government Unit of Catarman headed by Mayor Kiterio Antonio U. Palarca II, together with the Barangay Sto. Niรฑo Council led by Hon. Genus Grey Tambor, distributed free maintenance medicines to 11 beneficiaries from Barangay Sto. Niรฑo.
Each beneficiary received a three-month supply of maintenance medicines, helping address their health needs and improve their overall well-being. In connection with this, thank you to Governor Xavier Jesus D. Romualdo and Congressman Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo for their continued support to every Catarmanon. ๐๐
02/06/2026
๐ Fresh Red Tilapia Available!
The Tangaro Freshwater Fish Raisers Association (TFWFRA) is a community-based organization in Barangay Tangaro, Catarman, dedicated to promoting sustainable aquaculture and improving the livelihoods of local fisherfolk and fish farmers.
With the support of the Local Government Unit of Catarman and as a beneficiary of the Department of Agriculture's SAAD Program, TFWFRA is now reaping the rewards of its hard work through the harvest of fresh Red Tilapia on June 11, 2026.
๐ Price: โฑ200 per kilo
Interested buyers may place their orders or make reservations through the Municipal Agriculture Office of Catarman or contact 0915-966-0420.
Support local fish farmers and enjoy fresh, high-quality tilapia straight from our community! ๐ฑ๐
02/06/2026
๐ฅ Orientation on the Provision of Fresh Milk for Fully Vaccinated Preschoolers
Through the coordination of the Local Government Unit of Catarman, the Provincial Government of Camiguin, spearheaded by Governor Xavier Jesus D. Romualdo, conducted an Orientation on the Provision of Fresh Milk for Fully Vaccinated Preschoolers aged 3โ5 years old.
The activity was attended by Dr. Zenneth Dumangcas (PHD), Dr. Lordgin V. Gamo (PVO), Ms. Maida G. Gamo, RSW (PSWDO), Barangay Captains, and partner agencies.
The orientation discussed the implementation of the fresh milk program aimed at improving the nutrition, health, and well-being of fully vaccinated preschool children in the province. โจ
02/06/2026
Camiguin proudly introduces the first-ever ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐๐จ๐ค-๐๐ข๐๐จ๐ค ๐๐ข๐๐ค๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ญ๐จ๐ฉ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐๐, bringing a new wave of sport, excitement, and community pride to the island. This event is exclusive to Camiguin residents, showcasing skill, sportsmanship, and island unity.
Beginners may also compete and play in the Novice Division.
Registration Deadline: June 15, 2026
Tournament Dates: June 20โ21, 2026
Venue: Lagundi Covered Court, Lagundi, Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin
Bring your paddle and be part of the first serve that starts it all. Isle see you there!
01/06/2026
๐ LGU Catarman Kiddie Sports and Wellness 2026 Concludes Successfully
The Local Government Unit of Catarman, through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), successfully concluded the Kiddie Sports and Wellness 2026 through a Closing Program that celebrated the achievements, sportsmanship, and active participation of young Catarmanons.
During the closing ceremony, Mayor Kiterio Antonio U. Palarca II emphasized the importance of encouraging more young Catarmanons to participate in sports and wellness programs. He reaffirmed the local government's commitment to supporting initiatives that nurture the youth and help them reach their full potential. The program also recognized the valuable contributions of parents, coaches, facilitators, and partner agencies whose support made the activity a success.
In addition , the Local Government Unit of Catarman extends its sincere gratitude to the Provincial Government of Camiguin, headed by Governor Xavier Jesus D. Romualdo, for inspiring LGU Catarman to adopt a similar initiative. With that , LGU Catarman has successfully brought sports and wellness opportunities closer to our young Catarmanons, promoting their health,
development, and active participation in the community. โจ
01/06/2026
๐๐จ Bayanihan in Action: LGU Catarman Joins Brigada Eskwela 2026
Mayor Kiterio Antonio U. Palarca II of the Local Government Unit of Catarman joined the launching of Brigada Eskwela 2026 through the Solidarity Fun Walk and Kick-Off Program at Camiguin National High School.
The activity marked the start of this yearโs Brigada Eskwela, bringing together educators, students, parents, local officials, and community stakeholders in a shared effort to prepare the school for the opening of classes.
Mayor Palarca reaffirmed the LGUโs commitment to supporting programs that promote quality education and encourage active community participation through the spirit of bayanihan.
๐ค Together, we can create a safer, cleaner, and more conducive learning environment for every learner.
30/05/2026
Get ready to dive into the ultimate island celebration at the San Juan sa Hibok-Hibok Festival 2026 this June 20โ24 in Camiguin! ๐๐ฆ
Feel the heat of summer and the refreshing spirit of the festival as the island comes alive with beach parties, water splashing, music, and nonstop fun in celebration of Feast of Saint John the Baptist.
Come celebrate, get soaked, and with us in the island paradise of Camiguin!
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