History of Medellin

On September 9, Medellin proudly marks its 135th Founding Anniversary, a milestone that traces its beginnings back to September 9, 1881, when Queen Isabela of Spain signed the royal decree creating the municipality. Its name, “Medellin,” echoes a city in Colombia, reflecting the deep influence of Spanish and Latin American culture during that time.

The first seat of government was established in what is now Barangay Kawit, once called Poblacion Kawit. Local legend tells of a fearless leader named Cawha, who wore a talisman-like hat adorned with thorns. Whenever Moro raiders threatened the town, he would confront them at the shoreline. Strangely, upon seeing him, the invaders would flee in panic, as though a mystical force was driving them away. His courage left such an imprint that, even long after his passing, raiders still feared that Cawha lived on.

Leadership then passed to Kapitan Tiburcio Osabel, known as Kapitan Bucio, who continued Kawit’s era of relative peace. But after his time, Moro raids resumed. Successive leaders—Kapitan Roman Ybanes, Kapitan Flores Rosos, and Kapitan Felix Perez—faced the challenge of protecting the community. When Rosos was slain in a raid, Perez decided to move the town’s seat of power to Buenavista, believing its shallow shores would deter invaders. Although it provided safety, trade soon declined, as seafaring merchants found it difficult to dock their vessels there.

Realizing the need for progress, Kapitan Victor Tumulak, with the help of Solomon Manalili, advocated relocating the town again—this time to Tawagan, a settlement by the Gusongan River. Tawagan’s elevated landscape provided both protection and a vantage point, while its river access allowed boats to transport goods easily. From this site grew what we now know as Poblacion Medellin.

In 1912, under Tumulak’s leadership, the title of town head officially shifted from Kapitan to Presidente. Thus, he is remembered as both the last Kapitan and the first Presidente of Medellin. From its humble beginnings as a fishing settlement guarded by legendary figures, Medellin has blossomed into a thriving municipality—rooted in history, courage, and resilience.

As years passed, Medellin also became known as the “Sugar Bowl of Northern Cebu.” Vast plantations of sugarcane thrived in its fertile lands, giving rise to sugar mills that transformed the town’s economy. The sugar industry not only provided livelihood to generations of families but also shaped Medellin’s culture and way of life. Festivals, trade, and the local identity became closely tied to this golden crop, marking Medellin as one of Cebu’s most important agricultural hubs.