Calape

Calape is a town situated in the northwestern part of Bohol, along the western coast, facing the island of Cebu on the north. It is about 41.4 kilometers from Tagbilaran City and is adjacent to the town of Tubigon, Bohol's second major port. Its population is pegged at 29,786 according to the 2007 census.

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Considered a 4th class municipality, Calape covers an area of 7,615 hectares which is politically subdivided into 33 barangays, to wit: Abucayan Norte, Abucayan Sur, Banlasan, Bentig, Binogawan, Bonbon, Cabayugan, Cabudburan, Calunasan, Camias, Canguha, Catmonan, Desamparados (Poblacion), Kahayag, Kinabag-an, Labuon, Lawis, Liboron, Lo-oc, Lomboy, Lucob, Madangog, Magtongtong, Mandaug, Mantatao, Sampoangon, San Isidro, Santa Cruz (Poblacion), Sohoton, Talisay, Tinibgan, Tultugan and Ulbujan.

The first settlers of the town came from nearby Cebu and other municipalities of Bohol. With a significant growth in population, the inhabitants sought for township and were finally established into a town in the year 1802. The inhabitants are enterprising people for they are well-known as peddlers who go to as far as Borneo and Celebes in their sailboats.

After the liberation, Calape experienced a boom economically. Business was good. The people were also into aquaculture. In fact, it has now a training center for aqua culture, which is a joint project of the United States Development Program and the local government arm, the Bureau of Fisheries.

The town of Calape is proud of its 18th century Gothic church; a green and white painted edifice with pointed towers that looks like a castle taken straight from a fairy book. Its grounds or plaza lies along the national road with a towering image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus gracing it. Calape church is dedicated to Saint Vincent Ferrer whose feast day falls on May 10.

The town was formerly known as Cape – specie of rattan which used to grow abundantly in the area. Through the years, the name was modified and finally became Calape.

Calape has many tourist attractions, the most prominent of which is their Gothic-inspired church. It has several resorts where one can go bathing and indulge in other aqua sports. Fit to mention are the Kinubkuban Bathing Resort and the Isla Hayahay Beach Resort at Pangangan Island.

Pangangan Island, where barangay Lomboy is located, is connected to the mainland of Bohol thru a 3.5 kilometer causeway which is protected by mangroves from any onslaught of the sea. It is about 4.5 km off the east coast of Calape, Bohol, and has a total area of 946 hectares. About 115 hectares has been declared as a Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve.

The island is relatively flat with sparse vegetation. One can see mostly tall coconut palm trees and a portion of the land planted to corn and cassava. Vacant and undeveloped areas are dominated with red sandy soil. The crystal clear water around Pangangan Island is a haven for aqua sport enthusiasts. Guests can snorkel, dive and fish or enjoy a boat ride around Calape bay and beyond.

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