First settlers on Cuyo Island

Chinese traders where the first to discover Cuyo island and introduced the trade and barter system
in the locality. Later Chief Matuod of Malay origin was arrived in big bangkas called “sakayan”
and formed settlements. Another Malay Mohammedan by the name Datu Magbanua also later
settled in Cuyo. Datu Magbanua’s leadership was so great and powerful, that even chieftains from
another islands recognized his rule. The Malays brought with them their dances and when blended
with native dance, the “ Soriano ” , it became known as the “ pondo-pondo ” one of the most
popular folkdances even up to the present.

Chinese settlers on CUYO Island

During the leadership of Datu Magbanua, three Chinese Mandarins arrived on the island. The
Chinese discovered gold deposits in Mt. Aguado and introduced gold mining, smith working,
pottery, and other handicrafts. The natives of Cuyo became suspicious of the their presence and
were able to drive them out. They sailed to Ilongilong (today known as Iloilo) and formed another
settlement called “Parian”.

anish Colonization of Cuyo Island

In 1622, Count San Augustin together with five Spanish missionaries colonized the island
named by them as Cuyo and introduced Christianity. The friendly character of the people
proved to be a blessing to the Spaniards who did not find difficulties in converting the
population of Cuyo Island to Christianity. They were immediately able to baptize 500
Cuyonons.

Muslim attack Cuyo Island

In 1636 a powerful Muslim fleet under Datu Tagul raided Cuyo and other places in
Palawan. In Cuyo the Muslim attacked the convent and the church and set the town on
fire and took with them prisoners including a priest, Fr. Francisco de Jesus Maria. They
then proceeded to Agutaya and Culion and wrought havoc and destruction on the
helpless and defenceless civilians. Again their prized captive was another priest from
Culion, Fr. Alonzo de San Augustin who was captured while saying mass. A Spanish
naval flotilla of 6 vessels and 250 men under Capt. Nicolas Gonzales met the returning
pirates with their loot and booty on December 21, 1636. Datu Tagul was killed, 300 of his
men captured and 120 prisoners were liberated. The two captured priests were unlucky.

Cuyo Fort

During the early Spanish period Fort Cuyo was constructed to protect from sporadic
Moro attacks and was finished in 1680. The original complex of stone and mortar was a
square with four bastions. The present complex, which occupies 1 ha, is a solid
rectangular edifice with walls 10 m high and 2 m thick. It has a tall belfry and watchtowers;
its canons, which face the sea, are now fired only during town celebrations. It is
considered as one of the most ancient and unique forts in the Philippines. Unique in the
sense that you can find the church, the convent and the Perpetual Adoration chapel all
within the fort. In 1762 one of the British ships that invaded Manila fired at the Cuyo fort
but it was not damaged at all. Another fort was started at Lucbuan, Magsaysay on the
east side of Cuyo island but it was never finished. It's historical significance has been
severely compromised by the adding-on of a private day-use recreational park catering
primarily to locals. In 1873 the capital of Paragua (present day Palawan) was transferred
to Cuyo from Taytay.