Camiguin - The Island Born of Fire

With an area of 238 square kilometers and a population of just under 100,000, Camiguin is one of the smallest provinces in the Philippines. But this pear-shaped island in the Bohol Sea, 90 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro City in Northern Mindanao, has more than its fair share of attractions and investment prospects.

The stunning ratio of volcanoes to municipalities, seven to five, gives Camiguin the rich soil that produces what is said to be the sweetest lanzones in the country. The Lanzones Festival held every third week of October is the perfect time to sample the fruit and view the products the island has to offer, as celebrations and events such as he trade fair, street dancing and tableau competitions make this normally quiet island a little less sleepy than its mainly dormant volcanoes.

The versatile trio of abaca, bamboo, and coconut are the island's most abundant crops. Aside from the abaca fibers traded primarily in Cagayan de Oro, locals also process abaca into bags, belts, bracelets, pouches and slippers. These handicrafts are presently sold only in the domestic market, as acreage is limited and farmers prefer to plant coconuts because of the shorter waiting time before harvest. Bamboo, considered an important building material in the form of sawali (woven bamboo), is likewise used tor furniture and decorative products. On a smaller scale, the nito vine is made into coiled baskets, jars, placemats and backpacks.

Camiguin has plentiful rainforests, dive spots, white sand and volcanic sand beaches, waterfalls, hot and cold springs, soda water pool ---- all in a peaceful environment.