Fort Cuyo is a citadel built in 1680 during the Spanish-era in the Philippines. It was constructed to protect the locals from Muslim invaders and other threats.[1]
History
In 1636, Muslim raiders looted Cuyo.[2] To protect the locals from future raids, the Recollect Augustinians built the fort in 1680 .[3]
Originally, Fort Cuyo was made from stone and mortar, and square-shaped with four bastions. The fort has an area of one hectare. Its wall is 10 meters high and 2 meters thick, and has a tall belfry and watchtowers.[4]
Present use
Built in 1622, Saint Augustine Church, is situated inside the fort complex. It is considered as the oldest church in Palawan. In addition to the church, a convent and a chapel are within the fort's walls.[5]
Recognition
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines declared the fort as a historical landmark in 1939.[3]
Notable people
In 1899, Trinidad Legarda was born inside Fort Cuyo. Her parents temporarily took refuge to escape the looting in Cuyo by bandits, led by Kausapin.[4] In the Philippines, Legarda was the first female to become an ambassador of the country when she took office in Vietnam in 1958.[6]
References
- ^ Castello, Lea T. (1977). This is the Philippines!. Casa Linda.
- ^ "Cuyo Island, Palawan: Cuyo Fort and St. Augustine Parish Church | EAZY Traveler". 2014-12-09. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
- ^ a b "Fort Cuyo | Registry". Retrieved 2024-04-12.
- ^ a b "The fortress of Cuyo". Palawan Daily News. 2020-05-02. Retrieved 2024-04-11.
- ^ Santos, Katya (2022-08-12). "Palawan to launch year-long 400 years of Christianity celebration". Interaksyon. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
- ^ Abueva, Jose Veloso (1959). Focus on the Barrio: The Story Behind the Birth of the Philippine Community Development Program Under President Ramon Magsaysay. Institute of Public Administration, University of the Philippines.