(Cabilao Island, Loon, April 6, 2011, (PIA) ---- FROM the viewpoint in Cabilao island off Loon town, the sentinel scans the horizon from south to the faint shores of Cebu and then slowly sweeps his gaze to the northern and eastern expanse to pick out the faints signs of approaching ships.
On this vantage point, he has a commanding view of three quadrants of the sea that has been a route of the notorious southern pirates on their pillages north of Mindanao.
The sea before him is also frequented by 18th century Portuguese ships intending to assert its claim on Spain’s intrusion to the islands in defiance of the Treaty of Tordesillas that say this part above the equator is Portuguese territory.
A stone throw from the cliff where he stands, a flotilla of barquillas de Guerra lay anchored and swaying with the wind, the gentle waves lapping on its hulls.
Behind him, the somber coral stone building imposes its presence while sheltering a small band of men.
Some of the soldiers lazily lay in suspended hammocks, others busy themselves oiling their muskets; these men comprise the small regiment of a Spanish naval force detailed to deny the advance of any ship with harmful intentions to the northern islands including the new seat of government in Manila.
Every once in a while, the stiff wind carries a crack of boisterous laughter from a Spanish soldiers mending a torn sail on the boat decks below while above them, terns playfully glide with the wind in this part of the Baluarte.
In Baluarte, stands an abandoned fortess that has been there even before Cabilao Island’s five barangays: Pantudlan, Cabacungan, Talisay, Cambaquiz and Looc asserted their political independence.
Spanish navy stocked the fortress with lantacas and ammunition, the stone fortification on top of the viewpoint a visible threat to anyone daring enough to make that bold crossing.
The stone fortress was a bastion (baluarte) of the Spanish naval force and the place where it was located was called by the same name, said Loon Mayor Lloyd Peter Lopez, referring to the old fort now slowly being transformed into the island museum.
Centuries later, when pirates become a footnote in history and Portugal has ceased its claim to the islands, the sentinel still stands proud beside the abandoned fortress as it surrenders to the eroding power of time.
Seeing its history and its contribution to the fortification of the church and Christian community of Virgin de la Luz, Loon local government eked out a restoration program and adaptive re-use for the old structure believed to be built in the late 17th century.
Historical facts, data, memorabilia and anything that facilitates understanding of the Loonanon and the people of Cabilao finds its place in the museum, Zosima Lapez, 48 years old esplained.
And since the bastion also commands an excellent view of the island’s world-class dive sites, Mayor Lloyd Lopez said when the restoration is completed the old fortress would be Baluarte Point’s museum showcase.
The building, a 20 by 20 feet coral stone structure now sports a faux Moroccan red adobe tile roof complete with realistic eaves, meter thick walls and windows that look out to the sea.
Aside from a community life showcase which should display the famous Cabilao romblon (pandanus) native bags in drab cream and in a variety of handsomely crafted mix of different media, Mayor Lopez said the biggest come on should be the treasures of the underwater scenes found all over the island.
A local romblon weaver organization, the Cabilao Romblon Weavers Network provides livelihood to 75 members and spins the native bags they enter into concession with the Bohol Bee Farm, the mayor who is also a doctor said.
A dive center in the island, the Polaris asserts: Cabilao is a marvelous place for scuba diving and snorkeling, in its website.
The area is the perfect dive spot for beginners and experienced divers and scuba diving is possible all the year round.
Dive sites categorized under the island’s offer are the Gorgonia Wall, ViewPoint, lighthouse, Fallen, Looc, Cambaquiz, Cambaquiz Slope, Talisay and Talisay Pier, SouthPoint, Chapel and 3-Coco.
Let this soon to rise museum be the window of locals and foreigners who would have wanted to dive but still gropes for the strength to don on the neoprene wet suit.
We would like to make this a learning showcase for our younger generation to learn to nurture these wonderful gifts at their thresholds to engage them into activities that would help us sustain the sea, a local fisherman whose wife weaves native bags said.
And like the lighthouse that stands proud braving the storms, let Cabilao’s baluarte be a center for environment protection and a learning center for respect cultures, peoples and their priceless heritage. (racPIABohol)