Balilihan, Bohol

Balilihan is a fourth income class municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. Balilihan is located 22 kilometres (14 mi) north-east of Tagbilaran through Cortes (via CPG North Avenue), or 20 kilometres (12 mi) north-east through Corella (via J.A. Clarin Street). It has the fourth largest land area of the province, with 150 square kilometres (58 sq mi) of land. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 17,147.In the 2013 election, it had 10,995 registered voters.

History

The place is a panorama of verdant hills, rugged mountains and green fields. It is said to have been so named because of the grass "balili" which grew in abundance.

Before the beginning of the 19th century, Balilihan was a barrio of Baclayon and an old settlement where the families of Orig, Dangoy, Racho, Maniwang, Lacea and Pongase were the first inhabitants. When the Dagohoy revolt was suppressed by the Spaniards, the authorities established a garrison in Datag (one of its barrios) to discourage and stamp out further uprisings on the part of the natives. When Balilihan was separated from its mother town on September 29, 1828, the Spanish government formally established a settlement or pueblo in the sitio "Bay sa Iring" (named so for the network of caves where cats hide) which was about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from the Spanish garrison.