Cuyo_Fort

Fort Cuyo

Fort Cuyo

Citadel in Palawan, Philippines


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]

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History

Natioal Historical Commission of the Philippines historical marker

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

  1. Castello, Lea T. (1977). This is the Philippines!. Casa Linda.
  2. "Fort Cuyo | Registry". Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  3. "The fortress of Cuyo". Palawan Daily News. 2020-05-02. Retrieved 2024-04-11.
  4. Santos, Katya (2022-08-12). "Palawan to launch year-long 400 years of Christianity celebration". Interaksyon. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  5. 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.

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