The Sugbo Railway

Trains bring nostalgia. In the movies, we see characters choosing the window seat and watching the scenery (and life) swish by. In recent releases, trains are more often used for action sequences: where villains chase heroes, or as a venue to display expertise in martial arts. In Manila, The LRT and MRT are now considered the “Ride of the Stars,” as some celebrities choose to hop on trains when heavy traffic plagues the capital.

More than nostalgia and memories, Cebu or Sugbo, the “Queen City of the South,” itself has gained a lot from its old trains—something that many Cebuanos, especially the new generation, are still unfamiliar about. Let’s take a closer look at Cebu’s old railway system and its contribution to the “rise of the queen.”

Thirty-six years before World War II, the Philippine Railway Construction Company (PRCC) built a 57-mile mainline track connecting the municipalities of Danao in the north and Argao in the south. The track was primarily built to facilitate transport of sugar, coal, and other products from all over Cebu to the rest of the region.

The junction of now corner Leon Kilat and P. Del Rosario streets used to be the central depot of the railway – from the current Development Bank of the Philippines up to the condemned Cebu City Medical Center building.

Cebu was the inter-regional trade center during the time of the Americans, thus from the Central Station, a track goes to the north, another to the south, and another to the port area.

Southwards, the train would halt in two municipalities before reaching Argao. The station in Valladolid, Carcar is one of the only 4 remaining train stations in Cebu, and is currently utilized as a restaurant. Back then, wagon or horses would greet train passengers and bring them home.

In Sab-ang, Sibonga, the former train station is now used as a library of Simala Elementary School. Finally, the train’s last stop in Argao is currently operated as a fire station. From Argao to Cebu, 3rd class passengers paid Php 1.20 for the ride, quite a costly sum for that period.

Unlike the many stops going south, the north route directly proceeded to Danao. Its unloading station is at the current Sitio Estasyonan, which got its name from the word “station”. Unfortunately, the old station’s building has been neglected. Lastly, the Rotunda in Poblacion Danao is where the old train would turn around to go back to Cebu City.

Cebu stands as the second-ranked trade center of the Philippines, and this is due to the considerable foreign export movements of some products that pass through Cebu. In the pre-war period, sugar, abaca, and copra were among the goods transported by railway, partnered by a bustling port, from municipalities to regional, and even worldwide destinations.

Negros may be the sugarcane capital of the Philippines, but during the Spanish era, Cebu was at par with Negros in sugar production. Sugarcane plantations were lush in the northern part of Cebu. Furthermore, weaving of abaca fiber was already widespread in the island long before the Spanish occupation. Magellan and his companions noticed in their arrival that the natives were wearing clothes made from abaca fiber. Abaca plant is indigenous to the Philippines; currently, Cebu dedicates 240 hectares to planting of abaca in Barangay Magsaysay, Balamban. Also, Cebu has been a major port of export for copra since the late 1800s. Coconut farms were abundant all over the island, even until now. Unfortunately, many coconut farms in the north were affected by the calamities that hit the region in 2013. The Philippine Coconut Authority has released cash incentives to help Cebuano copra farmers in recovering and catching up to the booming copra trade.

This year’s Gabii sa Kabilin, happening on May 30 with the theme “Rise of the Queen,” will delve into the growth of Cebu. This would include appreciation of the old railway system and the products that helped in the growth of trade in the province, which led to it being held in high esteem even by the world.

Museo Sugbo, one of the many participating museums, will show an extensive video presentation about the old Sugbo Train. The Sacred Heart Parish Church – Alternative Contemporary Arts Studio will also exhibit textile products proudly made of native abaca fibers.

Sadly, Cebu’s old railway system did not survive World War II. The bridges, rail tracks, and even the central depot were bombed. Damage was extensive and the railway was never rehabilitated. Tight competition provided by buses after the way also discouraged PRCC to rebuild the subway.

Though it’s gone, the railway system greatly helped in the development not just of Cebu City but the entire province as well. It prevented the isolation of far municipalities from the growing economic center. Sugbo will be forever grateful to that long, black steam engine that gave the province a ride towards its fortune today.

(Erica Jean Palmera, RAFI Intern)

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