St. Joseph Church in San Francisco, Camotes

St. Joseph Church became a parish in 1863 and is independent from the town of Poro. It is the oldest church in Camotes located at Pacijan Island in the town of San Francisco (formerly known as Suangan). This church is dedicated to the Fatherhood of St. Joseph.

In 1886, the parish had a modest church of wood and “tabique” (spanish word which means partition) built on a meter high foundation of rubble, “nipa” (filipino word which means palm) roof and a wooden floor. The convent was similarly constructed. Because the colonial church had many developments and repairs, the current St. Joseph Church now looks like a modern day church. The only thing that remains in history is the name and the birth of Christianization in the town.

St. Joseph Church

Parish Convent and Office

St. Joseph Church celebrates the Soli-soli festival every third Sunday of March. Activities such as parade of colorful dancers, dance contest, band presentation, disco and beauty pageants are highlights of this occasion. People in San Francisco also celebrates this event by cooking delicious food and inviting friends and families from nearby towns for a “salo-salo” (filipino word which means get together).

Getting to St. Joseph Church is easy because it is one of the landmarks and it is in the main town of Camotes. Just ask a “habal-habal” (cebuano word which means motorcycle-for-hire) driver to bring you there. It is situated minutes away from the Baywalk and the Causeway, which connects the two biggest island of Camotes, namely Poro and Pacijan Islands.

About the author

Mark Anthony Maranga is an Educator-Parent to his 3 Homeschooling Kids. He sells Ice Cream and Balloons in Mandaue City, Cebu. Exploring the Philippines tourist attractions together with his family is his passion; they are learning without borders.