History of Carmen, Bohol

1. Short History of Carmen,
Bohol

2. • Carmen, Bohol was originally part of the municipality of Bilar and
called Imbaya, after the name of a stream in the settlement.
• During the Spanish time, it was inhabited by not more than fifty
families. In 1868, the people of Carmen petitioned for its
independence since its population grew to an unprecedented
number.

3. • The town of Carmen was founded on March 1, 1869 by final order
of Governor General Jose de la Gandara and renamed at the same
time in honor of the Lady of Carmel of Spain. In 1874, the town of
Carmen had its separate parish with Father Pedro Nolasco San Juan
as the first parish priest.
• Due to the influence of Spanish culture and tradition, all barangays
of Carmen have a patron saint as well as a Spanish name, who are
celebrated in an annual barangay fiesta.
• In World War II, Carmen served as the stronghold of the guerrilla
resistance movement and the local civil government because of its
strategic location.
• Even at present, the municipality still serves the same purpose of
being the provincial center of dynamic activities.