Off The Map But Not Forgotten: A Spontaneous Community Drive To Gibitngil Island

I have many things to be grateful for this year-end vacation, too many that I cannot count and write individually. But in a nutshell, I like how it brings me to different places to experience and make another set of memories, spontaneously. Take note of the word “spontaneous,” because that is how my vacation is happening now and in the next few days before we reach another year. I am expecting more trips and experiences to savor as we enter 2025.

Today, spontaneously, my family got invited to a community drive as a year-end project by a small chapel group in Paypay, Daanbantayan, where we had our Christmas. We just got home yesterday from Daanbantayan, but today we are back again to present ourselves in this community extension drive. When I learned it was in Gibitngil Island, an island that sits quietly off the northern coast of the island of Cebu, nestled in the municipality of Medellin, I was excited to go with people who have the same love for community as I do.

Now, take note that this island is far from the modern life of Medellin. It is an island that sits on a farther slice of land shaped by its waves and wind. It is an island I have heard about for long enough but never visited before since it requires a long trip to get there. After I visited Gibitngil Island today, I learned that it is so far from development and economic change in the municipality of Medellin. They are left behind.

They do not have a stable source of electricity, so most houses use generators. I heard they do have an electricity source, but it is not operating properly, which forces them to buy their own generators or solar panels just to live comfortably. It is second to Masbate Island, known as the Brownout Capital of the Philippines, but this one is not better.

More than that, they only have one school, both elementary and secondary, as said by the students I had conversations with on the island. College students must brave the sea and its big waves just to get to their university. There is no water system, so they rely on pumps and wells to get water for everyday chores.

I really thought these were already the biggest problems that needed fixing. To help you follow the timeline easily, we were there for a community extension drive as I mentioned earlier, but it was not specified. Only when we arrived did I learn that we would be having a Christmas party with hundreds of people on the island and a mass, because they do not even have a church despite the people’s religious beliefs and devotion.

Underneath these reasons for visiting, two more realities broke my heart. There were no weddings and baptisms on the island, two sacraments they truly deserve. Earlier, unmarried couples were invited to have a simple but formal marriage officiated by the priest who was with us. Almost all the couples there who already had many children were not married.

Baptism was also absent when children were born. So earlier, amidst my expectation of seeing a baby get baptized, I witnessed teenagers being baptized instead. Yes, ages 10 to 21 were baptized that day, along with one baby. Because of the lack of a church and resources, they were not able to receive these formal sacraments during their earliest years. It was painful to realize how deprived the people of the island are of these basic religious rites.

Before we left the island, the priest explained the guidelines on how they could acquire formal certificates in the municipality of Medellin so they would be legally recognized. Almost all necessities are lacking here, and the people are barely living. I hope the municipality has something to offer these people and bring change toward a more comfortable life.

WHAT IS GIBITNGIL ISLAND

Rising from the clear blue and turquoise waters, Gibitngil Island is defined by its very dramatic cliffs that you can see as you approach, its rocky yet perfect shores, and stretches of calm seas where fishing boats and passenger pump boats are on standby.

When I stepped foot on the island, there was one thought that came to me out of nowhere: life on this island moves at an unhurried pace. It is away from the chaos of modernization, similar to life in remote provinces. It is peaceful, and the only sound you hear is the waves.

Walking through the town of Lipata, where we docked, the people lived their own lives in harmony. The houses felt peaceful, guided only by the rhythm of the ocean and the sun that rises and sets on the island each day. You can see in the photos how small the island is, yet the people there have big hearts, which I will share more about in the next paragraphs.

The community of Gibitngil lives simply, relying on the sea for daily income through fishing and pump boats for tourist passengers. They draw strength from their community spirit and preserved traditions, which give the island its unique and inspiring character.

HISTORY OF GIBITNGIL

I am not very familiar with the full history of the island. I only know some basic information, but I heard stories and island lore while I was there. The children were very talkative, and I truly enjoyed listening to them share their stories with me and my mother.

Gibitngil is not written like a folklore or legend. Its history lives through experiences that shaped their lifestyle, community-initiated growth, and practices. For many years, Gibitngil Island has been a safe space for fisherfolk, especially their ancestors who navigated these waters without modern support or technology.

It was also influenced by Spanish colonization. Even if it is far from the main city, the Spanish found their way to colonize this paradise. The children shared that they have faced many challenges and setbacks as people living on this almost forgotten island. Still, they remain grateful for their strong community spirit that helped them navigate a changing world with hope and resilience.

TOURISM

Gibitngil Island has slowly stepped into the tourism spotlight as a quiet eco-tourism escape. It attracts visitors who want to experience raw beaches and dramatic cliffs. One of its most famous destinations is Funtastic Island, which has drawn increasing attention over the past few years. It is now more visited than before and is considered a true gem of Gibitngil, alongside its people.

Beaches and resorts are also offered, with simple yet reasonable amenities. Water activities like kayaking, jet skiing, and cliff diving are popular among tourists. Funtastic Island is the most familiar destination to me, and I hope to visit it soon and share that experience as well.

I suggest experiencing tourism on the island more deeply. Talk with the children and elders. Smile at every stranger you meet while walking around town. If you find time to talk with someone, ask questions about the island. The people of Gibitngil hold the highest rank in the island’s tourism.

MY MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES

We visited the island for a community drive and a Christmas party. We had a simple mass, followed by the celebration. I witnessed teenagers being baptized and couples with families finally getting married formally by the priest. It was simple, but deeply meaningful.

I talked with many children who approached me, distributed the tokens my family prepared, and met people I never expected to be part of my year. Especially those I traveled with from the chapel.

One girl (wearing orange t-shirt) became my most memorable experience. She shared many things about the island and her life there. She talked about her family and her big dreams of going to college and leaving the island one day when she becomes successful. My sister and I talked with her, and along the conversation, we discovered we had mutual relatives in San Remigio.

It was a brief encounter. I left her with a hug, feeling both happy and sad. We exchanged social media so we could stay in touch and meet again when we return. I hope to see her soon, and to visit the island again with more prepared tokens and help. May I be blessed next year to meet this girl again, who carries a piece of this island’s dream.

TRAVEL

The travel time from the city terminal to the municipality of Medellin is around four hours. If you are traveling from the city, go to the North Bus Terminal and look for a bus bound for “Daanbantayan via Kawit.” Tell the driver or conductor to drop you off at Kawit Carbon or the main market.

From there, ask locals for directions to the Baboyan area behind the market, where pump boats for Gibitngil Island are located. From the coast of Kawit, Medellin, the boat ride takes at least 20 minutes. Ask the island locals for directions, as they are welcoming and kind.

Along the journey, remember to smile at everyone and savor the moment. You will learn to love life there and experience a calm and meaningful island escape.

In the end, Gibitngil Island reminded me that life does not need to be complete to be beautiful. Sometimes, it is the simplicity, the people, and the quiet moments that leave the deepest mark. I will carry this island with me as the year ends, grateful for the memories and hopeful for what comes next.