CONSOLACION

Consolacion used to be a barrio of Mandaue. Its people had to walk a distance of about seven kilometers or skirt along its coast to reach Mandaue in order to pay their obligations to the church and state. It provided Mandaue the much-needed labor, some of whic were rendered free. Because of this, the people through their leader, Juan Villamor, petitioned the Spanish Governor of Cebu to convert the barrio of Consolacion into a twon or pueblo; and in 1871 their request was granted; Consolacion became an autonomous town.

Captain Juan Villamor was appointed as the first leader. As an act of gratitude to the governor for granting their petition, the peole named the newly-created town after the governor's daughter Consolacion and selected San Narciso as their patron saint, after the Governor's wife Narcisa.

The fist site of the Poblacion was Garing because of the influential and affluent families were from that place. But Capitan Agustin Palang, Cabesa Simon Perez and Cabesa Gregorio Besabella, who were all from Tugbongan, wanted the site to be transfered to Tugbongan for the reason that Garing was far inland while Tugbongan was near the sea, more accessible and already a flourishing trading community. Other sectors wanted Tayud. Finally, as a compromise, it was decided that the seat of government be located at its present site, which is roughly thirteen kilometers north of Cebu City - the provincial capital.

The first municipal building was made of light materials like nipa and bamboo, was constructed in 1871 on a lot donated by Andres Perez. A strong typhoon in 1922 destroyed it. The second building was constructed on the same place but was again destroyed by the retreating Japanese Army in 1943. After the war, the municipal building was constructed on a new site which is an elevated place overlooking the national highway and the Roman Catholic Church.

The first church of the town was built in 1872. It was made of wood, nipa and bamboo out of free labor and contributions of the people of the town. About the year 1888, the church was destroyed by typhoon. A seccond building was constructed on the ruins of the first church under the direction of Rev. Father Blas Adam. A convent was built beside it. The third and more modern building was built during the time of Rev. Father Banzon. It was donated by a rich old woman named Doña Sergia Valle and constructed on a lot owned by Felipe Hatamosa.

During the years 1902 and 1903, it was observed that the town of Consolacion could not continue to maintain itself as a municipality. Because of this, Consolacion was again made a part of the municipality of Mandaue.

In 1919, under the leadership of Felipe Hatamosa, a petition was submitted to Governor Manuel Roa requesting the restoration of Consolacion as a municipality. After due consideration, it was decided to grant the petition. In 1920, Consolacion again became a municipality.