Culion: Paradise Lost and The Land of the Living Dead (Then)!

It has nothing to do with the movie but I’m sure that the island must have witnessed tons of drama in it’s more than a hundred year history.  I read about it when I was young and have always wondered how life was for the leprous persons who were brought there.

As you approach the island, you will immediately notice the white eagle made from stones that the people of Culion built high up the mountain.  I think this was constructed as a token of gratitude for the aid from the Philippine Health Service.

Culion, finally!

  

According to the museum archive, in 1898, it was estimated that there was a leper population of some 25,000-30,000 in the country and thousands of new cases were developing each year.  And the only way to destroy it is by isolation and segregation for as long as the disease remains incurable.  In 1901, the island was selected as a segregation center because it was well isolated, sparsely inhabited, have plenty of good fresh water, an excellent harbor and offer opportunities for the patients to engage in agricultural activities. The water surrounding Culion is rich in fish and it was planned that fishing would not only become a gainful occupation for the settlers but would serve to supply the colony with food.

And it was in May 27, 1906 when the first contingent of 370 patients from Cebu was brought to Culion by 2 Coast Guard cutters, “Polilio and Mindanao”.  One of which (Polilio) was subsequently detailed for the collection and transfers of lepers from the different parts of the Philippines to Culion.        

The condition of the lepers when they arrived in Culion was extremely poor as a result of long neglect.  Their care was made difficult by the inadequacy of most ordinary facilities.  This was the beginning of the long struggle of both patients and medical science in the pursuit of cure for leprosy.  The numerous collection trips and expeditions which in one time made Culion the biggest, well-equipped and organized leprosarium in the world.

I feel sadness and pride at the same time upon learning about the island’s history.  Sad because I could not for the life of me imagine the physical and emotional pain that the leprous persons (and their families) endured when they were rounded up to be brought to this island.  And proud because small as this island town may be, it contributed greatly to the understanding and treatment of leprosy worldwide.

I support the global appeal for people to change their perception and foster an environment in which leprosy patients and cured persons and their families can lead normal lives free from stigma and discrimination.

So what did we see in Culion?

The Immaculate Conception Church



As you enter the church

Church view by the fortress

The church's interior

Inside the church is the tomb of a former parish priest

As you go at the back of the church, you will find the old fortress...

I wonder how many shots were fired by this canon

Well, you can't have just one canon, right?

And if there's one thing that you shouldn't miss doing in Culion...it's the visit to the museum.  For 100pesos per person, you will find out more about the history of the island.  I'm so thankful that Kuya Jong was able to find the museum curator as it is closed during weekends.  I asked why when tourists normally arrive during weekends, we were told that since the museum is managed by the government, there is no overtime pay given to the staff.  So when you get to Culion and the museum's closed, try to find a tricycle driver that will take you to the house of the curator and ask him to accommodate your request.  Trust me, it's worth it!

So happy, we found the curator!

The museum entrance

I thought that he was just some dude with a street in Baguio named after him

Such a heart-wrenching sight



Chaulmoogra oil and its derivatives were mainly used for leprosy treatment from 1922 to 1925



Eureka!  They found the cure!



They brought the newborn babies here when they separated them from their leprous mothers



Hope they were all cured

Aside from Philippine money, Culion used to have its own currency

And here they made a medical breakthrough

Culion retains its pride of being a very good medical services provider.  Just ask anyone fom Coron.  At least 5 people that I talked to confirmed that most medical emergencies were brought to Culion as patients will surely survive in its hospital.

The best doctors are found here

Monument within the hospital grounds

Given the chance, I will brave the huge waves again to see Culion.  I hope to explore more of the island as our 3-hour stay is not nearly enough.