Blood Compact Shrine (Sandugo Monument) | Tagbilaran

The Blood Compact Shrine, or the Sandugo Monument, is a historical landmark in Tagbilaran City. It commemorates the first treaty of friendship between the Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, the chieftain of Bohol, which took place on March 16, 1565.

Visual Characteristics

The monument features a group of life-sized bronze statues depicting five men gathered around a table. The central figures are Legazpi and Sikatuna performing the Sandugo (blood compact), pouring drops of their blood into a cup of wine to be drunk by both. The sculpture was created by National Artist Napoleon Abueva, a Bohol native. It is situated on an open-air stone plinth overlooking the Bohol Sea.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: J.P. Rizal St., Brgy. Bool, Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

Access: Located along the main highway, approximately 3 kilometers from the city center.

Transport: Easily accessible via tricycle from any point in Tagbilaran or via "Baclayon" bound jeepneys. It is a standard first stop for most Bohol countryside tours.

Operating Hours: Open 24/7 (public outdoor monument).

Fees: Free entry.

Historical Significance

The Sandugo is considered the first international treaty of friendship between Filipinos and Spaniards. It was a ritual intended to seal a friendship or validate an agreement. While the actual site of the compact is believed by historians to be in the nearby town of Loay or a different part of Brgy. Bool, this site serves as the official commemorative landmark.

Key Highlights & Activities

Historical Observation: Viewing the detailed bronze work of Abueva.

Seaview: The shrine provides an unobstructed view of the Mindanao Sea and the coastline.

Photography: A common "photo-op" spot for tourists before heading to Baclayon or Loboc.

Souvenir Shopping: Several stalls adjacent to the shrine sell Boholano crafts, peanut kisses, and calamay.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Facilities: A small parking bay is available along the roadside. There are no public restrooms directly at the monument, but several hotels and restaurants (like Ocean Suites) are located immediately behind it.

Connectivity: 4G and 5G signals are very strong.

Best Time to Visit

Late afternoon (16:30–17:30) provides the best lighting for photography and cooler temperatures. The site is a quick stop, usually requiring only 10–15 minutes.

Facts & Legends

A logistical fact is that the blood compact is the basis for the Sandugo Festival, held every July in Tagbilaran City. Legend and local debate suggest that the exact spot of the pact was marked by a different stone closer to the shore, but the current monument remains the primary cultural icon for the event.

Nearby Landmarks

Baclayon Church – 4.0km East

Tagbilaran Port – 4.5km West

Bohol-Panglao International Airport – 15.0km Southwest