In the town center of The small town of Dalaguete 75 Kilometers to the south of Cebu City in addition to the Obong Baluarte there is another Watchtower. The Baluarte is made of cut coral stone. Infront of the baluarte is an old cannon and this is one of the only 2 fortifications in cebu that is dated. The inscription at the front reads “Ano Di La Cota 1768 ANTICO” the only other Fortification in Cebu that is dated is the Fort in Daanlungsod, Oslob. Locals call the baluarte “Kiosko”.
The baluarte is part of the line of Baluarte from Santander to Carcar made of many watchtowers like this one and the one in Obong. Constructed from 1768-1850 by the Warrior Priest of Boljoon Fr. Julian Bermejo.
Through the ravages of time the Baluarte has lost half its height, but unlike the Alonguinsan Baluarte the main octagonal structure was still very preserved because of its location infront of the church. There is still one small cannon which remains infront of the Baluarte it is made of bronze and has no markings but vintage pictures show that the cannon was once buried to the left of the Baluarte.
It is in great condition aside from a small store which is inside and block tourists from getting to the second floor but it is still great to see and take a picture with the Cannon Pavillion of Dalaguete..vThe Poblacion Watchtower originally had two levels when it was built in 1768. It was the first line of defense of the town against raiders who posed a constant threat to the residents of the town in the 1700s up to the 1800s. It gave the residents of the town the chance to seek shelter in case these raiders came. The watchtower or baluarte was popularly known as the Bantay Moros during the Spanish era. From being one of the watchtowers built under the direction of Fr. Julian Bermejo, the Poblacion Watchtower was transformed in the 1970s. The watchtower was rehabilitated and is now one of the tourist spots of the town.
