Coal is an important part in Naga’s History. Naga, Cebu, History is less well known, but this article will delve into the subject of the coal industry or lack there of here. “Uling,” is a word primarily used to identify Charcoal or Coal. In the mountains of Naga, Cebu, a mountain bearing the name “Uling,” along with its surrounding area has been the subject of mining operations which have existed since the Spanish period. There was limited exploration and some planning in the Spanish period as evidenced by maps denoting the existing of known coal reserves. An attempt at establishing a firm foothold of mining was done in 1896; however, it was halted by the Philippine revolution. When they were in production, the mines in Uling along with Cantabaco were comparable in quality to those produced in Britain. Naga city’s place in history is in the Outcrops of Coal several feet thick were noted to be in existence. Neighboring mines in the area were named after holy figures of the Catholic Church such as: Santo Domingo, Nuestra Señora Del Carmen, and Purisima Concepcion; the area of these mines amounted to about 1200 hectares. A Railway to transport coal was built from Uling to Tinaan on the coast. Coal production amounted to 25,000-30,000 tons annually.
One mine was known as the Doña Margarita and was noted as having several tunnels, but was further known for having went through a fire in the 1860s-1870s. This mine’s namesake was, according to legend, rich and buried treasure of silver doubloons inside the tunnels. Other legends include those of ‘Santilmo’ or blazing spirits that would terrorize miners. During the American Period, the coal opportunities in the area were more extensively studied. The Cebu Portland Cement Company (Apo Cement Company) was planned to have some connection with the mines at Uling, Naga in regards to production.
Sources: In Photo Descriptions.
Sources: GEOLOGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS BY WARREN D. SMITH MANILA BUREAU OF PRINTING 1924 | Hazards Of Philippine Coal Mining By George H. Miller
THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL.: MANILA, PHILIPPINES. Vol XXI, NO. 9 SEPTEMBER 1941
Biblioteca Digital Hispanica
