Blood Compact Monument

Location: Bo-ol district of Tagbilaran City

Designer/artist: Napoleon Abueva

Type: Monument Sculpture

Material: Bronze statue

Date Created: March 16, 1565

The Blood Compact Heritage Site is a tribute to the historic event that took place on March 16, 1565, between Miguel Lopez de Legazpi of Spain and Rajah Sikatuna of Bohol. At that time, Legazpi was on a mission to colonize the Philippine archipelago under the authority of the King of Spain. He landed on the shores of Bohol on May 10, 1565, after sailing from Navidad, Mexico, with Father Andres Urdaneta and a fleet of ships.

Legazpi's mission was met with hostility in Cebu, so he sailed to nearby islands in search of provisions. Eventually, bad weather forced his fleet to seek refuge in a village in the southeastern part of Bohol, which is now known as Jagna. The natives there were unfriendly, so Legazpi and his crew set sail again to find a friendlier village.

They eventually arrived at Bool, three kilometers from Tagbilaran, where they met Rajah Sikatuna. According to historical accounts, Legazpi approached Sikatuna in a pleasing manner, which impressed the local chieftain. With Legazpi's overtures, tact, and diplomacy, Sikatuna was sold to his visitor's ideas and eventually became friends. As was the custom of the time, the two leaders sealed their friendship through a blood compact. They each drew two or three drops of blood from their arms, mixed it with wine, and drank from the cup.

This blood compact marked the beginning of friendly relations between the Spaniards and the Boholanos, which lasted for centuries. The Blood Compact Heritage Site is a reminder of the historic event that took place between two different cultures, races, and religions. It symbolizes the importance of respect, equality, and friendship among nations, even in the face of differences.