CAMIGUIN POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE
Mambajao, Camiguin
Analysis on Hibok-Hibok Volcano: History and Eruptions
Hibok-Hibok volcano, also known as Catarman, is the youngest and only historically
active stratovolcano in Camiguin, Philippines. Rising to approximately 1,332 meters with a
base diameter of 10 kilometers, it is situated about 6 km northwest of Mt. Mambajao. This
dome-shaped volcanic complex is composed of andesitic to rhyolitic materials (Castillo et al.,
1999). The volcano features sharp-edged ridges formed by previous magma flows and boasts
six summit hot springs: Ardent Spring, Bugong, Tagdo, Tangob, Naasag, and Kiyab. Eruptions
over the years have formed the Kanangkaan, Itum, and Ilihan Craters, which were originally
small cracks at the peak. The 1871 eruption notably caused lava flows that hardened into bowl
shapes, later filling with water (Neri et al., 2010). Numerous steam vents and outlets are
observed on the volcano’s sides and apex. Recognized as a major natural landmark in Central
Mindanao, Mt. Hibok-Hibok was declared an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2015.
Fig. 1. Steam Vents and Fumaroles on the Slopes of Mt. Hibok-Hibok.
Early Formation and Activity
The initial formation of Mt. Hibok-Hibok remains undocumented, but it is inferred that
Camiguin volcanoes formed parallel to the Central Mindanao Arcs on a northwest-southwest
trend (Macdonald et al., 1956). Over time, volcanic vents shifted from the south west to the
northwest, indicating a dynamic volcanic history. The earliest eruption center, the now-
submerged Camiguin Tanda volcano, significantly impacted the surrounding areas. This
activity was succeeded by the formation of Mt. Butay and Ginsilba on Camiguin Island’s
southeast tip, and the Binone cinder cone volcano on the southeast coast (Alcatraz, 1995). The
highest peak, Mt. Mambajao, has no known historic eruptions, suggesting a relatively recent
