Francisco Dagohoy, (born Francisco Sendrijas) is a Bol-anon who holds the distinction of having led the longest revolt in Philippine history, the famous Dagohoy Rebellion. This rebellion against the Spanish colonial government, took place in the island of Bohol from 1744 to 1829, roughly 85 years.
Dagohoy features in the Bohol provincial flag as one of the two bolos or native swords with handle and hand-guards on top. These two bolos, which are reclining respectively towards the left and right, depict the Dagohoy and Tamblot revolts, symbolizing that " a true Boholano will rise and fight if supervening factors embroil them into something beyond reason or tolerance."
There is little known information about Francisco Dagohoy. There are no available records on his parentage, birthday and boyhood. The only information known is that his real name was Francisco Sendrijas and that he was a native of Inabanga, Bohol. He was also a cabeza de barangay or one of the barangay captain of the town.
Historians believe that his alias, Francisco Dagohoy, was derived from a belief that he had an amulet (called “agimat” in Tagalog and “dagon” in the Cebuano language) that protected him from being harmed by his enemies. The people believed that he possessed the charm of a gentle wind or “hoyohoy” in the Cebuano language that allowed him to jump from one hill to another and from one side of the river to the other.[5] He was believed to have a clear vision inside dark caves and be invisible whenever and wherever he wants to. The Dagohoy surname was derived from his local alias “Dagon sa hoyohoy.”
According to a local historian, Jes Tirol, the name Dagohoy is a concatenation of the Visayan phrase dagon sa hoyohoy meaning talisman of the breeze.
Dagohoy will always live in the pages of Philippine history, not only as a good brother and a heroic man, but also as a leader of the longest Filipino insurrection on record. His revolt lasted 85 years(1744-1829).
The town of Dagohoy, Bohol is named in his honor. It was the former Phiippine President Carlos P. Garcia, then the Vice President who also comes from Bohol, who proposed the name "Dagohoy" in honor of the greatest Boholano hero.
A historical marker on Dagohoy's grave in the mountains of Danao, Bohol has been installed in his honor. The Dagohoy Marker in Magtangtang, Danao, Bohol, 92 km. from the Tagbilaran City was installed by the Philippine Historica Commission to honor the heroic deeds of Dagohoy. Magtangtang was Dagohoy's headquarters or hideout during the revolt. Hundreds of Dagohoy's followers preferred death inside the cave than surrender. Their skeletons still remain in the site.
The Dagohoy Memorial National High School in Dagohoy, Bohol is named in his honor and his memory.