Culion – The Island of no return

Culion is one of so many island located in Northern Palawan. The island is very rich in history and a beautiful spots too. However, Culion is selected to be the sanctuary of the leprosy patients here in the Philippines because for its remoteness in early 1900’s.

In the past years, many people arrived on Culion in very poor condition and some of them did not live very long. Lepers are segregated and sent of to isolation in one of several locations and Culion Island is one of the said isololation.

During that time, because of lack of understanding about the disease, lepers are treated separately and exile to Culion Island for medication. The island called “Island of no return” because it was difficult to escape once you get there. 

In most cases, it is spread through long-term contact with a person who has the disease but has not been treated. Our body has a natural immunity to leprosy so it will never develop the disease even if we are exposed to the bacteria

Patience on medicine for leprosy does not spread the disease. When a person is on medication, the bacteria are killed within a few days. Spreading of disease to anyone else is no risk at all within two weeks of medication.

Did you know that Culion Island had a separate monetary unit use for their daily transaction? The government created special money for the island in order to control the spread of disease. People live their in a normal life however, sad to say, they are separated to their families.

Nowadays, Spreading of leprosy disease is not much a problem because of modern medications that implemented and practice today. It is not necessary to isolate lepers at any time. Also, it is not transmitted through sexual contact or pregnancy.

Today, Culion government takes necessary steps to improve the island and to get rid of the stigma. Indeed, the island is very rich in tourist spots and natural resources.

Here’s the challenge for you. Do you want to explore the natural beauty of Culion Island? It’s in your hand that counts for the improvement of the Island and become one of the tourist destinations across the country.