HISTORY OF BARANGAY ABARIONGAN RUAR

Long time ago, at the western part of the Municipality of Sto. Niño, not so far across the Cagayan River, there’s a paradise where you can feel the cool breeze of air and all you can hear is the chirping of birds. There were different ornamental and fruit bearing trees grown in this place.

It became inviting to people from other places because of the abundant resources found. Sailors of Virays usually stop on this place to blow their horns to call for the wind to push them upstream. The horn is called “AMARIONG” which means “Tambuli”

The first people who settled in the place are the family of Areola, Ildefonso, Ballud, Franco, Cristobal, Bautista, Requimin, and Macadangdang. The people use “Amariong” as a means of communication especially on purok meetings. The place finally became one of the existing barangays of the municipality of Sto. Niño (formerly Faire) as barrio “NAMARIONGAN” on February 17, 1897 in lieu of “AMARIONG”.

People living in the barangay continued to develop the place. They performed different activities manifesting their unity. They build up school building to have formal education and other infrastructure projects needed in the barangay.

Residents and other concerned citizen agreed and approved to change the name of the place Barangay “Namariongan” and propose the name barangay “ABARIONGAN RUAR”.

Barangay AbarionganRuar is situated along the Cagayan River immediately west of Barangay Lapogan Municipality of Gattaran Cagayan. It has a vast and rich ricefield and cornland. Roman Catholic is the predominant religion in  the area.

Iloko is the major dialect. Farming is the primary source of livelihood. Modern farm technology have been used in the area.

Other sources of income include fowl, swine, fruit and vegetables vending, carpentry, employment in government and private sector.

Since the place is besides the Cagayan River, some resort to fishing which is limited to human consumption of the total population, only 4% more or less are professionals (teachers, midwife, Engineer, Marine) and other courses; while about 2% are employed by government or private sector.Ninety percent (more or less) are farmers, but very few own the land, majority are tenants.

Brief Description of the Barangay Location

Barangay AbarionganRuar is one of the 31 barangays of Sto. Niño, Cagayan. It is second to the last barangay at the downstream. Bounded by the East is the Cagayan River, heading on the North by the last Barangay Calapangan, and bounding on the south is Barangay Balagan and by the West is AbarionganUneg.

AbarionganRuar is  not accessible to land transportation going to town proper; twice crossing the Cagayan River and transversing about 19km. Approximately rough road from Barangay Dungao, Sto. Niño leading to the poblacion.

The place has a flat terrain with vast, farm lands. It covers a land area of 729 hectares more or less ton include hills on the south and in the west. Major crops planted are rice, corn,vegetables, bananas, coconuts, mangos and other fruit trees, are also found in the barangay.

Existing facilities in the community are elementary and secondary schools. Health center, daycare center. Barangay multipurpose drying pavement RWS pavement with Basketball court, pail harvest facilities (PHF), Chapel, and electrification.

The barangay council leads the constituent by helping themselves involved in the varied barangay activities organizations like Rural Improvement Club, Religious organizations and Purok leaders are tapped as partners of the barangay leaders in the implementation of development plans.

HISTORY OF ABARIONGAN UNEG

During the olden times, when our country was still colonized by the Spaniards, according to the old folks living in this place, the first inhabitants where a group of Negritos who came from Ilocos in 1865. They stayed in this place until they multiplied in number. They then form a smallest political unit in which they called Barangay by the AlkaldeMayaor Manuel Faire. The Negritos gave the name NAMARIONGAN which came from the word AMARIONG as an improvised microphone or when there important news or information they would like to disseminate, NAMARIONGAN then became ABARIONGAN by the old folks as years passed by.

Then came the time when the population has grown big enough for a Barangay Alkalde Mayor Faire thought and decided to divide the place into two which the people agreed; as such came the name of the place ABARIONGAN RUAR (for outer part) and ABARIONGAN UNEG (for inner part) ABARIONGAN UNEG, FAIRE, CAGAYAN is now known as ABARIONGAN UNEG, STO. NIÑO, CAGAYAN up to this day.

HISTORY OF BARANGAY BALAGAN

The name BALAGAN is derived from the words "BALA" (bullet) and "GAN" (gun).

According to ancestors, foreign armed Americans turned this barangay into a storage for their guns and ammunition in the second century. This Barangay has vast rice fields with fine and rich farms.

In 1983, due to an unexpected event, the residents were afraid so they evacuated to the other barangay covered by Gattaran due to the war between the military and rebel groups.

In 1989, the people of Balagan came back and gradually began to work on their land alongside the river, so that when there is another war they could easily cross to the other Barangay. Until they gradually returned to this place along with a captain who persisted to live here and make this place a better barangay. He is Mayor Jose Pecos Carodan.

Through the leadership of Mayor Carodan, Barangay Balagan in Sto. Niño, Cagayan was established as a barangay on April 22, 1990.

HISTORY OF BARANGAY BALANNI

wTi Naggapuan iti Nagan ti Barangay Balanni

Idi un-una na a panawen, maysa a nalawa a kabakiran ti lugar. Adda maysa a pamilia ti Kalinga a nagnaed ditoy a ti kangrunaan a mula na ket tabako.

Segun kadagiti nataengan, naidumduma ti raman dagitoy ta kasla adda “batumbalani” a mangguyugoy rikna nga agsubli-subli iti lugar tapno mangala ti tabako. Gapu iti dayta, pinanagananda iti lugar ti BATUMBALANI. Iti panaglabas ti aldaw, nagbalin daytoy a BALANI tapnon al-alisto a balikasen.

Immado dagiti a nagnaed ditoy, daydi kabakiran nagbalin a naglawa a kakumkumanan. Naddaan met daytoy a lugar iti mangidadaulo ket babaen ti pangngeddeng dagiti agnaed nga indauluan ni Guillermo Mariano. Nabaliwan ti naganna BALAKNIT aginggana nagbalin a BALANNI nga isu ita ti agdinama a naganna.

Ti lugar ket addaan ti dua a sitio, dagitoy ket MUREG ken LINGGAPAN.

HISTORY OF BARANGAY CABAYO

Tubong was the name given to this location in ancient times. This area is surrounded by mountains, and the only place to stay is in caves. The good thing about this area is that there are numerous springs where you can drink and cook with.

A Kalinga couple soon discovered this spot. They were the first to live here before they encouraged other kalingas to join them because it was a nice place to plant and the yields were good.

They planted a large tree of "Cabayo," a kind of "Betelnut" or Bwa in Ilocano, when the kalingas grew here. Soon after, they invited Christians to live in the area until it was improved and developed.

The elderly kalingas in the area called everyone, including Christians, to a gathering because they wanted the area to become a barangay. They had discussed giving it the name "Cabayo" because that is what they had planted in the area.

HISTORY OF BARANGAY CALAPANGAN

On the early time, only few people had habitation in this barangay. It was a quite small place surrounded and enclosed by farmlands, creeks and river. By reason of its geographical condition, the people then were engaged in farming and fishing up to date.

Cagayan River was reknown of its affluence of luvial resources different kind of fishes. Consequently because of its facts, many people from the adjacent barangays and even from other places frequently visit the place to fish. These were the eyewitness of the rivers abundance.

As the river enclosing to and bordering, the barangay has been always the longing place of fishing, people called the barangay as CALAPANGAN,  came from the Ilokano word “Kalap” which means to eat. And the river hereby was also called CALAPANGAN RIVER up to date.

HISTORY OF BARANGAY CALASSITAN

In the old days there were only a few people living here on our Barangay and they were the ‘Negritos’ or ‘aeta’. They are hardworking and patient, they go to the creeks everyday to catch fish and most of all they catch shrimp or ‘lasik’ which used to be abundant here in our barangay. The creeks are really full of lasik that’s why aeta’s called ‘Kalasikan’ in our area.

Until later the Ilokano’s also arrived and led the aetas. They used to call their leader as Lieutenant Del Barrio which was started by Lieutenant Pedro Andam. Many more leaders have passed so the ‘Kalasikan’ that the aetas used to call was changed and improved. They improved the pronunciation and became ‘Calassitan’.

In 2007, the Honorable Captain Nelson C. Magno sat, the barangay has improved, developed and there are many more changes. There was electricity, life became easier because there was enough water for the good health of the people of CALASSITAN. The people here are hospitable as well disciplined.

HISTORY OF BARANGAY CAMPO

In the 1940’s Barangay Campo was then called barangay Kabikalan. In the same year that World War II happened, some Japanese Soldiers went to this place and they have lived here for several years.

Barangay Kabikalan used to be rich in forest resources such as wood, wild boar, other types of forest animals, fish resources, and farmland. Because of its riches, many people came/immigrated in this barangay to the trade and live.

After many years, Lieutenant (Captain), Lucio Ulnagan along with his councilors, Mr. Santos Viloria, Pedro Abad, Daniel Socia and others decided that barangay Kabikalan should be changed to barangay CAMPO because of the word “kampon” which means the different types of people who came and lived here to trade and the different types of wealth that are here.

HISTORY OF CENTRO NORTE

Barangay Centro Norte was then part of the Poblacion or town proper of the

Municipality. When the said Poblacion that composed of 8 zones was divided into two,

authorities named the southern portion composed of Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3 and Zone 4

as Centro Sur and the northern portion composed of Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7 and Zone 8

as Centro Norte.

There’s no authentic record available which definitely tells the date of the

establishment of the barangay. The prominent families that originally occupied the

barangay were the Gabriels, the Singsons, the Agustins, the Simeons, the Abedes, the

Fayres, the Malamugs, the Manuels, the Formozos, the Correas, the Luzs and the Lazos.

The prominent of the barangay were as follows:

Name of the Punong Barangay Term/Year

1. BENJAMIN LAZO (1) 1979-1982
2. ANDRES AGUSTIN (1) 1982-1985
3. HENRY SIMEON (1) 1985-1988
4. RAMON PRUDENCIANO (1) 1988-1991
5. SALVADOR ANDRADA (1) 1991-1994
6. ERLINITA CAMPANO (1) 1994-1997
7. FROILAN MARCOS (1) 1997-2002
8. DANILO MALAMUG (1) 2003-2006
9. SAMUEL FERNANDO JR. (1) 2007-2010
10. BENJAMIN MANUEL (1) 2010-2013
11. ORLANDO D. SIMEON (3) 2013-PRESENT

HISTORY OF CENTRO SUR

Brief History of the Barangay

Long before the coming of the Spaniards, DON MANUEL FAYRE, a native of DINGRAS, ILOCOS SUR occupied the place and later named the place in his honor. The barangay was formerly called CABARONGAN because of the abundance of barong tree grown in this place.

          The first “tiniente ti Barangay was EUSTAQUIO ESQUIBIL” in the year 1916.

After several years, a resolution was passed and in the tear 1920, the resolution was approved which was the division of the poblacion of FAYRE into two, and there existed the two (2) barangays namely: CENTRO SUR and CENTRO NORTE.

And until now, CENTRO SUR is enjoying its name to the fullest.

• Patronal Fiesta/Foundation Days: APRIL 23

HISTORY OF BARANGAY DUNGAO

Water is the most important factor in every human settlement. So a place where the Cagayan River and the Chico River met an ideal place to live in. Ilocano families who came to Cagayan, seeking for better place to live in. They found the verdant place and so they finally settled at the Barangay.

Ilocanos are known to be patient and industrious so they lost no time to improve the community they live in. One day some Spaniards found their way to the place and saw this community. They went near the houses and they were surprised because they heard people crying. It so happened one of the community member died. The leader of the group met visitors “What is the name of this place” asked by the Spaniards. The leader who cant understand the Spanish language said “agdungdung-aw da apo ta adda natay”. The Spaniards who didn’t also understand what the leader said just nodded his head and said this place is DUNGAO. Since then the place was called Dungao up to this time.

HISTORY OF BARANGAY LATTAC

Long time ago, this place was inhabited by Negritos. They call the place “LATTOC” for there were so many Lattoc trees, which they named it later as BITNONG. There were so many monkeys and other big animals living here because of thick forest.

As time changes KALINGAS came over, the Negritos were driven away. The KALINGAS has cleaned and cultivated the land little by little and planted some root crops. Which they used for food. The KALINGAS had a better way of living than the Negritos.

After many years, Christians came to settle in this place, three families Suyu, Catolos and Alicuman from Ilocos Region came. This made a total of seven families. This families were the one who changed the name LATTOC to “LATTAC” because to them Lattac sound better and so Lattac remain this name.

HISTORY OF BARANGAY LIPATAN

In the year 1920, Barangay Lipatan was known as “TAMBAGAT” Tambagat was a kalingas name.  The medium of communication was tagalog. The native of the said barrio was kalingas and Ilokanos from the Ilokanos region. After several years the kalingas migrated to the mountain for kaingin. Kaingin is a shifting cultivation as their practice. And the ilokanos was left in the barrio.

After several years, the ilokanos changed the named Tambagat to Lipatan. Lipatan means from the tagalog word “Lipat” and ilokano word “intan”.The native of the barangay was the Dallegos, Pagulayan’s, Bulusan’s and the Balaticos.

People who ruled or serve as a leader was Lazaro Quiddaoen as Tenyente Del Barrio, Idu Bulusan, Emiterio Dallego, Alejandrino Palejo, Isidro Balatico and Orlando Lagda as Barangay Captain.

HISTORY OF BARANGAY LUBO

Before the colonization of the Spanish here in the country, this barangay was very peaceful and with supportive leaders which they called Tenyente Del Barrio. To the fact that most of the people were Itawes and some were Ilocanos, different ethnic groups are said to be the first to live in this barangay.

The geographical location of this barangay is across the river called chico river. Beside the river is a small plain field where they planted corn, tobacco, and peanuts. In the northern part is a wide ricefields which give many cavans of palay which serve as a major source of living of the people of this barangay.

As regards of this origin of its name “LUBO” it came from the itawes word “Luba” or the breast of the Chicken. They believe that the geographical slope of the barangay looks like breast of a chicken. The short word “LUBA” became “LUBO” and that is the present  name of this barangay.

HISTORY OF BARANGAY MABITBITNONG

Anciently, Iloco people lived in this area. Few people live here because it's rural and there are many "Bitnong Trees" to be found.

Years later, for the reason that life was difficult in the past, people went to nearest barrio to. Ammos was the oldest person in the area and the youngest was Gaspar and Juan, they went to Centro Sur to work, morning until afternoon. When the afternoon came, they would drink “Basi Wine” until they were completely drunk. Too drunk and they could no longer be able to go home, especially Juan. With the willingness of Gaspar and Ammos returning home repeatedly quoting the phrase "Mabitbit,Nong". The word "mabitbit" means "to be taken/ carried”.

They repeated words "Mabitbit, Nong" until it stayed with them for days. Mabitbitnong is the name given to the place later. Mayor Leandro Pagurayan led the village to become a barangay in 1965.

The area of Barangay Mabitbitnong exceeds ten hectares. It is situated to the west of Alcala; to the east of Centro Sur; to the south of Sidiran; and to the north of Palusao. It has its own Barangay Hall, Day Care Center Building, Multi-Purpose Pavement, and Chapel, and is divided into three zones.

It has a primary school where students in grades 1 and 2 can study. The population is estimated to be about 300 people, and farming is the primary source of income while some has professional work. 90% of the houses are made of concrete.

They also have a chapel that was built in 1997 led by Ex Captain Crispulo Yadao.

HISTORY OF BARANGAY MAPITAC

Barangay Mapitac was a Sitio in the village of Cabayo in the municipality of Sto. Niño. There were just seven houses and seven families here in the past. After World War II, Mayor Gines Pimentel, the mayor before, called the place ‘MAPITAC’ or muddy because the area had no roads and was muddy every time it rained. Even the fields were muddy, while there were many trees here, betelnut trees also grew and was eaten here which they called “mama”, from then on the place was called Barangay Mapitac.

HISTORY OF BARANGAY MASICAL

In 1994, the Barangay Captain was AlejandrinoM.Pascua Jr. and his workings were Paul Duldulao Sr., EstrelitaTallud, Julito Tolentino, Beatriz Signature, Agustin Duldulao, Pompeo Mariano Sr., and Ernesto Duldulao Sr.

They looked for facts about what Masical was and where it came from. They discovered the second child of one of the local residents who knows some information regarding the Barangay Masical.

Ilan Faire was one of the Tinyente of Tabang'sPoblacion anciently and went in this area to visit the place. He discovered that there are few people who are residing in this area, namely, Tomas Narag as the first person he saw here. The place was full of trees and high grasses. As Faire walked this place he discovered a creek with a large nest of chickens. This stream was once frequented by southerners, which is why it was given the name BANUK. They continued their journey through the fields and tall grasses, passing by Blass Duldulao and Liquin Padua before coming across another stream. They discovered another big bird's nest at that time. The Culao Stream is named after these birds, which are known as "Kalaw."

They continued their path to the north of the barrio and came across Isidro Pascua. These four families were among the first to settle in the rural areas, which are also home to exotic bird and chicken nests.

In their small village, they planted corn, pots, different types of wood, and different trees, as well as caring for various animals and selling "Abaling" and "Salagubang."

Tinyente Faire persuaded the residents of this small village to clean up the area and eradicate massive weeds known as "Sikal" (weeds). The land was large and surrounded by "Sikal" or weeds, so the barrio was given the name Masical. In subsequent years, Francisco Mariano became Captain Del Barrio and registered the area as Barangay Masical.

HISTORY OF BARANGAY MATALAO

In the old days, the first people living in this barangay were the Negritos and Ita. After living the Ibanag followed and said that they gave this barangay a name. Because of the increasing number of people who left to lived here the Ibanag said “Aru-i-mattalao”. The name of this barangay was obtained from the word Ibanag “Aru-i-mattalao”.

Until then, they called this barangay ‘MATALAO’ wherein the first leader who Pedro Maguddayao as their Tinyente del Barrio. There were no elections back then so he was chosen by raising of hands.

Rodolfo Maguddayao replaced his father and he became Tinyente del Barrio for several years. After a few years he was replaced by Jaime Bungor. After a year they followed the rules of election that who has the highest vote will be the Barangay Captain and Jose Reynoso won. Even if the salary is just a little, he still put his effort and did hid responsibility as an officer. Year 2002 Captain Renato Marimas won, and Captain Jimmy Macasaddu ruled up to 3 terms.

HISTORY OF BARANGAY NAG UMA

In the old days, barangay Nag-uma was still under jurisdiction  of Barangay Namuccayan. There was a Kalinga who was captured or be headed and “INBAYOG” on the east side hence the name of Sitio Nagbayugan.

Because of the increasing population stayed in this sitio, it was separated in the year 1951 by old Florentino S. Escucharo. During the Leadership of Mayor Leandro Pagurayan, they named this place as Barangay Nagbayugan. In 1986, Mayor Jose Carodan also named this place as “San Jose”. There is a large part of this barangay on the south part where VictorinoEscucharo worked and soon, they named it “VICTORY” until it was named as Barangay NAG-UMA.

The size or extent of this boundary in South; Barangay San Manuel, North; Barangay Dungao, West; Barangay Namuccayan, and East; Municipality of Alcala. At present, almost half of the population of the barangay lives in the Sitio Victory. It also has a Barangay Hall, Elementary School and most of the religion here is Roman Catholic.

HISTORY OF BARANGAY NAMUCCAYAN

                Barangay Namuccayan was established in 1896 during the Spanish regime. Natives like the Kalingas and the Negritos, originally inhabited the place. Later on, families from all walks of life particularly the Ilocanos came and the original inhabitants were little by little driven away from their homes. Among the first families to occupy the place were the Escucharo, Canillo, Sabben and Cortados.

The place was originally named Nabuccayan for according to the story, the early inhabitants were putting up a church but before it was finished the structure crumbled down which means in Ilocano “ Nabukay-bukay” and the church was never put-up. The place was the named Nabuccayan.

For many years it used to be called Nabuccayan until the early part of the 19th century when it was officially changed to NAMUCCAYAN under the leadership of victorino Escucharo the teniente Del barrio. Formerly Namuccayan had two sitios, Nagbayugan which was named so because of the head of a man which was hung (Naibayug in Ilocano) and Victory which was named after the Teniente Del Barrio Victorino escucharo. Several years later these sitios were merged into one and was created into separate Barangay which is now the Barangay Nag-Uma.

After Victorino Escucharo came Benito Ambrocio, Julian Cortado, Saturnino aroc, Macario Umotoy, Luis Domingo, Narciso Nicolas, Mariano Sabben and Vicente Cortado as Teniente del barrio.

In the mid 19th century the term barrio was changed into Barangay and the term Teniente del barrio was also changed into Barangay Captain. The following then became Barangay Captain of Namuccayan, Juan Escucharo, Jovencio Sabben, Victorino Pacion, Efren Morgado and now Marlon S. Medrano.

The Chico River in the west and the north, hills and the provincial road in the east and Barangay San Manuel in the south bound of Barangay Namuccayan. It is an agricultural based Barangay with a total land area of 270 ha. more or less.

During the Spanish, the American and the Japanese occupation from 1896 to 1945 the people experienced hunger, chaos and other unfathomable experiences. They has to go from one place to another for survival, they go to nearby towns just to buy salt. During the Japanese occupation the people were gathered in the school building for investigation of the death of three Japanese Soldiers in Barangay Niug on November 26, 1994.

The people were made to kneel on the floor while interrogation was going on. When the people could not give any information for they were really ignorant of the case. They were boxed, kicked, and slapped. Despite of all of this hardship and sacrifices there were o lives, properties, and institutions destroyed.

In 1946, came the liberation. Life came to normal, but still hard, most of the people were behind civilization. Some were quiet indolent. Early in the morning would see women sitting one after the other on the steps of the stairs removing lice instead of doing some cleaning or planting in the backyard or whatsoever. The men on the other hand would be seen with their fighting cocks under the trees or with porcelain cups of coffee and bottles of basi for that was the popular drink then.

Parents never send their children to school and children too did not have the desire to pursue higher education. There were many illiterates. For those who went to school, they use banana leaves as writing papers, but they could not speak fluent English and understand Spanish. Seldom would you hear children from Namuccayan finish Elementary Grades not until when they had one as an inspiration. Now you would find many professionals.

Everyone wants to go to school and even children at four or five starts with the day care services.

The quest for education and the desires for economic progress began. The backyards that used to be inhabited by tall weeds are now converted to profitable corn land, rice and backyard gardens. The people that used to be very behind civilization have changed so much. The houses that used to be temporary materials have become semi permanent and permanent. The farmers have already acquired enough knowledge about modern farming that you would no longer see weeds in between their plants. Most of the farmers are technology responsive and aware of all the activities done and what is very commendable is that they take participation in almost all the activities.

HISTORY OF BARANGAY NIUG NORTE AND NIUG SUR

During the Spanish regime, Tabang then the town. Since it was the intention of the Spaniards to spread Christianity they spread Spanish priest to teach the citizen in the community to praise God and to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

One day the priest wanted to go around the town to make friends with the people. So he ordered his knights to prepare a boat with rowers. And they started along the Chico River with the green and blue waters and dancing waves they went northward. They were very happy in the boat until they were able to reach the barangay where we are now.

The priest was surprised when he saw the coconut plantation, so he went up and found some people clearing and cutting woods between the coconuts. The priest asked them “Who owns this coconut plantation?” and pointed on some of the plants. One of the workers answered “Niug Senior”. When the priest saw that the plantation was vast so he said this can be divided into two, this is NIUG SUR and that shall beNIUG NORTE. Before then, the place was known as barangay "Niug Sur" and "Niug Norte".

After the Spanish Domination, the American rule came next. Our constitution is called democracy because power is in the hands not only minority but the whole people.

School buildings were built up; classes were opened in Niug Sur where late Pedro Carodan started his primary grades. After few years the school was transferred to Niug Norte. Four years after the Armed Forces of the Philippines who fought the Americans against the Japanese Forces won liberation.

In 1946, classes were again opened between the boundaries of Niug Sur, Niug Norte, and San Roque with the will of the people of the three barangays. We were able to construct school buildings to house Grade I-IV. One of the genuine products of Niug Sur, Mr. Rodrigo Culangan was one of the teachers of Niug Primary School. A joint meeting Mr. Culangan and PTA President Mr. RemigioCaram spoke about the extention class of Grade V-VI which is very beneficial to the children of said barangays and their parents as well.

The people were very happy and willing, so Grades V-VI were opened in the year 1946.

HISTORY OF BARANGAY NIUG NORTE AND NIUG SUR

During the Spanish regime, Tabang then the town. Since it was the intention of the Spaniards to spread Christianity they spread Spanish priest to teach the citizen in the community to praise God and to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

One day the priest wanted to go around the town to make friends with the people. So he ordered his knights to prepare a boat with rowers. And they started along the Chico River with the green and blue waters and dancing waves they went northward. They were very happy in the boat until they were able to reach the barangay where we are now.

The priest was surprised when he saw the coconut plantation, so he went up and found some people clearing and cutting woods between the coconuts. The priest asked them “Who owns this coconut plantation?” and pointed on some of the plants. One of the workers answered “Niug Senior”. When the priest saw that the plantation was vast so he said this can be divided into two, this is NIUG SUR and that shall beNIUG NORTE. Before then, the place was known as barangay "Niug Sur" and "Niug Norte".

After the Spanish Domination, the American rule came next. Our constitution is called democracy because power is in the hands not only minority but the whole people.

School buildings were built up; classes were opened in Niug Sur where late Pedro Carodan started his primary grades. After few years the school was transferred to Niug Norte. Four years after the Armed Forces of the Philippines who fought the Americans against the Japanese Forces won liberation.

In 1946, classes were again opened between the boundaries of Niug Sur, Niug Norte, and San Roque with the will of the people of the three barangays. We were able to construct school buildings to house Grade I-IV. One of the genuine products of Niug Sur, Mr. Rodrigo Culangan was one of the teachers of Niug Primary School. A joint meeting Mr. Culangan and PTA President Mr. RemigioCaram spoke about the extention class of Grade V-VI which is very beneficial to the children of said barangays and their parents as well.

The people were very happy and willing, so Grades V-VI were opened in the year 1946.

HISTORY OF BARANGAY PALUSAO

Barangay Palusao is situated south east of Centro Sur, east of Chico River, north-east of barangay Masical, which is fourteen (14) kilometers away from Junction Maguilling, Piat, Cagayan and two kilometers away from the Municipal Hall, Sto. Niño, Cagayan.

After the founding of Faire, now Sto. Niño by the late Kapitan Don Manuel Fare, who hailed from DingrasIlocos Norte, married to Felicitas Pagulayann, sister of the late KapitanObaldoPagulayan, the riches man of Tabang where the first Municipal Government was held. Some inhabitants, most especially the Ilokanos, from the Ilocos Region explored the vast resources of the entire Municipality and one of them was Barangay Palusao.

Some of them went North-East constructing semi-permanent houses along the hills East of the Chico River, and among of the first families were the following: Tagana, Agcaoili, Arizo, Martin, Dela Cruz, Tejada, Macugay, Bartolome

The former Barangay Tenientes/ Barangay Captain/ Barangay Chairman of Palusao are the following:

Juancho Bartolome

Agustin Tejada

Moises Tejada

VictorinoAgcaoili

Sixto Martin

VicentoArizo

NicomedesCorpuz

GuadencioTagana

BenignoArizo

FlavianoCorpuz

Domingo Arizo

Atanacio Tejada

Before the settlement of the Ilocanos at the sitio of Mabitbitnong under the Mayorship of the late Anselmo Pagurayan, Vice Mayor Leandro Reynante in 1936, and also during the term of Congressman ReginoVeridiano, people living along the creek going to the Chico River dividing Barangay Mabitbitnong and Masical were the Kalingas, who named the creek. Palusao, which later on continued and remained to be carried among the names of the Barangays of Sto. Niño, Cagayan.

Thereafter, when the road from Sto. Niño town proper was constructed up to Piat, Cagayan, from nearby barangays, like Mabitbitnong, Calauagan of Centro Sur and Masical started to move in Barangay Palusao.

Since that time they found their source of livelihood, where planting of rice, corn, vegetable, poultry raising that were only enough for their subsistence. When the road was constructed and because of the presence of transportation facilities, they are now producing large scale quantities, not only for the consumption of the municipality but also outside of the town especially on vegetables.

© Reference of the History of the Barangay were interviews and dialogue with residence actually staying within the Barangay and, abroad, researchers, information which could be at best give reliable and confirm information regarding the said history.

THE HISTORY OF BARANGAY SAN MANUEL

Barangay San Manuel was established last July 11, 1891. It was so named to honor the founder of the town Capitan Manuel Faire. After the town Faire was formally founded and organized, the founder, the late Capitan Manuel Faire thought of inviting prominent people from Itneg town to come to Faire for a picnic Bien Games in Spanish. This was done at the South and North banks of the Chico River, North of San Manuel and South of Sta. Felicitas.

Today, Barangay San Manuel has 423.34 square meters. A large portion area generally planted mainly rice, corn, tobacco and vegetables. The remaining portions are patches of untouched and vast forest resource that promised to be a source of living for many inhabitants.

The Barangay is reachable trough a municipal road while its interior can be visited through its poor barangay roads which is partly gravelled and partly dirt. The dirt road is not passable during rainy seasons.

Barangay and its People. Barangay San Manuel is composed of 7 puroks situated near the foot of mountain bounded in the North by Barangay Sta. Felicitas West of Centro Norte, South Sidiran the first settlers of the barangay are the Ilocanos, Itawes, and Tagalog. The first families were Bugarin, Gregorio, Escucharo, Problemas, Franciscos, the Tinyetes before were Mateo Bugarin, Melecio Rebultar, Feliciano Gregorio, Domingo Escucharo, ignacia Campano and Jose Domingo. They are mostly farmers who raise rice, corn, tobacco, sugar cane and vegetables from their farms. The families of the Barangay who transformed it into a community of people inspired by the thoughts of development and progress.

The Barangay and its Environment. The Barangay is generally plain with moderate slopes ranging from 300-6 on above sea level. Large portion of the area, about 60% is covered by rice fields. Isolated with residual forest can be seen along the mountain. Greenland is dominated by cogon and trees. The climate in the area are pronounced equally dry and wet season relatively dry from January to May and wet from June to December. Apart from rice and corn the soil is also ideal for raising of vegetables and fruit trees.

Local institutions and Barangay Administration. The Barangay is governed by a set of officials spearhead by the Punong Barangay who was elected by the people. A Sangguniang Barangay is working in assistance to the Punong Barangay in ensuring the delivered of the much needed services to the community. At present, there is active people participation on the implementation of the program, projects of activities in the Barangay with the cooperation of various non-governmental organization and PO’s. A barangay BOC compose of the inhabitants of the Barangay is working in hand with barangay government especially in the formulation of LOC Pangkat Tagapamayapa is also organized to assist the CE. In the disperse of its judicial function. ABA is also covering regularly to provide a forum for the sentiments and views of the inhabitants and a dialogue between the residents and the LGU officials.

At present the youth is also active in the promotion of youth welfare activities like a sports development to keep away from vices and ills of society. A women sector participation is also observed in the implementation of program projects and activities aimed to attain a general well-being for the community.

Agriculture and Forestry. The traditional farming system like mono culture of rice is noticeable in the area part from rice, corn is a major seasonal crop raised in the rotation with other vegetables. Mango is a perennial crop in the barangay and is slowly finding its way to the markets. However, the fluctuating prices of Agricultural products in the market are a great concern for the farmer whose livelihood is mainly on farming. Most of the workers in the Barangay are engaged in farming activities and some are forestry.

Through the introduction of various modern farming methods, the barangay hopes to increase the productivity of the residents and the yield of goods to be able to complete with the products of adjoining barangays. Integrated farming methods rice multi-culture of various species in one ecosystem is ensured to be introduced to the farmer for the same purpose. Equipments like corn sheller, kuliglig and hand tractors, suyod, arado are the agricultural equipments used by the farmer. Solar dryers is also available for use by the farmers, however, additional solar dryer is needed.

Trade and Income. The bulk of farmer products are sold to the markets of the municipality due to the absence of an alternative trade center and market center in the barangay and also in the neighboring municipalities. In many cases due to the price fluctuation, the products are sold a low prices and are in competitive with other producers.

Only sari-sari stores and a few commercial businesses is present in the barangay that cater to the immediate needs of the households. Farm inputs are made available through private trade which on the contrary sometimes become the reason of poor productivity due to the high costs of inputs.

Infrastructure and Communication. The municipal road to barangay San Manuel which connects it to the adjacent Barangays is passable all year round and is great help for the farmers in transporting their products to the market. There are two solar dryers owned by the barangay LGU and used by the farmer. However, the inadequate of agri- equipment and facilitate further hamper the much desired improvements of the economic condition of the farmers.

A municipality-constructed concrete bridge is especially helpful to farmer with farms from the forgoing areas and the barangay San Manuel is poorly equipped with communication facilities. An electrification facility serves on the households near the barangay heart but the remote are use kerosene for lightning. The people are using firewood in cooking which are mainly gathered from the farmers. Most of the Houses in the barangay are made of Cogon and Bamboo, some are concrete. Source of H2O or water is mainly on shallow well while most household’s toilet facilities are open pit toilets.

                Social Services. San Manuel has an existing Elementary School which caters to the educational needs particularly of the children. San Manuel elementary School has one section for each of the grade level with 7 teaching and administration staff. 147 pupils are enrolled in the School.

There is an existing Day Care Center for the pre-schooler. The propose Barangay Hall standing side by side the barangay community center. This also serves as a multi-purpose hall for socio-cultural like fiesta and the harvest festival and basketball court and also available in the cultural sports activities.

Patronal Fiesta/Foundation Days:

April 11 and 12 

THE HISTORY OF BARANGAY SAN ROQUE

San Roque may refer to the Spanish name Saint Roch, a Christian Saint who was revered in a shrine dating back to 1508 that predates the foundation of the barangay. August 16th is the feast day of of St. Roch the patron saint of the dogs. San Roque also known as Saint Roch among other variations to the name, apparently his life was spent healing the sick especially victims of the plaques around 14th century.

THE HISTORY OF BARANGAY STA. FELICITAS

One of the thirty-one barangays that make up the town of Santo Niño is the Barangay Sta. Felicitas. It is surrounded by the Chico River to the South, East, and North that creates a tongued-shaped plain in Easter part and low-hills, and forest boarder to the west.

Across the river to the south are the Brgy. San Manuel, and Brgy. Namuccayan across the river to the north. Sta. Felicitas aligned with almost in the middle of barangays in the west. The riverbank is 3 kilometers away north of town. Before the arrival of foreigners who conquered the Philippines until the early years of the 20th century, this village was called Aripa wherein Kalinga and Itas were living there. Their livelihood is hunting and grazing. Only a small part of the plains covered by the village is cultivated and planted with corn, rice (upland rice or patek) and various vegetables.

During the Spanish era in the Philippines, the Cagayan Valley was known as the one of the Development Provinces in Luzon. The Philippines used to trade with various countries here in Asia and Europe. Cagayan is one of the provinces that has large share in the movement of said trade. Tobacco is the main harvest here in the Cagayan Valley which is exported to Europe through the Galleon Trade Ships that dock in the city of Nueva Segovia (today’s town of Lallo).

It was in the last two decades of the 19th century that some clans of the Ilocanos from the town Dingras, Piddig, Laoag, and Bacarra ilocos Norte are arrived in the village of Aripa, Captain Manuel Faire spoke to the leaders of Kalinga and Aeta; they were told that the Christians who came were here to live to help prepare, recognize and enrich the desolate plain covered by the village of Aripa. The natives gladly agreed to Captain’s request.

In the following years, more families came from Ilocos Norte to increase the number of Christians who settled in this village. They cleared the parts of the village until rich appearance of the rich country side was revealed. This is where they poured their strength and patience; their hard work and farming knowledge was used to grow tobacco, rice, corn, various vegetables, and fruit trees. Following this is the history of development in farming and advancement of civilization throughout the countryside.

The married life of Manuel Faire and Felicitas Pagulayan Faire

                Captain Manuel Faire did not miss to visit his provinces to check and look at their condition, even when he was the head of Bayan Kabarungan (former name Sto. Niño). He often visited the villagers of Aripa together with his wife Mrs. Felicitas Pagulayan Faire from Lubo and sister of Mr. Ubaldo Pagulayan who was also the Chief Executive of Kabarungan.

The couple felt genuine and loyal service in this place, and they became concerned about the welfare of all their fellow citizens. The people of Aripa adored the couple and considered Mrs. Felicitas Pagulayan Faire as the mother of the village.

The death of the good lady left much sorrow and grief to the people of Aripa. Her passing is a loss of a nurturing mother. They did not forget the good things that lady used to do for them as an act of gratitude and keep the memories of the lady alive, they filed a petition with the government to name the village of Aripa after the lady. The municipal council has connected to their request, and almost the same time as changing the old name of this town in the first decade of the 20th century to the name Faire. The village of Aripa also began to be called STA. FELICITAS.

The current generation of residents in barangay Sta. Felicitas was poured by different tribes from different towns here in the Philippines. Although there are different customs, beliefs and culture, they are united in mind and purpose in the desire to promote the level of livelihood and order of the barangay and society.

THE HISTORY OF BARANGAY STA. MARIA

This is the history of barrio named Sta. Maria. In the early days, most of the old women were named Maria, and when a mother gave birth to a new born they would name Maria again. During the guerrilla time there were so many Japanese in this barrio. The name Maria was popular during Japanese times, either they are Kalingas or Christians they use Maria as a name.

Now, there is an old woman who wants to have a mass in this barrio. The priest went to this barrio to hold a mass. As soon as the priest was preaching he asked what the name of this barrio is. Since it had no name yet they did not answer. Then he said that he will name it STA. MARIA since most of the is named Maria. Soon, they blessed and named it STA. MARIA.

THE HISTORY OF BARANGAY SIDIRAN

                The barangay Sidiran is situated between barangay San Manuel to the North and Barangay Mabitbitnong to the South. The west of the 2 barangays, Centro Norte and Centro Sur or Poblacion is about 1 kilometer away from the municipality. Itas and Negritos have lived in this part from 1800 to 1900.

In 1944 to 1945, the Japanese ruled the Philippines and the President was Jose P. Laurel. It is one of the barangay in Sto. Niño Faire conquered by the Spaniards. In 1946, after the World War II there was still that panic or fear of the people. It was the time of the HUKBALAHAP or People’s Army against the Japanese and because the villagers were still afraid when they saw the troops running around and shouting “SIDI”.

There were also those American soldiers who defeat the Japanese who occupied our country, the Philippines. Whenever the Americans heard the word “SIDI”, they usually respond with “RUN” and that is why Barangay SIDIRAN was named. In 1953, during the time of President Ramon Magsaysay, the Tinyete del Barrio or Barangay Captain was being established, Federico Ganoy was the first to become the Barangay Captain of the Barangay Sidiran. Eugenio Durugnan succeeded him in the year 1958-1960.

In 1961, President Diosdado Macapagal again introduced that the Kapitan del Barrio is elected by the show of hands only, and the former Barangay Captain then first called the Kapitan del Barrio was Noberto Francisco until year 1964. In 1965, was first presidential term of Ferdinand E. Marcos Marcelino. Bruno was elected Captain by the said ballot, Marcelino Bruno served as Barangay Captain from 1965 to 1970. In 1971, President Ferdinand E. Marcos was again fortunate enough to become the President of the Philippines which was again the second time Marcelino Bruno served as Barangay Captain 1970 to 1981.

The development of the Barangay is difficult. It is a pity that people walk along the Kalublubuan or the field.

Since the Local Government Code 1991, the Barangay has been allocated ‘IRA’ or International Revenue of Allotment; the current mayor was Jose Carodan and Barangay Captain Rene Barandoc. Since 1991 and the project being implemented within the barangay is the Multi-Purpose pavement which laid the road in Zone 2 with the length of 212 meters.

In 1992, during the presidency of Fidel Valdez Ramos, there was also a dug well or well in the barangay road were also given as well as Multi-Purpose Drying Pavements or Solar Dryers.

Electricity came in 1995, the Barangay Hall followed which is now the building where all the residents or the barangay officials meet in the Barangay.

The Barangay stage followed, and from the year 2001 to 2002, first Kagawad Marcos Requimin also become the captain and creates a project which is the waiting shed and solar in the “Turod” or Hill. In august year 2002, Irene Bartolome Barandoc also succeed in the position of Barangay Captain. Her projects are; School, Rehabilitation of Solar Dryer, GMAC Marker, Solar Dryer in Zone 2, Monoblock chairs and table, Dug well installed in Zone 2, Regravelling of the Barangay road from Zone 1-3.

HISTORY OF BARANGAY TABANG

Tabang was made a visita of the new town of Santo Niño. The people of Tabang could not accept that their town became a mere barrio by what was previously its barrio, Cabarungan, now called Sto. Niño. The people of Tabang petitioned the Spanish government that it be made an independent town both civilly and ecclesiastically. They were partly successful, for from 1892 up to the Revolution of 1896-1898 the priest of Santo Niño lived in Tabang.

In 1897 Tabang was finally declared an independent Mission-Parish. Unfortunately the Revolutionaries came a year after, and Tabang’s parish priest, like those of the owners of the other towns of Cagayan Valley had to leave. With no more priest to take care of Tabang, Tabang deteriorated ecclesiastically, and what remains today of its old church of Stones and bricks are ruins.

The church of Tabang was improved by Fr. Juan Bautista Gonzalez, O.P., towards the end of Spanish Rule, putting galvanized iron to its roof, and installing windows of colored crystals. He also improved the convent which, according to Brugues, was small but good and of stone and bricks up to the roof.

To achieve this task of building a church and convent of stone and bricks, the missionaries built a kiln for the making of bricks. No ruins remain of this kiln. It could have been eaten by the river for, as Jose Brugues, O.P., related, “It is threatened by the river which comes very near during heavy rains”.

TABANG AND ITS ECONOMY

In the description of Fr. Jose Brugues, O.P., Tabang was situated at a small plain at the right bank of the Chico River, some 11.5 kilometers southeast of Sto. Niño; some 11.5 kilometers northeast of Piat; south of the mountain ranges that pass by Malaueg; and north of the towns of Piat and Cordoba. The roads, however, to the barrios and the other places were bad.

Commerce was by the Chico River which at the time had sufficient water for big boats. Today Chico River has become so much wider and at the same time too shallow for navigation.

Tabang’s land is hilly, but it has enough plains to grow varied kind of crops. Towards the last decades of Spanish rule, Tabang’s principal product was tobacco, though much corn was also produced part of export and part for home consumption. There were also cacao, bananas, betel nuts, coffee, oranges, lemon and other fruit trees.

Wood and bamboos as well as animals for hunting could be had from the forests, situated at the left bank of Tabang. Because of the abundance of animals, the Tabang natives, like the other natives of Cagayan Valley, were devoted to hunting. Thus, said Jose Brugues, O.P., regarding Tabang’s forest:

“ The right bank of the river is covered by cogon, with little forests, which nonetheless abound at the bank, full of animals for big and small hunting as well as beehives. In the forests there is a complete supply of all kinds of wood for construction, filamentous plants, rubber, resin, and other forests products of difficult usefulness.”

TABANGS POPULATION

IN 1746, THE Alcalde Mayor Don Juan de Varona y Velazquez stated that Tabang had “407 inhabitants and 143 tribute-paying individuals, with the solid church and convent of stone for the missionary, 5 leagues distant (from Nueva Segovia or Lallo), under the patronage of St. Agnes de Monte Policiano.

Towards the end of Spanish rule Tabang had 2,000 people distributed in the Población and barrios of Lobo, Masical, Balanni, Nguing, Mattattabag. The houses were generally of wood in the Población, but of the light material in the barrios.

CAGAYAN VALLEY

With regards to the church of Tabang, one can see its ruins even to this day.

There were then two churches, two villages, Tabang and Lobo. And these churches were older than those of Piat and Tuao, the latter have been founded after Tabang and Lobo.

The place was called Lobo because of a creek by that name in the area. The creek followed into the Chico River. Said Malumbres;

“In front of Tabang at the right margin of the Chico River, there Existed and still exists a creek called Lubo and in the writings of that epic said creek was called the estuary of Lubo”.

As early as 1598 Dominican chronicles spoke of the mission of Lobo under the patronage of St. Reymond of Pennefort. The mission was officially accepted as a Dominican mission by the Provincial Chapter of May 9, 1894 with 500 tribute paying inhabitants.

While Lobo later disappeared from Dominican writings, Tabang persisted.

It was not surprising that Lobo and Tabang were the first missions funded by the Spaniards in the Itawes Region. For these two were the first Villages the Spaniards encountered in going upstream the Chico River from Nassiping.

At this time too, Tabang had a Tribunal or Municipal Hall, Schools for boys and girls, as well as warehouse for tobacco.

THE TWO MISSIONS

In 1604, the Dominican Provincial “sent three religious to the estuary of Lobo and the country of the Itawes”.

The first villages the missionaries founded were Lobo and Tabang, with the Chico River dividing the two villages. Tabang was and still is, at the right bank of the Chico River; while across it, at the left bank of the river, was and still is the village of Lobo.

That the said, two villages existed side by side since early Spanish times is clear, among other things from the fact that Jose Brugues, O.P., writing in 1898, spoke of the ruins of a church in Lobo across the river from Tabang.

In 1598, the corporation accepted as a Doctrine or independent Ministry the mission of St. Raymond of Pennafort of Lubo, founded shortly before the said date, proximate to this town (Tabang). Perhaps to this town, founded in the valley of the Chico River, called Lobo in olden times, are the ruins which can still be seen today at the left bank of the river across Tabang towards the north”.

THE HISTORY OF BARANGAY TAMUCCO

During the American invasion, they conducted survey of all places along the Chico River to know more of the places and their inhabitants. Upon their stay in the place, they notice a homemade sharp knife and they ask, “How do you call that?” The people who were Ilocanos told the “Immuco” but when the Americans repeated the word it was “Tamucco”. From thereon, they named the place Tamucco.

The place of Tamucco was so glad of having this name for their place so they held a big celebration where all the people attended.

When Tamucco became a component barangay of Sto. Niño, the prominent leaders who served the Barangay as Punong barangay include Ponciano Mateo, Mariano Guzman, Mariano Sabino, Rogelio Maguddayao, Jimmy Guzman and Marcelino Nagum.

THE HISTORY OF BARANGAY VIRGINIA

Originally, Barangay Virginia was a part of the town of Piat. Cabalansaan was the previous name of this place. In the past, there were a few people who lived here. Years later, the town of faire conquered it. With the growing number of residents, they’ve proposed incorporating it as a barangay.

Mayor Faire was thought to have chosen Eliazar Abedes to preside over this barangay because he was the first person and family to live here. As a result, the town was renamed VIRGINIA after Eliazar’s daughter.

There were seven zones in barangay Virginia. And the people’s faith is divided into three categories: Jehovah’s Witnesses, Iglesia ni Cristo, and Catholics who have their own chapel.