HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE MUNICIPALITY 

OF MAGSINGAL
  Year Founded. The town of Magsingal was founded in the year 1676 under orders of
Captain Juan de Salcedo of the Spanish Army.
The Spanish colonizers under the leadership of Captain Juan de Salcedo encountered
a place which was called Malungon, a place situated southwest and about one
kilometer away from the present poblacion. This place is presently a place where rice,
virginia tobacco and garlic thrive with satisfaction in this municipality. This place was
then under the rule of a woman ruler by the name Palungo Galcia (Garcia). This woman
ruler was sturdy and with an exceptional strength. These Spanish colonizers brought
with them several bells to be distributed to municipalities to be founded by them, one of
which was a big bell to be allotted to the town of Magsingal. Upon arriving at Malungon,
they offered this bell to the ruler Palungo Galcia, but this ruler flatly denied the offer to
accept the big bell, and instead, she pointed to a place and simultaneously said,
“MAYISINGAL”, or (Mayalis Sadiay), meaning, “Let it be transferred there.” This place
pointed by Palungo Galcia is the present site of the town’s belfry which was then under
the rule of her twin brothers Palungo Andoliguis (AndorIguis) and Palungo Tholentino
(Tolentino). Since then, the Spaniards wrote and pronounced the name of this town as
MAGSINGAL, a contraction of the word “MAYISINGAL”, or “MAYALIS SADIAY”.
The Municipality of Magsingal was formerly about Two Thousand hectares (2,000 has.)
in area, but as time went on, the area of the municipality was increased due to the
annexation of these places, like Malungon, Bangay, Bangbangcag, Quinnuang, and
Cabanayan. The former residents of Bangbangcag, resented to the annexation of their
place to that Palungo Andoliguis, so they fled to a place known as Bangcagan, which is
within the municipality of Bucay, Abra now. Also the former residents of Quinnuang
resented to the annexation of their place to that Palungo Andoliguis, so they fled to a
place known as Cadanglaan and Nangasumbaan, which were later on known as
Rancheria de Cadanglaan and Rancheria de Nangasumbaan. These two places were
later annexed to the jurisdiction of Palungo Andoliguis. Again, the people of Cabanayan
resented to the annexation of their place to that of Palungo Andoliguis and so they fled
to a place known as Caunayan, which is now within the municipality of Nueva Era,
Ilocos Norte. Due to these several annexation, the area of the Municipality of Magsingal
was increased and is around Eight thousand hectares (8,000 has.) at present.

 Ethnic Group and Religion.The first people of this municipality were Itnegs. They
believed in many gods, like the sun, moon, stars, and earth. Up to these days, some people
still commit mistake by saying, “Apo Init” or “Apo Bulan”, evidently transmitted to us our
forefathers. It was believed that the first people of this municipality came from Malay
Peninsula by bancas or barangay. All of the occupants of each banca or barangay settled ina
certain place and the wealthiest, wisest, strongest and most fearful and courageous among
them was recognized as the leader or ruler of the settled place. The ruler was called Cabeza de
Barangay or “Apo Lakay” by the Itnegs. He was an acknowledged leader, authorize to settle
disputes in accordance with the customs and traditions of their ancestors and of the people.
Each barangay used to be the enemy of another barangay. They could not see eye to eye with
the people of another barangay. There were six known barangays of this town before the
Spanish period, namely; Bangay, Bangbangcag, Cabanayan, Quinnuang, and the place where
the present poblacion is. There were no known rulers for these barangay except Garcia for
 Malungon, Andoriguis and Tolentino for the place where the present poblacion is situated.
Those people who did not believe in Christianity when the Spanish colonizers came went
eastward to the mountain and these people are still Itnegs now-a-days and those who believed
in Christianity are now Roman Catholics, which composed of about 97.5% of the entire
population of 24,449 of this municipality. All the rest are either Protestant, Iglesia ni Kristo,
Pentecostal, Jehova’s Witnesses and others.
At present the municipality has thirty barangays including the barangays of the
poblacion. On the north, Magsingal is bounded by San Juan (Lapog); on the East, by
Abra; on the South, by Sto. Domingo; on the west, by China Sea. It is 13 kilometers
north of Vigan and about 420 kilometers from the City of Manila. Magsingal belongs to
the first congressional district of Ilocos Sur.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
 Geographic Location
The Municipality of Magsingal is the fourth northernmost town of Ilocos Sur Province in
Region I. It lies within 1200 20’ to 200 34’ east longitude and 17o 40’ to 17o 44’ north
latitude.

It is bounded on the south by Sto. Domingo, on the north by San Juan and part of Ilocos
Norte, on the east by Abra and on the west by South China Sea.

The municipality is traversed by the Manila North Road. It is 13 kilometers north of the
capital city of Vigan, approximately 420 kilometers north of Manila; 150 kilometers north
of San Fernando City, La Union; and 68 kilometers south of Laoag City. It can be
reached by land transportation like bus, jeepneys, cars and other vehicles, and also by
using water boat or shipping vessel.

  Land Area Classification

Magsingal has a land area of 8, 500 hectares as per records of the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources. About three (3) percent only of this area
comprises the Urban Barangay, while the rest comprises the Rural Barangays.
Barangay Maratudo has the largest area while Barangay San Julian has the smallest.
Alienable and disposable lands has an aggregate land area of 8,290 hectares or 97.53
percent of the total land area of the municipality. The rest of the area is forest land.

 Climate
The municipality like any other municipalities of the region has a distinct wet and dry
season. Rain starts at the later part of May and usually ends in October. It is during this
period when the basic staple food , rice, is planted. Rainfalls precipitated by the
northwest monsoon and occasionally augmented by typhoons are present during these
months.

Climate is generally warm. Humidity comes in advent of the rainy season. Relative
humidity has its highest in August and lowest in April. Temperature range from 27.3oC
and reaches as high as 30oC during summer in April. The mean temperature is
26.59oC. It rises to as high as 33.8oC in April and downs as low as 22.5oC in
December. Monthly average number of rainy days is 13. The average rainfall is 278.18
while relative humidity is 87.3 percent.

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Magsingal is one of the few towns of Ilocandia which can boast of a genuine church
built by the Spaniards with the sweat and blood of the townspeople. The present church
however, was not the first one to be constructed by them. According to the old people,
the first church was a temporary building built by the first cura parruco, an Augustinia
friar, Padre Juan Sanches, who arrived in Magsingal on January 10, 1723. In 1730, the
construction of the old church ( now Magsingal Museum and Park) was began. It was
finished in 1761. During the Ilocos Revolt the church was burned down together with
several churches in Ilocos Sur by Diego Silang. The ruins of the church still remain and
from this history could be retraced.
The church had three floor sections for social qualification. The front area had bricks
and red tiles flooring. It was for the exclusive use of the “Apo Bacnang” who could give
money and good breakfast for the Spanish priests. The middle portion and lower
elevation was made of wood planks (boards). It was for the regular or middle class. The
rear area had the lowest floor elevation and it was all dirt. It was for the “Los Torpes” or
the Indios. The ruins have been converted to a park but these sections mentioned are
still there.
The present was constructed in 1827 while the church belfry which is 30 meters high
was constructed in 1832. The church is very famous for its magnificent Baroque
Snomonic Altar Retable and its incomparable pulpit. Local visitors as well as
international, tourists, ambassadors, ministers, and high government officials flock daily
to Magsingal to see the most beautiful retable in the Philippines. The most unique in the
world according to a lady anthropologist from Rome and a consensus of statement from
International Church Art Collectors.

The retable is a total seascape. Two nude mermaids guard the topmost niche of St.
William the Hermit, the town’s patron saint. The mermaid on the left is on the family
way. The clamshell tops the whole retable and the ceiling of the niches are in clamshell
form. On the sides are sea horses in their classical design. Just above the sea horses
are big waves with moderate forms of starfishes on their hold accented with smaller
waves. There is no doubt that the man who did the rare carving, a certain Pablo
Tamayo was very talented. He was a fisherman. The design was however,, made by
Juan Nepumoceno Tolentino. These two natives of Magsingal made the church rare
pulpit too.

The last Spanish priest of Magsingal was Fr. Jose Vasquez. He stayed in the town from
1863 to 1898. When the Katipuneros came to the town, he fled together with the other
Spaniards to Ilocos Norte on August 15, 1898. This ended the Spanish rule in
Magsingal, but the church they built will remain as a memento of their stay in the town.
THE MUSEUM AND BELFRY
The ancient belfry of massive construction of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur was built in
February 16, 1732. Magnificently over the town projects an image of antiquity of its
Castillan forebears creating nostalgic feeling of the remnants of the past of more than
four centuries. Behind the majestic 30-meter tall old belfry is another edifice which was
once the rectory of the friar parish priest built simultaneously with the church in 1676.
Owing to the strong foundation of bricks, lime, and stone wrought with hard labor by the
residents of the town it had withstood disastrous calamities of fires and earthquakes.
The old rectory was converted into a school building that house the special training
course during the early American regime. And during the Spanish occupation, the
building serves as an interment residence in Magsingal because of the murdered
Japanese Captain.

It was not until the country plagued with the culture fever that the then Secretary of
Education Juan Manuel directed the Division Superintendent of Ilocos Sur in 1977 to
vacate the building and turned it over to the Museum authorities to house the antique
collections and artifacts of the past indigenous to the culture traditions and industries of
the Ilocanos which dates back during the colonial period..

Preserving the industries, culture and ethnic tradition of the Ilocos came about and
greatly enhanced during the incumbency of the then first Lady Governor of Ilocos Sur
Carmeling Pichay Crisologo which withsheer courage and determination envision the
National acceptance of the Ilocanos as a very distinguish ethnic group of Filipinos with a
very enviable characteristic of their own as frugal, industrious, peace loving and
hospitable people.

The Museum formally inaugurated in October 28, 1982 with the Museum authorities and
the Governor of Ilocos Sur, Honorable Luis ‘Chavit” Singson.

Magsingal Branch Museum

  Brief History

The Magsingal Museum

in Ilocos Sur was
formerly a convent of
Spanish architecture built
in 1676. Restored and
transformed into a
museum in October
1982, the Magsingal
Museum showcases the
material culture of
Northern Luzon. A short
distance from this
museum is the P Burgos House, birthplace of Filipino priest patriot Fr. Jose Burgos. The P
Burgos House was turned over to the National Museum in January 1989. It exhibits the
collections depicting the cultural development of Vigan and the memorabilia of Fr. Burgos and
his family. Some of the highlights of the collections are the priceless 14-piece Villanueva
paintings depicting the famed Basi Revolt of 1807, some religious images, Vienna furniture and ‘
other period pieces and heirlooms, antique collections of ethnographic and archaeological objects
revealing the colorful Ilocano past.

The branch museum is situated behind a centuries-old belfry that

towers magnificently over the town of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur.
Magsingal was founded by the Spanish colonizer, Capt. Juan de
Salcedo, who worked for the conversion of the Itnegs, the first
inhabitants of the place, to Christianity.

The museum was once the rectory of the parish priest and was built
simultaneously with the church in 1676. Its strong foundation of
bricks, lime and stone withstood disastrous calamities like fire,
typhoons and earthquakes. The old rectory was converted into a
school building during the early American regime. During the
Japanese occupation, the museum served as an interment for the
residents of Magsingal when a Japanese captain was murdered. In
1977, then Secretary of Education Juan Manuel directed the Division School Superintendent of
Ilocos Sur to vacate the building and turn it into a museum that would house the antique
collections and artifacts of Magsingal.

The Magsingal branch museum is among the first branch museums established to meet the
Department of Education’s goal of establishing more local and regional museums all over the
country. The museum stands on a 1,170 square meter lot donated by the municipality of
Magsingal on October 6, 1986. It was formally opened to the public in October 1982.

TINUBONG
Tinubong means cooking a mixture of young coconut meat, sugar, margarine, cheese, and
ground glutinous rice inside a young bamboo or tubong. This native rice delicacy is a favorite
among the Ilocanos, which they usually serve during special occasions such as birthdays,
Christmas, and New Year.
  Ingredients and
procedure
11 1/2 cups glutinous rice
8 cups coconut milk
1 1/2 tablespoons salt
25 pieces bamboo tubes
25 pieces bamban leaves
Put bamban leaves inside the bamboo tubes and fill 3/4 of it with glutinous rice.
Combine milk and salt. Add coconut milk to fill each tube completely. With a
barbed wire tied on two poles about 3 m apart as support, pile the bamboo
tubes in slanting position. Create a fire under the bamboo tubes. Maintain a
moderate fire and frequently rotate the bamboo tubes to cook the mixture evenly
and prevent burning. Put off the fire when liquid on top of the tube dries up.
Keep the tubes heated on the ember for several minutes to complete the
cooking.
source: http://www.pinoyrkb.com/ricerecipe/Tinubong.html

BARANGAY, LEGEND

SARSARACAT
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY SARSARACAT

Long time ago, there were folks living in a place situated in the eastern part of the newly
established town of Magsingal. Because the town is composed of different barrios and sitios and
while people of this town gathered in their new Centro of poblacion they were eager to come to
know their town mates are and where they lived, folks who came from this place just shook their
heads cause they do not know to answer and what part of the town they came from. As years
passed people living multiplied and the more they’re became worried. Are resident decided to go
to their “panglakayan”, who by those period of time tribal folks recognizes the eldest man in
their place as their leader, to consult about this matter but the panglakayan just answer it’s the
same old problem. While the resident and the panglakayan exchange ideas they came to agree
both to call on a meeting among the residents of the people of the place. So the meeting goes on
and panglakayan announces and elaborated the problem commoted by the residents of the place
to his mates. One resident stands and says it is now the prime time to give their place a name and
they all agreed. So every body has its own thinking what to, and the name of their place but still
the panglakayan call on to adjourned the meeting nobody thought for suggestions. So by the next
day the meeting resumes but still they were empty headed. While the meeting was going on, their
attention was called on by a cart where a woman rod, cart pulled by a carabao and drove by man.
The couple dropped by to the meeting and asked what place they were and said they are looking
for place to live in. Nobody dared to answer because their attention was pulled on by the
belongings inside the cart, some of which are horns, cat, clothes, and utensils, Instead somebody
asked of their job and occupation. The couple answered that they were tinsmith (or panday)
maker of bolos and use horns “sar-sara” for local term, for the handle cover. Soon folk caught
an ideas, he suggested the name of their place be derived from the couple’s belongings, and they
all agreed and everybody think and suggested Sar-sara pusa but it doesn’t sound pleasant, and
someone suggest to make it English horn-cat it is so inconvenient. So they think again till
someone stands and mentioned, in fairness to who suggested Iloco and English why not both to
make it Sarsara-cat, because the people perform democratic society they go for votation and
unanimously approved.
Soon, the people no longer owed and worry about the name of their Barangay and were they are
living for. They adapted the couple and treat them as if they were their heroes and folks also use
horns in making bolos and making bolos became their main source of living.

BARANGAYLEGENDPOBLACIONSARSARACAT
BARANGAY, LEGEND

SAN LUCAS
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY SAN LUCAS

San Lucas is one of the Poblacion Barangays of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur. It is situated along the
National highway, northeast of the Municipal Town Hall. It is bounded by Barangay San Vicente
at the south, Barangay San Basilio at the west, Barangay Sta. Monica at the north, and Barangay
Patong at the east.This place consists of commercial areas because the Town Public Market was
erected here and different establishments. There is also an educational institution which we call
“The Magsingal Institute”, where secondary course is offered.
Residential and commercial areas has an estimated total land area of 140,000 sq. meters.
Agricultural areas is about 420,000 sq. meters with an over all total land area of 560,000
sq. meters.The residential area composed of three zones. There are 471 residents living in, 151
households and 171 families excluding those who are already living abroad. Almost 98% of the
residents are Roman Catholic and 2% belongs to other sects.
The source of living for the Barangay folks are predominantly on agriculture and construction
workers. Almost 80% depends on crops like rice, corn, and vegetables. Although some are
engaged in buy and sell as a means of their livelihood.

Due to the hardships and economic crisis of our country, the Barangay folks are not fond of
social life instead they submit themselves in education and migrating to other country to find
their luck in seeking greener pasture for their good future.

During the ancient times, there was a well- known strong, rich man, a Spanish looking man who
served as consultant of the residents. So, they considered him as their leader or in the native
dialect “pangama-en”. His name was Lucas.
In honor of his goodness to serve his fellow men the people of this place named their Barangay
after him – PLACE OF LUCAS. When the town ruler ordered all the Barangay leaders of the
Poblacion , the place named became SAN LUCAS. From then on up to the present the place is
known as Barangay San Lucas.
BARANGAYLEGENDLUCASSAN LUCAS
BARANGAY, LEGEND

SAN RAMON
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY SAN RAMON

When the Spaniards has just founded the municipality of Magsingal in 1676, they continued the
pacification campaign in all its villages.

Magsingal has seven poblacion Barangays which includes our Barangay – San Ramon. Others
are; Sta. Monica,San Basilio, San Clemente, San Julian, San Lucas, and San Vicente.
Barangay San Ramon is located just a stone-throw away from the town proper of Magsingal. It is
bounded on the north by Barangay San Vicente, on the east by Barangay Patong, on the west by
Barangay San Clemente, on the south by Barangay Napo. The main source of living
is farming.It is where most of the families get their income. Other sources include hogs and
poultry raising, cattle or swine fattening and raising, teaching employment and governmental
services.
Our Barangay has two kinds of season – the sunny (dry) season and rainy (wet)season as the
other Barangays have. During rainy season, farmers would till their lands, with the aide of the
hard working and industrious fellows ready for rice planting, while during sunny season, aside
from the yearly cycle of planting Virginia tobaccos, farmers would also plant corns, cottons,
crawling fruits like watermelons and melons, vegetables like ampalaya, cabbage, cabbage,
camote, gabi, camoteng kahoy, garlic, onion, eggplant, and cucumber. When harvest time comes,
they could sell their harvested crops in the market or nearby neighbors. This is how sturdy, hard
working and industrious Ilocanos earned their means of living throughout the year. When harvest
is good and bounty, as traditional Ilocanos, would offer their harvests as thanksgiving to the
Lord.

The economy of the Barangay is agricultural and the inhabitants produce their income and means
of living from the yields of their crops. Farms are very productive and that their standards of
living are better than some of the Barangays and for this reason, we sometimes celebrate our
Barangay Fiesta in order to thank the Lord for the bountiful harvests we have. May is the month
we celebrate our fiesta in honor of our patron saint, San Ramon.

Our Barangay was named in honor of our patron saint, San Ramon, and likewise to perpetuate or
commemorate the memory of a former town official, the late Ramon Tolentino, Sr., the father of
our own, HON. RAMON TOLENTINO, JR., who ruled our municipality from 1988-1995.

Barangay San Ramon has a total land area of 1,931,273.18 sq. meters. Its total population is 986
(452 male & 534 female). The total number of families is 237 while the number of households is
214.

BARANGAYLEGENDSAN RAMON
BARANGAY, LEGEND

SAN CLEMENTE
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY SAN CLEMENTE

Capitan Minti was born on April 8, 1869 to Agustin Udarbe and Martina Ulibas. Even as a
child, young Clemente showed signs of leadership. He was often chosen by his playmates to lead
them in their games of San Pedro and Lipay.
Young Clemente obtained his early education from the parochial school of Padre Vasquez. Then
he continued his studies at the famous Seminario de Vigan and later on at the Ateneo de Manila.
When he returned to his hometown, he was appointed Juez de Paz, a position which he held for
several years without fear.

When the Philippine Revolution broke out he joined the revolutionists. He became a friend of
General Tinio and was appointed as treasurer of the Katipuneros in this sector and at the same
time Delegado de Rentas. After the revolution he was elected Vice President of the late Don
Vicente Tolentino. When Capitan Vicente died he automatically became the president for the
unserved period of six months. He ran for presidency the next election and was elected for a term
of four years. It was during his term that his unselfish love for his town and people was shown.
He initiated the construction of the town hall or presidencia. Another one among his projects was
the first class intermediate building north of Vigan made of stone on February 28, 1906. It is
the Magsingal South Central School.
Capitan Minti was married to Doña Marciana Jurado a beautiful mestiza that gave him seven
children who became professionals.He died of rheumatism at the age of …

To give honor for his numerous contributions in the progress of his community, the Barangay
was named after him, San Clemente.

BARANGAYLEGENDSAN CLEMENTE
BARANGAY, LEGEND

SAN JULIAN
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY SAN JULIAN

Capitan Julian was born in the town of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur on January 26, 1885 from a
prosperous and noble family. He was the eight of the nine children of Don Agapito Tomaneng
and Doña Francisca Tolentino.
His parents sent him to school early. In school he led his classmates. In matters when his
classmates could not agree his opinion was always sought. Yet it is very surprising to note that
although his family could afford to send him to school and pursue a degree and he also got the
head, he did not because of love. At an early age he married the beautiful Salvina Briones but she
did not live long. Her loss was soon made up when he married the charming Eleuteria Jurado
who gave him two exceedingly beautiful daughters, Expedita and Blesilda.

In 1925, he run for the office of the President in his town and won by overwhelming majority. It
was at this period of his life that he did most to serve his town and people. He encouraged the
development of agriculture and other local industries by distributing seeds and giving handsome
prizes to those who produced the most and the biggest. He also promoted the health and
sanitation of his town by cleaning and digging the brook which served as drainage and at the
same time improved and built roads because the earth dugs was used to fill low places. His
interest for the education of his people was also beyond compare. He continued the construction
of the Magsingal Elementary School building (now Magsingal North Central School), the pet
project of Capitan Aquilino Garcia. He was able to add two rooms plus the plastering of the
walls of the building.

At the end of his term he was urged by the people to run for re-election but he declined because
he wanted to give other leaders of the town the chance to give their bests for the welfare of the
people. His short term could be considered the golden age of Magsingal. There was progress,
peace and order, and happiness in every home and in the community. He died on June 13, 1930
of lung disease.

To honor him, the place where he lived is now called Barangay San Julian.

BARANGAYCAPITAN JULIANLEGENDSAN JULIAN

BARANGAY, LEGEND
SAN VICENTE
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY SAN VICENTE

 Vicente Tolentino was born on April 5, 1859. He was the youngest of the three sons and one
daughter of Francisco Tolentino and Marcelina Tolentino. While young Vicente studied in a
private house. His tutor was his granduncle priest, Fr. Carlos Tolentino. After learning the
alphabet he went to Vigan to study in the Seminary School under the orders of Saint Paul. When
he was about to finish his course of priesthood, he unfortunately contracted a contagious skin
disease. To prevent anyone from the disease, his professors advised him to go home for
treatment.
In the course of his treatment, he was enchanted by the beauty of Estefania Guerrero, daughter of
Silvestre Guerrero, a native of Magsingal, and Juliana Singson, native of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. He
courted the lady and soon they got married. After his marriage he became a farmer and prospered
because of his patience and industry.

Observing that Vicente was a good man, the Spanish authorities appointed him Auxiliar to the
Gobernadorcillo, now called the Secretary of the Mayor. Later, he was appointed Justice of the
Peace in his hometown for four years. Then he was voted as Presidente Municipal for two terms.
Because of his integrity and uprightness he was again appointed as Justice of the Peace. He have
been also a member of the Malolos Congress, the President of which was Emilio Aguinaldo.
While in his office he was attacked by cerebral hemorrhage. He died on June 15, 1903. The death
of Vicente Tolentino was a great loss to the town.

To honor him, the street and district in which his house stands was named San Vicente, now
Barangay San Vicente.

BARANGAYLEGENDSAN VICENTE
BARANGAY, LEGEND

PURO
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY PURO

Long time ago, there was an island along the China Sea situated at the western part of the
municipality.

During that time nobody tried to seek shelter on the place because they were afraid to cross the
seawater that they might be capsized due to the strong current that surrounds the place.

There were five groups of families who tried and were able to cross safely. These families
were TIQUI, TORRICER, TABUDLO, RITARITA, and UNABIA.
After establishing, nonody knows what to name on their new-found place but later on they all
agreed to call it PURO, an Ilokano term “a land surrounded by water”.
The standard of living on this island is average, some of the residents are engaged in business
thru buy and sell while others are fishermen.
As per 2007 Barangay profile, the population is composed of 4,153 from 942 households in a
962 families.

BARANGAYLEGENDPURO
BARANGAY, LEGEND

PATONG
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY PATONG

Barangay Patong is approximately five (5) kilometers east of the town of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur.
Bounded southwest are Barangay Labut and Cadanglaan. On the north is Barangay Sarsaracat.
Comprising eight (8) sitios at present with a total land area of 613.6315 hectares. The sitios are;

               Bambaniit
               Baet
               Caboloan
               Tagaipuz
               Lata-o
               Ubbog
               Dinumaran
               Casamacan
As per cadastral records in 1920’s Patong is one of the main areas when the town was quarterly
sub-divided.

According to our folks today, the original name of the barrio was Tagaipuz because it is then
located at the tail of the hills. Even the school was called Tagaipuz Elementary School. And in
1950’s, Apo Tiburcio Tabarrejo was chosen as the Teniente del Barrio, or leader. He served with
sincere dedications. His good leadership was enough to maintain the Peace and Order situations
including his efforts to adapt a new name for the barrio called “Patong”.

Patong was derived from a love story of a young, lovely lass with an American soldier who
joined the battalion forces that came to conquer the villagers against the cruel guerillas during
the Spanish era.

To ensure peacefulness in the village, these American soldiers decided to stay longer. They
camped at Bantay Timbungkol, a steep rocky mountain located southwest of Sitio Casamacan or
ten kilometers away from the heart of the barrio. The air is crisp, the wind blows softly and
gently. The cold, clean water from the spring coming from the mountain can refresh the hunters
and mountain climbers from thirst. A sanctuary of birds and different kinds of wild animal such
as abuyo, alingo that are known as best “Pulutan” for men.
Before sun rise and at sunset, the soldiers march for drill around the village. One of them was
enchanted to a lovely lady named Teresita. His courtship to her rolled into a passionate interlude.
One starry moonlit night, the lovers met in the batalan or bangsal near a rimas tree. He hugged
her intensely and held her buttocks (Patong) but the lady was reluctant and said in loud voice –
Don’t hold my Patong. The neighbors heard her scream. As days passed the word Patong, which
means “Buttock” in the English language was commonly uttered in the village.
As nature continually casts its blessings, Barangay Patong is very fortunate to have given the so-
called SMALL WATER IMPOUNDING PROJECT (SWIP) – a body of water use to irrigate
crops and multiplies the harvest and income of the people who are living mostly thru farming.
This multi-million project was conceptualized during the administration of the late Mayor,
Honorable Ramon Tolentino, Jr., implemented thru the initiative of Honorable Alfonso V. Favis,
Jr. and joint efforts with the National Government Agencies concerned.

The annual festivity of the patron saint, San Isidro is usually celebrated every 15th day of May as
a way to thanks Him for the answered prayers, guidance and abundant harvests.
Based on the census conducted on CY 2000, Patong has a total population of 1,314.

BARANGAYLEGENDPATONGSAN ISIDRO
BARANGAY, LEGEND

PANAY
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY PANAY

During the early part of the Spanish time this barrio which is now called Panay was inhabited
by Tinguians usually called in the local dialect “Itneg”. These people occupied the place for
many years under the leadership of the famous Capitan Panay. They grouped themselves like
other tribes, enjoying all sorts of ancient laws, traditions, business, and industries.
Not long from this period when more civilized groups of people were crowding from place to
place. The Tinguians were driven to the mountains due to tribal defeat and lack of more civilized
implements and better way of living.Our forefathers who drove the Tinguians to the mountains
began to occupy the place. The place was developed further by improving their industries,
houses and streets. As time went by, the people have not forgotten the famous captain of the
Tinguians whom they drove, so they named the Barangay “Panay” in memory of the Tinguian
Captain.
BARANGAYLEGENDPANAY
BARANGAY, LEGEND

PAGSANAAN
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY PAGSANAAN

As far back as the oldest folk of the Barangay can remember, there is no legend, or romance, or
some things attached to the origin of the name of the place.It is a sandy areas.

The main source of living of the people is salt making which means “Agsana” in the local
dialect. The sea beds and river beds of the Barangay are all suited to salt making that the produce
of the place is more than enough for the whole town and other towns of Ilocos Sur. When people
need salt they go and buy in the “Pagsanaan”.(Place where salt is made). Since then the
Barangay was called Pagsanaan.
BARANGAYLEGENDPAGSANAAN
BARANGAY, LEGEND

NAMALPALAN
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY NAMALPALAN

Long ago, there lived in the place still without a name, a couple named Mante and Changga.
They were the most industrious among the inhabitants in the place. They were blessed with a a
two-year old son who was very naughty. One night after dinner the couple were planning to exit
at dawn the following morning bringing with them their breakfast to the field where they were
about to plant rice. Mante was not yet through with his plowing and harrowing the fields.
At the early hours of dawn, Mante and Changga rode in a cart loaded with a plow and a horrow
including their uncooked breakfast. Changga planned to cook it in their destination. They took
with their still sleeping son wrapped with blanket. As they reached the field, Mante brought
down his plow and horrow. Changga also brought down her sleeping son under the cart and laid
him on piles of sack and prepare their breakfast. It was still dark and Mante was rushing his work
inorder to finish it before sunrise. While Changga engrossed cooking she was not aware that her
son was already awake. The little boy seeing the back of his father followed him. It was already
past dawn. The little boy wanted to play in the muddy field as deep as knee level of water. His
father did not know he was at his back because he is already at the middle engrossed to his work.
Suddenly the boy stumbled and before he can scream his face was alredy covered with muds
until he was drowned. Changga was finished cooking their breakfast and she noticed the absence
of her son in the cart. He shout called for her son around but solicited no answer. The sun was
about to rise. She called for Mante to inform about their son’s missing. Mante dismounted the
harrow from the cow and helped searching. He did not notice the mount of muds at the end of the
field. And water was subsided. They were much worried and even asked help from the
passersby. One of them noticed the mound and was able to grasp a little hand. It was the little
boy’s hand. He’s already dead. His body was covered with stacks, piles of mud carried by the
harrow. The couple cried and grieved so much for the loss of their son and after a couple of
months in deep sorrow with sleepless nights and no food intake, they gradually died.

When people passed by the house of the couple they remembered them and called their
place Mante Changga in memory of them. When they also passed near the place where the boy
met a tragic death, they also remember the child. Whenever outsiders asked for the name of the
place the people had a ready answer of Nagpalpalan which means it was the place where the
unfortunate boy met his tragic death because of palpal or harrow. Later on Mante-Changga was
coined as Manchangga which became a sitio of Nagpalpalan, simplified by folks as
Namalpalan, the present name of this barangay.
BARANGAYLEGENDMANCHANGGAMANTE CHANGGANAMALPALAN
BARANGAY, LEGEND

NAPO
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY NAPO

Before the arrival of the Spaniards there were few families in Napo. Each of them lived on a hill
and cultivate a little farm not far from their dwelling. They suffered from drought and could not
raise enough food for themselves. A wise man among them called a meeting and the people
agreed to put up an irrigation system to water their farms. Hereafter they improved their crops
and cultivated some other lands from some land owners. When the landowners visited their lands
the people called them “Apo”. Whoever went to the place although he is not a landowner the
people always address “Apo”. When they remembered about their visitors they called them apo
followed by the visitor’s name. Soon the place was called Apo and afterwards when more settlers
came, the name “Napo” came about naturally.
APOBARANGAYLEGENDNAPO
BARANGAY, LEGEND

MIRAMAR
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY MIRAMAR

Miramar is a coastal Barangay of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur about two and a half kilometers away
from the poblacion. It is bounded in the north by San Isidro, San Juan, Ilocos Sur, in the east by
Pagsanaan Norte, in the west by the China Sea, and in the north by Pagsanaan Sur.

The first settler in the place was Santiago Tipon and his family who came from Botobot, San
Juan, Ilocos Sur. Later on he was followed by several families from the same place. The people
called the place where they settled “Botobot” to carry the name of their former residence. The
name of the settlement remained as such until the time when Father Quintin Velasquez visited
the place.The parish priest was taking a walk in the sea shore leisurely in the afternoon at sunset.
He got enchanted by the beautiful sunset and he exclaimed, “Mira el Mar”. (look at the sea). He
then baptized the place Mira-mar. Since then the Barangay was called as such.
BARANGAYHISTORYLEGENDMIRAMAR
BARANGAY, LEGEND

MARATUDO
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY MARATUDO

Maratudo is one of the small Barangays of Magsingal which is located in the eastern part of the
town at the foot of the mountain called Samsamon. It is seven kilometers away from the town.
This Barangay is bounded in the north by Dupit river, in the east by Samsamon mountain, in the
south by Subsubusob river, and in the east by Tagator river. People go to the town by means of
riding a cart or sometimes walking along the river.
Maratudo means rainy. During the early days and up tpo the present, this Barangay has always
the first rain and very frequent at that. One day a stranger and a merchant as well came to the
place. He stayed there for almost a year. He asked the people what is the name of the place but
the people could not give him an answer. Since the stranger observed that this Barangay always
received the earliest rainfall and rain was very often, he then named the place “Maratudo”.
BARANGAYHISTORYLEGENDMARATUDO
BARANGAY

MANZANTE
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY MANZANTE

Manzante is one of the component Barangays of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur. It is about two and a half
kilometers away from the poblacion. A good road going to the place is maintained by the
government. Carts, kalesas, tricycles, and automobiles can reach the Barangay easily.

Nobody knows exactly how the Barangay got its name. But according to some people, fruit trees
called “Manzanita” grew in abundance in the place before even when the people began to build
their houses Manzanita were still plenty. They then called the place Manzanita. Later, the place
changed the name Manzante from Manzanita. Up to this time the barangay still called
“Manzante”.
BARANGAYHISTORYLEGENDMANZANITAMANZANTE
BARANGAY, LEGEND

MACATCATUD
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY MACATCATUD

Barangay Macatcatud is formerly a river bed. There was no houses and the land was not fitted
for agriculture. When the river, now called Parsua river took another course it left the place
barren with only few trees growing. After many years, grass called “Catud” began to grow.
Later when some of the people of the nearby barrios saw that the place was fit to build their
homes, they transferred to the place. Seeing that the grass catud grow extensively in the place so
the people named it “Macatcatud”.
BARANGAYHISTORYLEGENDMACATCATUD
BARANGAY, LEGEND

MAAS-ASIN
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY MAAS-ASIN

Four kilometers northeast of the poblacion of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur is the little sitio of Maas-
asin. It is situated in a hilly side at the foot of the Ilocos ranges. The early industrious men and
tactful ones had carved terraces at the slopes of the hills. They utilized the little springs that flow
to a nearby stream to irrigate the fertile ricelands. Farmers can plow immediately their fields
after corn, vegetables and melon are harvested to be ready again to the next planting season.
Indeed, Barangay Maas-asin have enough supply on melon and vegetables for Magsingal and
other neighboring towns.

There are numerous springs during the rainy season but these springs dry up as early as January.
So the settlers had to dig wells. But those wells proved useless because the water was salty. No
where in the vicinity could they dig a well that could supply them with fresh water. Thus the
place came to be named “Maas-asin” which means salty.
It was due to the scarcity of water that led to the transfer of the first school to the sitio of
Pangasaan, just a few meters north of the place. But the school carried its name as Maas-asin
School. It was first called Pangasaan School but when a big sum of money was set aside by the
government for the construction of a permanent building of the school, it was erroneously
written Pagsanaan School instead of Pangasaan. So the barrio folks had to rename it Maas-asin
School to distinguish it from Pagsanaan School. Now the sitios of Pangasaan, Maas-asin,
Baybayabas, Quinuang, and Lata-o compose of Barangay Maas-asin.
BARANGAYHISTORYLEGENDMAAS-ASIN
BARANGAY, LEGEND

DACUTAN
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY DACUTAN

Dacutan is located in the western part of the town of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur. It is bounded in the
north by Casigura, in the south by Panay, west is Manzante, and east of it is
Barangay Cabaroan.
Many many years ago Dacutan was not yet a barrio. But only a sitio. It is a small place where
farmers build a small huts for them to rest during planting and harvesting seasons. Some of these
farmers come from the poblacion and others are from the neighboring Barangays. It has a brook,
there is a shallow portion and a deep part with which the farmers usually utilize it for their
carabaos to drink and wallow. There are plenty of mudfishes and small shrimps on some parts of
the brook.
During the harvest season all farmers let their carabaos wallow in the brook while they rest
themselves for a while in their huts. One of the oldest farmers that usually rest in the sitio was
always worried. Every time he is in the place he can’t avoid himself to worry because of the
animals that always stay in the brook even not during planting and harvest seasons. He said that
may be one day there could be no more fishes survive in the brook. Other farmers saw him and
noticed that he is always “Maducducutan” which means worried in the English language. After
the death of the man they called the sitio, Dacutan for his melancholic state. Thus the name of
the Barangay, “Dacutan” remains until now.
BARANGAYBARRIODACUTANLEGENDMADUCDUCUTANSITIO
BARANGAY, LEGEND

CARAISAN
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY CARAISAN

Bounded in the north by San Juan arc, and in the west by the National highway. Neigboring
Barabarit in the south and in the east is Macatcatud bay.

The Spaniards came to Magsingal town in 1676. They moved north to Caraisan where people
were Christianized. There they saw people playing “cara y cruz” by the wayside which they
called the place “cara Cruzan” as the game is known far wide. Later on “cara Cruzan” was
changed to “Caraisan.”
BARANGAYCARAISAN
BARANGAY, LEGEND

CADANGLAAN
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY CADANGLAAN

Long ago, there lived a couple in the urban area. They have been childless for so long. When
they learned about the fortuneteller in the town, they were excited asking about themselves.

The old woman told the couple that they will be having a child sooner but will cause misfortune
in their family. Then they did everything for them not to have a child. But have difficulty
believing that such “black-witch” given by the fortunes could be real. The husband made himself
too much drunk for despair. That time they made love double time in order to bear a child. There
a baby arrived.

Continue reading CADANGLAAN→
BARANGAYCADANGLAANHISTORYLEGEND
BARANGAY, LEGEND

CABAROAN
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY CABAROAN

How Cabaroan got its name? Lots of questions “Why” and “How” is it Cabaroan? Could it be,
because there are abundancy of single mown? Or would it be its late existence.

During the ancient period, the existence of Barangay Cabaroan has never been seen and never
recognized in the map of Magsingal. The story that I heard from my uncle who has been a
prominent and old yet original Barangay Council goes this way: at that certain period of time.
The place was ruled by a leader called Teniyente del Barrio who has the solemn power to govern
the place valled Barrio. During the World War Two we have the first Teniyente del Barrio in the
name of Renato Quines, and his successors were Eugenio Ugale, Mariano Acebedo, Timoteo
Ramirez, the father of our present Barangay captain now. Florencio Quines, Agriculo Pacleb,
Gabriel Ramirez the youngest brother of our chairwoman, Ferdinand Ulibas, Constancia Andres,
Emy Corpuz and back to Constancia Andres again. These leaders contributed lots in the
development of our Barangay.

History tends to move on, evolution follows its cycle, rapid growth of population tends to
increase, newly houses built forming that vacant portion of land west of Barangay San Julian,
east of Barangay Manzante, north of Barangay Dacutan, and south of Pagsanaan Sur. Now we
move closer to its legend, There was a big stone different from those usually placed for
boundaries.

The stone was marked at the south part of Barangay Panay, at west part of Manzante, east
portion was Poblacion, and north of it is Barangay Pagsanaan- Meaning there was no Barangay
Cabaroan in the map of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur. But as the barrio grows up to a bigger population
and larger area, and reaching its qualification to be considered as a barrio, here we started to
form a newly Barangay called Cabaroan. Beneath those four Barangays – Barangay Cabaroan
becomeone of the latest Barangay of Magsingal, it was called Cabaroan not because of the
numerous single more but because, it was a newly built Barangay- derived from the Ilocano
word Baro- which means new they added the prefix- “Ca” and “an” at the end to form the word
Cabaroan.
This is the simple story or legend how Cabaroan got its name. We love the place, because we
have found the place peaceful, thru the leadership of our Barangay leaders headed by Baragay
Captain Constacia Andres and her Kagawads. From them and their procedures of governing the
place became so inviting to live-in because of its peacefulness and the presence of love and
cooperation among the people.

BARANGAYCABAROANHISTORYLEGEND
BARANGAY, LEGEND

BUNGRO
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY BUNGRO

At early ages, before World war II, this place was a part of San Quintin which they called today
“Sta. Monica”.
Years passed by, the population on this area increased and increased, so the people from that
moment decided to separate and make as one Barangay. They help each other until they finally
searched what will be the name. So they look around and found out that looking around is the
answer,”B-U-S-H-Y TREES”! Because this place was filled with Bushy Trees means in Ilocano
dialect “NARUNGBO A KAY-KAYO”. Houses can’t be seen because it was covered with
Bushy trees. The National Road, along the streets was shaded with Bushy trees too. So no need
to have an umbrella, even at rainy season. Just shade yourself under the Bushy trees means
“Narungbo”. That is now “Barangay Bungro”.
Barangay Bungro have also Natural Resources like mountain which they called Bantay Bungro,
Parsua River, Rice fields, corn and vegetables, and sugarcane.

Because houses are apart, they divided it into five sitios namely: CENTRO, TUAGONG,
PADDUCOL, TARUDTOD, and DARAO.
The land area is 416.50 hectares as per record on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The
number of households is 286, and 340 families. It has a total population of 1,308.

In the year 1938-1945, the head of the Barangay is called Tiniente del Bario. Then the year
1945 up to present they call it Barangay Captain.
BARANGAYBUNGROHISTORYLEGEND
BARANGAY, LEGEND

BARBARIT
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY BARBARIT

Barbarit is one of the component Barangays of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur. It is in the extreme
northern part of the town along the national highway adjacent to San Juan, Ilocos Sur.
The sitios of Purok, Nagkularan, and Cabanayan compose the barangay.
Barbarit got its name during the early period of the Spanish regime when the Spaniards were still
busy going to every nook and corner of the island teaching Christianity. At that time the sitio of
Purok was the only place where the people grouped themselves and lived together to protect
themselves from danger.
One day a Spanish officer with a squad of soldiers were marching along the highway. When they
came to a narrow street connecting the sitio of Purok to the highway, they incidentally met a
Filipino who was so frightened that he hide himself in the groups of barit plants that were
growing abundantly along the trail. The officer called and asked, “Para donde este callejon?”
(Where does this street go?) The Filipino thought that the officer was asking the name of the
plants that tribed along the highway. He answered him “Bar” instead of Barit because he was
frightened and shaking that he can not pronounce completely the word. The officer said, “Ha!”.
The Filipino told him “Barit” in more polite manner. Then the officer noted in his memorandum
pad the words “Bar and Barit” together and formed the single word, Barbarit.He registered
“Barbarit” as the name of the place to the Gobernadorcillo. Since then, its name remains as
such. Barit plants still exists along the brook of the Barangay.
BARANGAYBARBARITHISTORYLEGENDSPANISH REGIME
BARANGAY, LEGEND

BACAR
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT

THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY BACAR

Long long time ago Barangay Bacar is a forestland area full of Bamboos and big trees which are
called “Bangar tree”. It is believed that those kind of trees are home of bad spirits.
Those Bangar trees remain standing because people are afraid to cut them down due to their
belief that they might acquire sickness from the bad spirit that are staying on the trees.

Barangay Bacar is composed of three sitios namely; Libtong, the souther part, Quinawayanan,

the center, and the Bacar, the extreme northern part. Barangay Bacar was created during the
administration of the late Mayor, Honorable Candido Tolentino on the calendar year 1956 to
1959.
Barangay Bacar was a previous component of Barangay San Basilio but due to the Local Code
of the Barangay, it was then recognize to be separated as one because it has an enough
population. The land area of the Barangay is 246 hectares with a population of 543 as per census
conducted. Lands are very much suitable for farming, fertile enough for good crops like rice and
all kinds of vegetables.
So then it was baptized Barangay Bacar with the abundance of Bangar trees in the area.

BACARBANGAR TREESBARANGAYCANDIDO TOLENTINOHISTORYLEGENDLIBTONGQUINAWAYANANSITIOS

BARANGAY, LEGEND

ALANGAN
JUNE 22, 2014 LEAVE A COMMENT
 THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY ALANGAN
ALANGAN is in the western part of Magsingal along the sea coast. It is hilly and sandy land.
Very small areas are suitable for crops like kamote, selected variety of vegetables that are
capable for maximum endurance of droughts.

Before, the barrio was called San Isidro. The people were fishermen. Every morning they went
out to the sea to catch fish until ten o’clock in the morning. Some of them were industrious while
others are already satisfied to what they had. These industrious people would not like to go home
until they have catch enough to sell for their other consumptions. Whenever the sea is
unfavorable for fishing these fishermen have to stay home. The lazy ones have to miss some of
their meals especially when those having enough don’t like to lend them rice. They have to
“AGLANGAN A MANGAN” (missed the meals). The head of the barrio became tired
observing the lazy attitudes so, he changed the name of the barrio from San Isidro to Alangan.
Up to now Alangan is still the name of the Barangay.