Barangay New Agutaya, nestled in the municipality of San Vicente, Palawan, has a fascinating history rooted in migration and cultural evolution. Previously known as “Nasalugan” – a term derived from the Cuyunon word “saleg” meaning “floor” – this place was initially a small settlement, or ‘sitio’, of Barangay Alimanguan, located in the southern reaches of the Municipality of Taytay.
The site was initially inhabited by Bartolome Adion and his family, including his brother-in-law Jose Favillaran, who together formed the foundational community of this sitio. Over time, however, the area started attracting individuals and groups from the municipality of Old Agutaya. As a result, the population of this sitio began to swell, mostly with Agutaynens, the residents of Agutaya.
Motivated by their growing number and shared cultural identity, the Agutaynens decided to form their own ‘barrio’ or barangay. They drafted a petition and addressed it to Domingo Mercado, the then Municipal Mayor of Taytay, seeking permission to establish their own barangay. The request was approved, leading to the formation of a new barangay with Bartolome Adion as the first Barangay Captain.
During a subsequent Barangay meeting, Melquiades Pablico proposed to rename the place “New Agutaya,” reflecting the predominance of Agutaynens in the area. The proposal received unanimous support, marking the official birth of Barangay New Agutaya.
The story of New Agutaya took a turn on June 21, 1969, when the municipality of San Vicente was established. As part of the administrative rearrangement, New Agutaya, along with Binga and Alimanguan, were transferred from the jurisdiction of Taytay to the new municipality of San Vicente. This marked a significant moment in the history of New Agutaya, confirming its status as one of the key barangays of San Vicente.
Today, New Agutaya stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Agutaynens and their quest to carve out their own space in the wider landscape of Palawan. Its evolution from a modest sitio to a bustling barangay provides a unique narrative of cultural migration, community formation, and local governance in the Philippines.