History

City of Bayawan, located in the southwestern part of Negros Oriental, Philippines, has a rich and complex history spanning centuries, marked by its origins as a settlement, changes in its name and administrative status, and significant events that shaped its identity.

Early History and Establishment (18th-19th Centuries)

The Spanish friars first established a settlement in the area now known as Bayawan in 1751. One hundred sixteen years later, by 1868, the settlement was known as Tolong Nuevo and was part of Tolong Viejo (which is now the Municipality of Santa Catalina). Tolong Nuevo was formally organized as a pueblo, or town, in 1872.

During the Spanish rule, the town center was previously located in an uphill settlement called 'Omod', now Barangay Maninihon. A chapel was built there to serve the religious needs of the new converts. The people of Bayawan were deeply devoted to Catholicism, which contributed to a relatively peaceful administration.

Origin of the Name "Bayawan"

The name "Tolong Nuevo" was changed to "Bayawan" in 1953, by virtue of Republic Act 694, which was approved by the 3rd Congress of the Philippines. This act consigned the name "Tolong" to obscurity.

The name change is linked to a tragic local tale involving a "Bukidnon," a native of Bayawan, and a priest. One Sunday morning, during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, an enraged "Bukidnon" burst into the assembly. In the act of consecration, while the priest was elevating the Holy Host, the "Bukidnon" threw a lance at him, killing him instantly. The "Bukidnon" engaged in a ritual called "Mag-ahat-a," a practice involving killing to avenge the death of a fellow tribesman and appease the spirit of the deceased. This tragic event left a lasting mark on the local people. Thus, the name "Bayawan" was derived from the Visayan term "Bayaw," meaning "to hoist" or "elevate," referring to the priest's action at the moment of his death.

There is also another local tradition that suggests the name "Bayawan" is rooted in the belief that the area was once submerged underwater and later transformed into a fertile, productive land where crops could be grown abundantly.

Early Leadership and Administration

The earliest known leaders of Bayawan (then Tolong Nuevo) were "Presidente Municipals" during the American and late Spanish colonial periods. These included Rufino Napigkit (1902–1903), Valeriano Mortillero (1904), Estanislao Dumat–ol (1904, and the first Presidente Municipal of Tolong Nuevo), Martino Torreda Sr. (1916), Antero Maputy (1916–1918), Felix Moncal (1918–1920), and Marcelo Lumayag (1921–1931).

The first Municipal Mayor was Lorenzo Villareal, who served from 1932–1936 and again from 1941–1944. Other Municipal Mayors during this pre-cityhood period included Severino Martinez (1937–1940), acting mayors Eusebio Cornelia (June 4, 1945 – July 13, 1946) and Telesforo Belloso (July 14, 1946 – Feb. 24, 1947), Telesforo Gargantiel (Feb. 25, 1947 – 1952), Honorio Bollos, Sr. (1953 – 1956), Telesforo A. Diao (1956 – 1963), Felipe T. Teologio (1963 – 1968), Felix Gaudiel Jr. (1968–1971, 1971–1976, 1977–1983), Raul Martinez (Aug. 3, 1983 – July 2, 1986, 1988–1992), Serafin Albito (1986–1987), and Ernesto T. Tijing (Dec. 1987 – May 1988, 1992–2000).

Felix Gaudiel Jr.'s leadership saw the creation of the Bayawan Water District in 1982. During Telesforo Gargantiel’s term, Republic Act 101 separated Bayawan and Santa Catalina, and the municipal council approved the opening of a high school in 1946.

Journey to Cityhood

Bayawan's conversion into a component city was a significant undertaking, initiated by then-Vice Mayor German P. Saraña Jr.. In 1998, it was found that Bayawan met two of the three initial requirements for cityhood (income and land area), as stipulated by Section 450 of Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991). Its average annual regular income for 1996-1997, totaling PHP 27,229,752.62, exceeded the minimum requirement of PHP 20,000,000.

A resolution was passed to the Provincial Council for comment, which gave a favorable recommendation. Extensive documentation was prepared, including certifications from the Department of Finance for income, the National Statistics Office for population, and the Land Management Bureau for land area and availability of public lands for government facilities (city hall, market, plaza, schools, cemetery). Certifications regarding water supply from the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) or Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), and sewerage/waste disposal plans from the Local Engineer were also submitted.

House Bill 7004, converting the Municipality of Bayawan into a component city, was drafted and sponsored by Congressman Herminio G. Teves. After passing its third reading, a public hearing was held on June 27, 1999, with overwhelming support from various sectors, including local officials, residents, and national figures like Senator Franklin Drilon.

The process faced uncertainties due to national political turmoil, such as the "Jueting Scandal" involving then-President Joseph Ejercito Estrada. Despite these challenges, on December 5, 2000, Mayor Ernesto T. Tijing witnessed President Estrada sign the city charter. The plebiscite for cityhood was set for December 23, 2000, by COMELEC. With only two weeks to prepare, the Local Government Unit launched a campaign, utilizing radio, cable television, and banners to encourage a "Vote Yes for Cityhood". The plebiscite was successfully staged on December 23, 2000. On December 30, 2000, during the 104th Commemoration of Jose Rizal's Martyrdom, the incumbent municipal officials were sworn into office as City of Bayawan Officials by Judge Rogaciano Rivera.

Ernesto T. Tijing's terms (1987-1988, 1992-2000) culminated in Bayawan's conversion into a city. He authorized an agreement for an Inter Local Health Zone in 1999, focusing on public health. German P. Saraña Jr. became the first City Mayor, serving two non-consecutive terms (2001–June 30, 2010, and July 1, 2013 – September 27, 2014). His administration focused on infrastructure development, education, water services, and environmental management, including the establishment of the City of Bayawan Waste Management and Ecology Center. He also emphasized disaster preparedness. Other City Mayors include Rene G. Gaudiel (2010 – June 30, 2013), Ismael P. Martinez (September 2014 – July 31, 2016), Pryde Henry A. Teves (July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2022), and the current mayor, Hon. John T. Raymond Jr. (July 1, 2022 – present). Pryde Henry A. Teves's term saw the construction of a new city hall, a 120-bed hospital, and promotion of agricultural development and agrotourism.

Post-Cityhood Development

After achieving cityhood, Bayawan looked forward to economic growth and modernization. Communication systems like PLDT, Cruz Telephone Company, Smart Cell Phone, and the internet provided access to global connectivity. The installation of cable television sub-stations and DYSJ-FM radio kept Bayawan abreast of national and international news. Bayawan aims to become a bustling metropolis and a business hub in the south.

Economy and Agriculture

Prior to cityhood, Bayawan was a first-class municipality. Its major economic activity has always been agriculture, with farming, fishing, and trading as primary occupations. Small-scale industrial activities include lime mining, rice and corn milling, lumber processing (saw mills), and small metal works. The city is known as the "Agricultural Capital of Negros Oriental" and the "Rice Granary of the South". It produces rice, corn, coconut, sugarcane, bananas, cassava, and root crops. Cattle farming, copra processing, and fisheries are also major livelihoods.

Significant Historical Events and Impacts

• Spanish Occupation (1751-1898): Bayawan's settlement was established in 1751. During this period, the people were largely Christianized. In 1898, Filipino insurgents from Negros Occidental invaded the town and arrested Don Telesfero Billoso, the only Spaniard residing in Bayawan at the time, parading him around town. The original Catholic Church, built with poor materials, disappeared over time. A larger, more imposing church with a convent was built in Basay by the first Catholic priest; its posts serve as historical symbols.
• American Occupation (1899-1941): American soldiers arrived in 1899 to maintain peace and order, facing no major resistance. The people adopted new ways of dressing, farming, and eating, and children were sent to school. Superstitious beliefs diminished, and living standards generally improved.
• Japanese Occupation and World War II (1941-1945): In June 1942, Japanese soldiers occupied Bayawan, causing residents to flee to the mountains. Major atrocities were avoided due to the intervention of a Japanese merchant named Jusi, who was later killed by the local "Bolo Battalion". Bayawan became the headquarters of the Negros Island Guerrilla Command during the war. Guerrilla fighters burned down houses in the town to hinder Japanese occupation. Between 1941 and 1943, Bayawan suffered significant destruction, including many residential buildings and livestock. Japanese forces conducted deadly operations in Malabugas and other areas, leading to the deaths of around 100 residents, including young and elderly individuals. In Bañga, many perished from diseases rather than combat. Omod became an evacuation site for guerrillas and civilians and was not reached by the enemy. Pagatban served as headquarters for different guerrilla units under Col. Salvador Abcede and housed the Medical Corps and Signal Corps. Sitio Bungalonan in Basay was a landing site for submarines carrying ammunition for Filipino soldiers.
• Post-War Rehabilitation: After World War II, the local government surveyed damages and received financial aid from the United States for reconstruction. Residential houses, roads, bridges, and school buildings were rebuilt. The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) often led efforts to rebuild schools.

• Omod (now Brgy. Maninihon): Was the original town center where the priest's tragic killing occurred. It became a barrio in 1947, having previously been a sitio of Maninihon.
• Malabugas: Was initially a sitio of Bayawan when it was part of Tolong. It became an official barrio in 1902. Many original settlers were migrants from Tigbawan, Iloilo. The Japanese army massacred about 100 residents during WWII.
• Bañga: Was a sitio of Malabugas until 1920 when it was declared an independent barrio. Its name comes from the abundance of "bañga" trees (similar to betel nut trees). It served as a resistance headquarters during WWII.
• Nangka: Officially established in 1900, named after the "nangka" (jackfruit) tree. Its school was destroyed and some houses burned by Japanese forces during WWII.
• Pagatban: Named after "bolo" plants ("bagat" in Visayan), officially declared a barrio in 1949, previously a sitio of Malabugas. It served as headquarters for various guerrilla units during WWII.
• Tinago: Before 1956, it was a depressed area, but its population grew due to people settling near the coast for health reasons (malaria was rampant) and for fishing. Its name, meaning "hidden or to hide," came from Mr. Rosaleo Tumlad's hidden cockfighting derbies.
• Suba: Once the center of business activities in the town, serving as a timber exporter hub and docking area for commercial boats from Iloilo. Its name comes from the Visayan word for "river".