Alimanguan is a barangay, or small administrative division, located in San Vicente, Palawan, in the Philippines. Its name is derived from the term “alimango”, a native word denoting a species of crab abundant in the area’s “katunggan” or “bakawan” (mangrove forests). This name was adopted in recognition of the prominent presence of these crabs, which were said to be so numerous that they could be seen crawling on the streets.
The first settlers in Alimanguan were from the Tagbanua ethnic group and consisted of four families: the Rodriguez, Martinez, Talibod, and Francisco families. These settlers initially named the place “Aduas”. Alimanguan was part of the municipality of Taytay until 1931 when it was renamed and became an official barangay, after World War II, in 1945. Mison Gapilango served as the first Teniente del barrio (barrio lieutenant, a local leader or chief), succeeded by Marciano Gabin in 1946. Subsequent leaders included Guillermo Estrada, Josefina Collado, and Floresto Abrina.
Alimanguan became part of the municipality of San Vicente in 1972, when San Vicente became a separate municipality within the province of Palawan. At this point, Alimanguan was ceded from its “mother municipality” Taytay and joined the newly formed San Vicente.
Alimanguan’s history reflects the cultural and administrative shifts in the area over time, with its original inhabitants, name changes, and administrative reassignments marking significant milestones in its evolution. This locality continues to be shaped by its rich biological diversity, as represented by the alimango crabs, and the indigenous culture, such as that of the Tagbanua people.