Alimanguan
The name Alimanguan stems from the native term “alimango”, referring to a specific species of crabs found in mangroves known locally as “katunggan” or “bakawan”. The region was once teeming with these crabs, even appearing in the streets, leading the earliest settlers to adopt the name.
The initial settlers of Alimanguan were four families belonging to the Tagbanua, an indigenous group in the Palawan region. These families, namely Rodriguez, Martinez, Talibod, and Francisco, are noted to have established the community.
Alimanguan was initially called “Aduas” and was originally a part of Taytay municipality. Significant changes occurred in 1931 when it was renamed Alimanguan, and it later became an official barangay after World War II, in 1945. During these formative years, the leadership passed from Mison Gapilango, the first Teniente del barrio (village chief), to Marciano Gabin in 1946, followed by Guillermo Estrada, Josefina Collado, and Floresto Abrina.
In 1972, a major administrative change took place. San Vicente became a separate municipality within the province of Palawan, and Alimanguan was ceded by Taytay, its mother municipality, to become part of San Vicente. This shift solidified Alimanguan’s place within the newly defined boundaries of San Vicente. The article thus presents a narrative of Alimanguan’s evolution, tracing its journey from a simple settlement rich in crab species, through various changes in governance and administrative divisions, to its current status as a barangay in the municipality of San Vicente.