Alimanguan
Alimanguan, located in the San Vicente municipality of Palawan, is a unique barangay with a rich history. The name “Alimanguan” is derived from the local term “alimango,” referring to a specific species of crab. These crustaceans found their habitat in the “katunggan” or “bakawan”, two terms that are used to describe mangrove forests in the region. Folklore has it that the area was known for an abundant population of these crabs, which could often be seen crawling around the streets. This extraordinary sight became so integral to the place’s identity that the first settlers, four Tagbanua families (the Rodriguez, Martinez, Talibod, and Francisco families), named the area after these crabs.
Before it was known as Alimanguan, the area was originally called “Aduas” and was part of the municipality of Taytay. In 1931, the Barangay was renamed Alimanguan, but it wasn’t until after World War II, in 1945, that it became an official Barangay. The first Teniente del barrio (a term akin to a village chief or headman) was Mison Gapilango, succeeded by Marciano Gabin in 1946, followed by Guillermo Estrada, Josefina Collado, and Floresto Abrina.
A pivotal moment in Alimanguan’s history came in 1972 when San Vicente became a separate municipality within the province of Palawan. At this time, Alimanguan was transferred from its “mother municipality” Taytay, becoming part of the newly-formed San Vicente. This move marked Alimanguan’s official recognition as a key constituent of San Vicente, reinforcing its distinct cultural and historical identity within the larger provincial framework.