Barangay New Agutaya, nestled in the municipality of San Vicente, Palawan, is a captivating region in the Philippines with a rich and colorful history. Originally known as “Nasalugan”, the name was derived from the Cuyunon word “saleg”, signifying “floor”. The barangay started as a sitio, a smaller territorial enclave, of Barangay Alimanguan and was then considered the southernmost part of the Municipality of Taytay.
The early pioneers of this area were Mr. Bartolome Adion, his family, and his brother-in-law, Mr. Jose Favillaran. They became the cornerstones of the community, establishing the roots that eventually blossomed into the vibrant Barangay New Agutaya.
The passage of time brought significant changes to this nascent community. A major shift occurred when settlers from the municipality of Old Agutaya began to arrive in groups. These settlers, known as Agutaynens, gradually became the predominant residents of this sitio, infusing their unique culture and tradition into the local landscape.
With the Agutaynens’ majority and a shared vision of self-governance, they petitioned for the creation of their own barrio, a Philippine term for a village or district. The appeal was sent to the Municipal Mayor of Taytay, Domingo Mercado, who approved their request. Following this successful petition, Mr. Bartolome Adion stepped into his role as the first Barangay Captain, offering leadership and guidance to the burgeoning barrio.
The area eventually underwent a significant rebranding. During a Barangay meeting, Melquiades Pablico proposed renaming the place “New Agutaya” to honor the majority of its inhabitants’ roots from the municipality of Agutaya. The proposal was unanimously accepted, marking a new era for this vibrant community.
On June 21, 1969, when the municipality of San Vicente was officially established, New Agutaya was included as one of its barangays, alongside Binga and Alimanguan. These three barangays were willingly transferred from the municipality of Taytay, paving the way for the establishment of San Vicente.
Thus, New Agutaya stands as a testament to the power of community, cultural heritage, and self-determination. Its rich history paints a picture of unity and transformation, from a small sitio to a proud barangay, contributing significantly to the cultural tapestry of the municipality of San Vicente in Palawan.