Cabugao Ilocos Sur Philippines

Cabugao Etymology

In the beginning, the place was only a wilderness, a thick forest where peaceful nomadic tribesman roamed and hunted. For fish, which were also abundant, there was a river. On these occasional visits, the hunters noticed the fertile and flatlands that can be tilled and they decided to stay. They were the first settlers.

As to how the name of the town evolved, there are interesting legends transmitted through generations.

Some claimed that during the pre-hispanic regime, there were also numerous uncivilized warring tribes. KABU ANGAW, a man with a good sense of humor headed one such tribe. In an inter-tribal rivalry, Kabu Angaw suffered defeat forcing him and his remaining warriors to move southward until they reached the village where the friendly and hospitable nomads settled. Kabu Angaw’s natural carefree manners and ability to relate entertaining stories endeared him to the settlers especially the young. His fairness and righteousness earned him respect and esteem, eventually making him as the village chieftain. His leadership became legendary so much that his people were referred to as “ taga Kabu Angaw”. When he died, the villagers deeply mourned on such a great loss.

On the other hand, some assert that the village by the river was ruled by a certain AGGAO. When the Spaniards arrived, his subjects called him “Cabo Aggao” meant chief. Finding difficulty in pronouncing the headman’s name, the Spaniards contracted it to “ Cabugao” denoting not only the ruler but also the place he ruled.

As time passed, Kabu Angaw or Cabogao was transformed into CABUGAO.

Tourism

Salomague

The historic port of Salomague located in this barangay explains why it holds the distinction of being one of the few Ilocos barangays printed on international mariners’ map.

Port of Salomague was an ancient port of call of seafarers, merchants and traders from different Asian countries. During the American occupation, it served as a mooring place from boats that ferried across the Pacific where thousands of Ilocanos worked at sugar plantations in Hawaii and California. Now leased to a private corporation, It is the transshipment port of goods and products to Taiwan. It is also the unloading point of commercial fishing vessels.

The Salomague Island is used to have inhabitants until the owners choose to have it uninhabited. A 1109-hectare island, it can be reached in less than five (5) minutes ride through a banca.

A municipal ordinance has declared the waters around it a fish sanctuary area, thus making it more attractive to sports fishers and scuba divers who regularly visit it. Picnickers also frequent its eastern coast.

Springs and Waterfalls

The town is blessed with springs gushing of potable clear waterfalls that drain into the rivulets of tributaries of the Cabugao River.

Several springs notably Magarang, Roma, Kinalian, Baterina and Bacques have been tapped to provide potable water to the poblacion and to some eastern barangays.

A popular waterfall, Kimmandela – so named because even from a distance it resembles a candle (Kandela in Iloco) is a remarkable sight.

The springs or waterfalls can be reached through hiker-friendly mountain trails an hour or two settlements at the foot of the Ilocos Mountain Range.