Barangay New Agutaya is a place imbued with rich historical roots and community bonds, found in the municipality of San Vicente, Palawan. Its beginnings can be traced back to a time when it was known as “Nasalugan,” a Cuyunon term which translates to “floor.” Initially, Nasalugan was a sitio of Barangay Alimanguan, located within the southernmost bounds of the Municipality of Taytay.
The establishment of the settlement was largely due to the pioneering efforts of Mr. Bartolome Adion and his family, including his brother-in-law Mr. Jose Favillaran, who were the first inhabitants of the locale.
As time passed, an influx of people from the municipality of Old Agutaya, predominantly Agutaynens, relocated to the sitio, causing a significant demographic shift. Seeing their population growth and wishing to create a sense of belonging, they drafted a petition letter to establish their own barrio, which they submitted to the Municipal Mayor of Taytay, Domingo Mercado. Their appeal was granted, and Mr. Bartolome Adion earned the distinction of becoming the first Barangay Captain of the nascent community.
A pivotal moment in the community’s history was a Barangay meeting where Melquiades Pablico proposed that the place be renamed “New Agutaya.” The suggestion was based on the fact that the majority of the residents were Agutaynos from the municipality of Agutaya. This recommendation was unanimously agreed upon, and thus, the name “New Agutaya” became the accepted moniker of the locale.
Another significant event was the creation of the municipality of San Vicente on June 21, 1969, where New Agutaya, alongside Barangay Binga and Alimanguan, were transitioned from the municipality of Taytay to San Vicente.
Thus, Barangay New Agutaya is a testament to the evolution of community identities and their powerful influence in shaping local history and culture. It embodies the idea that names carry the narrative of a people, and in this case, serves as a beacon of the Agutaynen spirit in the region of Palawan.