HISTORY
Barangay Tinagacan’s history can be traced back in the 1880’s when a mass migration of Islamized Maguindanaons from Kutawato (Cotabato) arrived at Sugoda-sa-Buayan. This was due to an intense campaign by the Spanish government against a powerful Datu Otto and later against Datu Ali by the American Colonizers. This migration brought conflict with the native B’laans who stubbornly refused the calls of Islam. In nearby Lun Padido, Malapatan and lower Buayan, B’laans also fought preserve their tribal lands, but were eventually defeated by the Buayanons, some however managed to escape the hills and those who were unfortunately captured became slaves.
As clans grew in number, a need to establish new political territories was inevitable. Some Buayanons moved upwards along the Buayan and Tinagacan river.
Early known B’laan, Buayanon and Maguindanaon leaders whose descendants are still living in this barangay are the Baluntos, Masamloks, Balaguels, Bantaibs, Dambongs, Kudandings, Linogs, Mamalumpongs and Panayamans. Further interviews revealed the Tialang and Malayon clans, Manza and Duyang clans and many others who once worked as Don Amadeo Matute Ranch, a rancher fromDavaoCitywho, in 1903 expanded his grazing land and put up a cattle ranch inUpper Lantonup to Malandag. He built a big house (used as a garrison by the Japanese during the second world war in what is now part of Purok 3 and presently owned by the Remoroza family. The only mementos left on the house are the concrete foundations, which were put aside a cliff to give way to agriculture.
The highway going to Davao then, traversed from Sitio Amao, Barangay Buayan, passing through Sitio Kamasi, Barangay Ligaya, then to Purok Mos, Barangay Katangawan and proceeded to Purok 14, Barangay Tinagacan, Crossing Tinagacan River (just a few meters upward where Buayan and Tinagacan Rivers meet), then to Purok 3 and up to Barangay Batomelong which was once a sitio of Barangay Tinagacan, the same route used by the Japanese Imperial Army during the World War II.
The arrival of the Sakaderos fromNegros,CebuandBoholin 1927 to work in the ranch and pineapple plantation of Don Jose Olarte brought in the Acharons, Cahilsots, Damaso Tobias, and Patricio Moraga. The latter was converted to Islam and married a Muslim and became the father-in-law of Barangay Captain DAGADAS K. PANAYAMAN.
According to elder B’laan, barangay Tinagacan was then called B’luan a B’laan word for “a deep and wide lake” whileTinagacanRiverwas then called “Ye el B’luan.”
In early time, there was a heavy down pour that caused the flooding of the Buayan andTinagacanRiver. The great deluge lasted for many days causing great damage to the riverbanks. This explains the undulating terrain from Purok 4 down to Purok 3, while at the same time some portion of which became a lake. This lake was once found in a land presently owned by Mr. Marfin Tan and the Remoroza Family.
Whether it was a tradition then or not, the lake became a dumping ground for dead persons killed as a result of tribal conflict or wars as earlier mentioned. Hence the act of throwing dead bodies was termed in B’laans as “fat de bog” in visayan as “ginlabay sa linaw” or “tatok de sol” meaning “ginhulog sa buho” or “ gina-tagakan sang mga patay”. Later, as this story passed from one mouth to another the place was then called ‘TINAGAKAN”
On the other hand, “Tinagacan was coined from a Maguindanaoan word meaning “left with”. This was derived from their favorite parlor game wherein participants formed into a big circle. The game starts with the participants singing while one acts as the “taya” and runs around the circle. As the singing stops, the ‘taya’ drops the “tubaw” or headgear behind one of the participants. The ‘taya’ then joins the circle while the one who has the “tubaw” becomes the ‘taya’. The game goes on until the participants had actively involved.
The arrival of Gen. Paulino Santos together with the sixty-two (62) first batchers ushered the influx of migrants. Most parts of the city were declared as Homestead Settlement except Barangay Tinagacan due to the persistent opposition of Datu Acad Dalid. His purpose was to preserve the lands for the native muslims. This history, was however short-lived for the siren song development lured the landless people from Luzon and Visayas to come, and the moneyless B’laans and Muslims to forego their precious resources in the process.
It is not clear however, whom among the Christian settlers arrived first, but certainly they came in batches, like the Catolicos, Rodriguezes, Cachuelas, Vargazes, Pasuquins, Mayos and Binayan from Luzon and the de Veras, Villasencios, Celestials, Ramoses, Espallagars, Salanios, Amoguises, Nacises and Nicers from Visayas after the liberation.
Barangay Tinagacan was then a haven wild animals such as pigs, deer, monkeys and a paradise to many bird species like the extinct Kalaw. The present barangay poblacion (Purok 1, 2 & 3) however, has a second growth forest composed mostly of talongon (Dadiangas ) trees, which was earlier mentioned as a grazing land for cattle.
When Buayan District became a full pledge Municipality by virtue of R.A. # 82 dated January 1948, Tinagacan was then a sitio of Barangay Katangawan. Through the foresights and joint efforts of B’laan leaders. Muslim Datus and Christian settlers, it was separated from Barangay Katangawan by virtue of Municipal Resolution No. 79, dated September 7, 1957, in compliance with the letter of the Director of the Bureau of Census dated February 9, 1959. Today, the People of Barangay Tinagacan celebrate its founding anniversary every 7th of September.
The first Tenyente del Baryo was Datu Dumagkal Danial. Mr. Leon Reduta (a trusted ward on Don Matute, well known for his exploits in picking-up a coin from the soil while riding fast in a horseback) was the vice tenyente del baryo. The two were ably supported by: Kagawads Remegio Catolico, Federico Nacis, Dodong Nacis, Mr. Amoguis, and Felimon Salanio. Manuel Mayo was the secretary/treasurer. Together, they worked painstakingly for the establishment of primary education for their children.
Datu Dumagkal’s reign passed the litmus test of peaceful co-existence with the Lumads, Muslims and Christians. Contented with achievements, he passed on the reign of governance to Mr. Remegio Catolico, supported by Kagawads: Felimon Salanio, Federico Nacis, Manuel Mayo, Pedro Balunto, Abdullah Dumagkal and Dionade Linog, and Fred Cachuela as the appointed Secretary/treasurer. Despite to the scarce resources and awful road network, they were able to introduce the much needed development in the community like the accreditation of the elementary school, construction of barangay hall on the top of a hill, multi-purpose pavement where community activities are being held, and Public Market Building which still exist today, all this through Bayanihan system.
The barangay election in 1968 brought another set of officers provided a wider venue for muslim participation in governance. Mr. Moises Limco was then elected as barangay captain, while sitting as Kagawads were Lourdes Carmona, Toribio Carpina, Hussein Dambong, Momar Bentaib, Hussein Dagadaban, Federico Nacis and Victoriano Rodriguez as the secretary/treasurer. Through their efforts secondary school was established.
Meanwhile, the burgeoning economy has been deeply affected by the Ilaga and black shirt conflict. It resulted into mass evacuation of both Christians and Muslim from the barangay. It soon become ghost barangay until the deployment of a now defunct Philippine Constabulary and later on of a Philippine Army Detachment.
The barangay election in 1972 put to helm Mrs. Lourdes Carmona. Assisting her were kagawads Victoriano Rodriguez, PatricioMoraga. Felimon Salanio, David Aguirre, Federico Nacis and Herman Sarael. Mr. Democrito Salazar and Mrs. Cecelia Nueva were appointed Secretary and treasurer respectively. The long and tedious healing has began and resulted in the coming back of both and Christian and Muslim residents.
The series of leadership ushered more development to the community. Foremost of which is the construction of the irrigation dam at the Tinagacan river. Ironically, such facility benefited only the people living down stream including the neighboring barangays. The first deep well pump was also constructed during this period.
As the number one Barangay Kagawad, Mr. Victoriano Rodriguez succeeded the incumbent Barangay Chairperson when she met her untimely demise onMay 14, 1980. He served for two years.
In the 1982 barangay election, a Maguindanaon was elected as Punong Barangay in person of Dagadas K. Panayaman. The Kagawads were: Leopoldo Dacera Jr., Cecelia Nueva, Hashim Danial, Remegio Catolico, Ben Akmad and Moises Limco. Hamsa Kudanding and Edgar Catolito were appointed as secretary and treasurer respectively. They serve until 1988
During the May 1988 Barangay Election, Mr. Panayaman was re- elected as the Barangay Chairman, together with the set of Barangay Kagawads namely: Dangerie Aguirre, Rodrigo Carmona, Amado B. Danial, Haji Omar Abdullah, Abdillah D. Musa, Mirasol A. Duyang and Daisy Aguirre as the SK Chairperson. Appionted Secretary and Treasurer are Mr. Rogel O. Kadanding and Fernando Salanio, respectively.
Many development soon poured into the community such as concreting of barangay road network, deep well and many others, including the separation of Sitio Batomelong as it became a regular barangay.
In the 1994, Dagadas K. Panayaman was again re- elected and was ably supported by kagawads Lope Baguio, Cesar Bautista, Jose Salanio, Eddie Hassan, Roger C. Castor, Zaldy Oñas, Merlinda Jasmin and Jeoffrey Salanio as SK Chairman. Mr. Rogel Kudanding was again appointed as the Secretary and Treasurer.
In the 1997 barangay election there were no major changes in the officialdom except in the Kagawads. Proclaimed winners were Jose Salanio, Eddie Hassan, Romerico Sinoy, Abdillah D. Musa, Elias Payot, Winnie Nacis, Zaldy Oñas and Jennifer Andiam as the SK Chairperson. Mr. Rogel Kadanding and Maurito B. Roscios as the barangay Treasurer and Secretary respectively.
In the 2002 barangay election there were no major changes in the officialdom except in the kagawads: Proclaimed winners were Abdillah D. Musa, Eddie A. Hassan, Maurito B. Roscios, Mirasol A. Duyang, Amado B. Danial, Danilo B. Aguirre, Jose N. Salanio and Charlie Jones N. Carta as the Sk Chairman. Orminda Tumbaga- Sarabosquez and Fely M. Tizon as treasurer and secretary respectively. Due to the resignation of Fely M. Tizon sometime on March 2006 Ms. Riza R. Calidro was then appointed as Barangay Secretary.
It is worth mentioning that the series of leadership changes was focused only on the Kagawad while the chairmanship was retained by a single person, who is favorably accepted by the tri- people, due to his steadfastness and decisiveness in decision- making. He was also able to gain the support of whoever is the city mayor regardless of party affiliation.
In the 2007 barangay and SK elections, Abdillah D. Musa was elected as Barangay Captain, and supported by the kagawads: Cesar C. Bautista, Hamerin K. Panayaman, Francisco A. Rabaya, Abraham Nacis, Edna Macion, Zaldy Oñas, Romerico Sinoy and Irene C. Baguio as the SK Chairperson. Again Orminda Tumbaga- Sarabosquez and Riza R. Calidro was again appointed as treasurer and secretary respectively.
BARANGAY LAY-OUT and ACCESSIBILITY
Barangay Tinagacan is located in the northern part ofGeneralSantosCity, Barangay Tinagacan is bounded in the north by Brgy.Upper Labayand in the northeast by Brgy. Batomelong. In its southern part lies Brgy. Katangawan while covering the southwest portion is Brgy. Conel. Crisscrossing its eastern frontier is theBuayanRiverseparating the barangay from Brgy. Domolok, Alabel.
It is 13.5 km. away from the city proper, a mere 20-30 minutes ride from the city. Jeepneys are terminal based but because of its proximately to the highway, commuters have the option to ride in other vehicles bearing (Kanan) Apopong/Tinagacan, Malandag/ Malungon route or Banate/Digos route. Tricycles, habal-habal and taxis are also available especially at night. Residents who wish to go toDavaoCitymay just hail a passing bus and are therefore saved from the inconvenience of going to the city bus terminal.
LAND USE
Barangay Tinagacan has a total land area 2,359 hectares or around 4.4% of the total land area ofGeneralSantosCity. Its existing land use is classified as follows: Agricultural land planted with crops-2,010 hectares; farm trees 130 hectares or 89.9 %, residential 64 hectares or 2.7 % commercial 4 hectares or .2%, institutional 18 hectares or .76%, parks and recreation and especial use is 19 hectares or .79 %, vacant lands 135 hectares or 5.65 %. It is however clear if the vacant land represents the hills that landscaped the barangay.
TOPOGRAPHY
The soil composition is classified as clay loam, and mostly fine sandy loam. It is characterized by a “gently undulating terrain”, which constitutes around 5% of the entire land area and can be found from Purok 4 down to Purok 3. The northern portion of the barangay is dotted with hills.
DEMOGRAPHIC FEATURES
Population Distributed by Sex. Barangay Tinagacan has a total population of 6,139 consisting of 899 household. 52.37% are male, while 47.63% are female.
Population Distribution by Religious Affiliation. There are ten identified religious groups in the barangay and more than one half of the population are catholic comprising of 64% followed by the Muslims (19.4%). SDA’s comprise 5.6%, Iglesia Ni Cristo 3%, While there are few who belong to Baptist, Pentecost, Evangelical, UCCP Jehovah’s Witness and Aglipay.
Population Distribution by Ethnic Group. The main residents are tribes coming from Aklan andCebu, The Maguindanaoans of Cotabato is also as major group. The Boholanos and B’laans are also significant groups in the barangay. Bicolanos, Ilocanos, Warays, Mandayas and smaller tribes like the tausugs, maranaos tsabacanos, caulos, sangils, Ilonggos, tagalogs, and manobos are also found in the barangay.
HEALTH
Hospitals/Health Centers: The Barangay has 1 Health Center and 1 Lying In Clinic located at Purok 15,Tinagacan General Santos City.
Water and Sanitation. Majority of the population is dependent on water pumps.
Solid Waste Management. Composting is the major practice of the Barangay residents.
EDUCATION
Literacy. Of the youth population:
- 57.12% are in School
- 30.78% are out of school
- 12.10% did not have opportunity to go to school
INFRASTRUCTURE
House Classification. The houses in the barangay have been classified according to the materials used. 70% are made of concrete, 14% are semi concrete, and 16% are made of light materials.
Electricity. Through electricity has reached the barangay, Almost 85% have availed of this service. The remaining 15% particularly those residing on the outskirts, have no access to electricity.
AGRICULTURE
Farming System. Most, farmers favor the use of farm machineries because of greater output in comparison to the traditional method of using the carabao but even though, farmers still rely on the carabao mostly for land preparation using the carabao entails more time and effort but farmers just have to contend themselves with that especially those who cannot afford the high rental rate of such machineries.
Marketing System: Corn, Coconut, rice, sugarcane, and sorghum are sold either to local traders or cooperative. Some of these product are reserved are the farmers consumption. However, some buyers stock these products and wisely wait for an increase in price before they sell the crops top the traders. These are in turn delivered toGeneralSantosCity andDavao for delivery to other parts of the country.
Income Sources: The participants identified several sources of income. Farming ranked first constituting 37%.Labor,(which includes labada, planting, and harvesting or farm labor) constitute 9%.Several residents engage in business like buy & sell, sari-sari store, etc. While other use their skills in driving to earn a living .Employment, both government and private constitute 13%.Health workers include the barangay health workers, midwives, and nurses. Other occupations like driving livestock raising, and weaving are also good sources of income of the residents.
INTERNAL REVENUE ALLOTMENT. The internal Revenue allotment as of January 2011 is P 2,239,678.00
VISION
Barangay Tinagacan is a globally competitive and livable barangay, healthy, friendly, well educated and responsible citizens where actively participate in effective governance.
MISSION
To provide opportunities to all sectors of society to be productive and participative stakeholder through collaborative networking and convergence of responsive and beneficial program.
PEACE AND ORDER
Barangay Tinagacan is known as a peaceful barangay in the City ofGeneral Santos. The Barangay Officials find ways on how to maintain Peace and Order like conducting ronda and foot patrol , by the barangay tanods and PNP personnel during night time. The presence of Police Precinct No. 08 is of great help in maintaining peace and order of the Barangay. Having so many tribes, religion, beliefs is not a problem in peace and order otherwise people of Barangay Tinagacan believes in “Strengthening Cultural Heritage for Building a Better Tomorrow”
BARANGAY OFFICIALS
Punong Barangay: Jeoffrey A. Salanio
Barangay Kagawad:
- Ian M. Panayaman
John Michael N. Palcuto
Ronnex G. Malang
Roquito L. Malunes Jr.
Rosalie S. Francisco
Ombra P. Mamalumpong
Azis M. Panayaman
SK Chairperson: Josette Alecsandra Alim
BARANGAY ACTIVITIES
| Address | Activity | Date |
| Barangay | Foundation Anniversary | Sept.20 |
| Barangay | Patronal Fiesta/ San Miguel | September |
| Purok 3 New Paradise | Purok Anniversary | Dec. 4-5 |
| Purok 4 Abtois | Purok Anniversary | Jan 19-20 |
| Purok 5 Sansapan | Purok Anniversary | Nov.28-29 |
| Purok 6 Taliwara | Purok Anniversary | Aug. 27-28 |
| Purok 7 Daan Banwang | Purok Anniversary | Sept. 6-7 |
| Purok 8 Almatak | Purok Anniversary | April 17-18 |
| Cabuling | Patronal Fiesta/Mother of Perpetual help | June |
