PROFILE OF BARANGAY BANTAWON

Barangay Bantawon was established in 1940 during the Japanese war period. It was first called Ilag because only a few people lived there at that time. There were only five houses, and as the population grew, a second barangay was formed. It was officially named Barangay Bantawon in 1965, and the barangay captain during that time was Vicente Ignacio, who did not receive any salary.

During the period of Martial Law in 1982, residents were evacuated and scattered to different places, with many relocating to Catmon. When peace was restored, a third barangay was formed, which is the present relocated site established in 1993, with Roberto Sibay serving as barangay captain. On September 9, 1997, Quirino Manlao Jr. became the barangay captain.

Despite many challenges faced by the barangay, the residents remained strong and thankful to God for giving them strength, unity, and active participation in barangay activities. In 1999, the Mamanwa people arrived in the barangay. During the rainy season, residents often could not travel due to flooding; however, despite hardships, they continued striving to improve their lives. The main livelihoods include rice farming and coconut production. The Mamanwa people often work as laborers, gather rattan to make baskets, and the women weave mats.

The community hopes for continued development and improvement, as well as additional projects for the barangay. The residents also strive to accomplish projects during their three-year terms.

Barangay Bantawon is a barangay under the Municipality of Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte. The name Bantawon was derived from two words: Bantayanan and taw-nanan, because people would gather and watch for possible disturbances in the area. In 1947, the barrio Bantawon was established under the leadership of Brgy. Captain Vecitt Ignacio. In 1970, Brgy. Bantawon was relocated to Sitio Sabang, located between two rivers that both flow toward the Lawigan River. The main livelihoods included copra production, abaca farming, vegetable cultivation, root crops, and there were also many large trees in the Tito area.

In 1979, conflict occurred in the barangay, causing residents to evacuate to different places. The officials, led by Brgy. Captain Roberto Sibay, decided to relocate Barangay Bantawon to Kanangkaan, under Brgy. Catmon, in 1994. In 1997, during the term of Brgy. Captain Roberto Sibay, members of the Mamanua tribe settled in the area. From 1997 to 2009, their population grew to about 30 households, nearly half of the population compared to the non-Mamanua residents. Their livelihood included gathering rattan, and they were provided houses donated by Koreans. In 2002, leadership was under Brgy. Captain Quirico Manlao Jr., and in 2007 under Brgy. Captain Anita S. Asis.

Today, Barangay Bantawon already has a school, good roads, a Day Care Center, a basketball court, and residents living peacefully with hopes for continued progress.

First Residents of Barangay Bantawon

• Ambrocio Sibay Family
• Quirico Manlao Family
• Eracleo Magallanes
• Relacio Japson Family
• Vicente Ignacio Family

Barangay Leaders of Barangay Bantawon

Pastor Asis Family

• Vicente Ignacio
• Moises Sibunga
• Roberto Asis
• Roberto Sibay — 1996–1998
• Quirco Manlao — 1998–2007
• Anita Asis — 2007–2010
• Rolando Sibay — 2010

Population : 238 (Source): 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System, Philippine Statistics Authority