History of Barangay Hinabian

Barangay Hinabian is one of the 30 barangays that make up the Municipality of Saint Bernard in Southern Leyte. In the 2020 census, it had a population of 99 people, making it one of the smaller barangays in the town. The Municipality of Saint Bernard used to be a larger community under the old town of Cabalian (now San Juan). Residents of the area wanted to govern themselves and petitioned authorities for independence. Because of these petitions, on December 9, 1954, then-President Ramon Magsaysay signed Executive Order No. 84, which officially created the Municipality of Saint Bernard out of many barrios (barangays) that were part of Cabalian—including the area where Hinabian is located.

While there aren’t detailed historical records about how Hinabian got its specific name, many barangays in the region were named after geographic features, local stories, or early families in the area. Hinabian likely followed this pattern, being a small mountain or upland community in Saint Bernard.

In 2006, Saint Bernard experienced a major natural disaster—the Southern Leyte mudslide—which buried many areas around the municipality. Because of this, nearby barangays including Hinabian were considered landslide-prone areas and safety measures were discussed to protect residents from similar hazards. Barangay Hinabian is the smallest political unit in the local government system. It is headed by Punong Barangay Nestor L. Palco and supported by a Sangguniang Barangay (Council) who work to serve the community and address local needs. After the official creation of Saint Bernard on December 9, 1954 through Executive Order No. 84 signed by President Ramon Magsaysay, Barangay Hinabian became part of the newly formed municipality.

In its early years, Hinabian was a small rural community. Most residents depended on:

• Farming (coconut, root crops, vegetables)
• Copra production
• Small livestock raising

Because of its upland location, transportation before was difficult. Residents used trails and rough roads to travel to the town proper. Over time, road improvements helped connect the barangay to the center of Saint Bernard.

Saint Bernard became widely known due to the 2006 landslide tragedy in Barangay Guinsaugon. Although Hinabian was not the main site of the disaster, the event greatly affected the whole municipality. After this tragedy:

• The local government strengthened disaster preparedness programs.
• Barangays, including Hinabian, improved evacuation plans.
• Residents became more aware of environmental protection and safety measures.

Today, Barangay Hinabian remains a peaceful and small community. It continues to focus on:

• Agriculture livelihood
• Community cooperation (bayanihan spirit)

The barangay is led by Punong Barangay Hon. Nestor L. Palco and the Sangguniang Barangay, working together with the Municipal Government of Saint Bernard to improve services and development.

Barangay Hinabian is a rural agricultural community with a simple yet meaningful history rooted in the formation of the Municipality of Saint Bernard in 1954. Through resilience, cooperation, and strong community values, the people of Hinabian continue to work toward progress and sustainable development while preserving their traditions and unity.

Population: 512 (Source): BHW survey March 2026