History of the Barangay
The name Barangay Magatas was derived from the word “gatason” because the water seen in the stream was milky in color. According to stories passed down, the cause of this was the kinds of trees that used to grow in the mountains of Magatas.
Magatas officially became a barangay in 1938.
Before becoming a barangay, Magatas was a sitio of Barangay Atuyan. Through the efforts of Cecilio Dullano, Juan Toyhacao, Maximo Palen, Lucia Anora, Cornelio Silot, Juan Lebios, Elino Lebios, Isyong Lebios, and Marcelo Lebios, Sitio Magatas became an independent barangay known as Barangay Magatas. The first Punong Barangay (formerly called Teniente del Barrio) was Mr. Cecilio Dullano.
(Old Magatas)
It is one of the barangays located at the foot of a mountain range.
Boundaries of Old Magatas:
- North: Libas
- East: Catmon
- South: Guinsaugon
- West: Hinabian
MAHIKA RELOCATION SITE
After the landslide in Guinsaugon on February 17, 2006, Barangay Magatas was declared one of the barangays unsafe for settlement. The affected barangay was relocated to Red Cross Village, where three barangays are situated: Magatas, Hinabian, and Kauswagan. This village is located between Barangay Catmon and Lower Bantawon. It is approximately 9.977 kilometers from the town of Saint Bernard. The relocation area covers a total land area of 4.5 hectares.
Present Location of Magatas
Barangay Magatas is far from the town proper because it is located in the mountains between Barangay Lower Bantawon and Barangay Catmon.
Current boundaries:
- North: Lower Bantawon
- East: Himos-onan
- South: Barangay Catmon
- West: Lawigan River
The barangay can be reached in about 30 minutes by road from the town proper.
Population : 88 (Source): Philippine Statistics Authority 2020 Census of Population