Profile of the Barangay Malibago
Hundreds of years have passed, and long ago a place was born, surrounded by sandy shores, farmlands, and forests. It is a place located by the sea where you can feel the fresh southwest wind, especially during noontime and in the evening. Fishing has been the primary livelihood of the residents. Most of the people inherited from their ancestors the values of cooperation, compassion for others, and deep faith in God.
In the early 1900s, the first settlers who discovered this place in search of livelihood were from Camotes, Cebu. These included families known by the surnames Alfaro, Jayma, and Ramada.
In the past, the Malibago trees were commonly seen growing along the roads. Some of these trees were cut for house repairs and other uses. Because of this, the place was named Malibago.
Malibago was formerly united with the barrio of Himatagon, under the municipality of Cabalian in the province of Southern Leyte, during the time of Mayor Felomino Co Garrido. All activities then were under the authority and direction of the officials of Himatagon.
As time passed, Himatagon became a municipality through the effort of Governor Bernardo Torres on December 9, 1954, now known as Saint Bernard, derived from his name Bernardo. The first appointed mayor was Graciano Capili. At this time, Malibago became a barrio. The first appointed barrio leader was Bartolome Wales. There were no elections yet for barrio officials; they were appointed based on the agreement of the people with the approval of the municipal mayor.
Later, Baltazar Ramada became Teniente del Barrio, and leadership rotated yearly based on agreement within the barrio. He was followed by Antonio Lanugon and Antonio Brua. In 1971, during Martial Law, the Barrio Captain was Apolonio Jayma. During this period, the people lived under fear and uncertainty because of Martial Law. Sometimes the captain avoided public visibility and did not hold regular office hours. Porferio Cartagina served as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and experienced the hardships of dealing with the military regiment.
After Martial Law, Barangay Malibago gradually progressed with renewed freedom. Tomas Jayma, together with cooperative residents, built a chapel (Balay Alampo-anan), and it was agreed that the patron saint would be Our Lady of Perpetual Help, whose feast is celebrated every June 27.
The next barangay leaders were Eduvegis Alfaro and then Rodulfo Marte. Regular barangay elections were later held every three years. The leaders included Paulino Villamor, Cayetano Alfaro, Victor Ramada, and at present, the Barangay Captain is Rosila Legaspi.
The barangay covers about 900 square meters (as stated), with a population of around 1,270 and approximately 700 registered voters. Within Malibago’s area stands Saint Bernard Central School. We remember teachers such as Simplicio Balud, Sigundino Marte, Estrella Saavedra, Teofilo Acre, and others. In 1966, during the time of the Canadian Fathers, Cristo Rey Regional High School, the town church, and the convent were established. Additional facilities include a kindergarten, Saint Isidore Medical Clinic, a dormitory, and concrete walls surrounding the quiet resting place—the cemetery.
Out of kindness and concern for the future of the barangay and its people, the land where the high school and its plaza stand was donated by Lucresio Ramada, Aniano Jayma, Rafael Alfaro, and others.
During the Second World War, some native residents fought to defend their beloved Filipino nation and became heroes. They were Fidel Cortez, Fidel Marte, Ceriaco Jayma, Francisco Ramada, Apolonio Jayma, and Lucresio Ramada—the only living veteran hero at that time.
This is the brief history of Barangay Malibago, a progressive Christian community.
Population : 1,557 (Source): Philippine Statistics Authority 2020 Census of Population