Gabaldon Nueva Ecija Philippines

Brief History of Gabaldon

During the1800 ’s, the place was thickly forested inhabited by wild animals. Foreigners and nature lovers frequented the place up to the 1900’s with Dumagats as guides. This writer’s late father used to hunt in the mid 1900’s. later, because of its scenic Sierra Madre and fertile lands, wealthy people came for ventures. They tried to convert the thickly cogonal lowland areas into fruit tree plantation. It was during the Spanish era when a wealthy man was known to be the owner of the place. Strangers and businessmen sought his permission to till the land. His name was SABANI, the reason why the place was once named SABANI. He left when the Americans came.

On May 10, 1920, the national Government took over the administration, thus, sabani Estate Development Company was born. It improved and develop the place primarily for rice production. Later, a certain company came to lease. The group was composed of J. Tomacruz, A. Vasquez, J. Alejandro, F. Busuega and G. Velarde. The lease lasted until 1935.

Sabani Estate became progressive and many settlers came to stay permanently. On June 12, 1950, by virtue of R.A. 496, Sabani Estate was separated from its mother town. Laur adopted the name of the leading barrio, Bitulok, and became an independent municipality. In the year 1952, by virtue of R.A. 956, the name Bitulok was changed to Sabani (minus estate). Sometime later, Sabani was changed to Gabaldon by virtue of R.A. 1318 in honor of the late Don Isauro Gabaldon, who was once a governor of Nueva Ecija and one time commisioner to Washington, D.C.