Talugtug, Nueva Ecija Philippines

Brief History of Talugtug

The Municipality of Talugtug got its name from its location. It means "top". Their used to be a Balete tree on a hill top near Cuyapo-Muñoz trail. Under this Balete tree, travelers and good shepherd in the good old days used to rest, enjoying the cool moon breeze and the beautiful view of the surrounding areas. Eventually, the people referred to the place as "Talugtug-Balete" which later on became a barrio of the Muncipality of Cuyapo in 1917. Its first barrio lieutenant was the last councilor Simeon Ramos.

The Municipality of Cuyapo administration built the first school house which was later on neglected. The municipal officials of Guimba took over and a portion of the "Talugtug-Balete" was named "San Isidro" which became a barrio of Guimba. Crisanto Baldovino, Bernardo Umipig, Perfecto Urbano and Esteban Baldovino were its outstanding "Teninetes del Barrio". For Talugtug-Balete", the outstanding "Teniente del Barrio" were Mariano Mendoza, Pablo Dacayo, Andres Dumandan and Severino Cachuela. In 1946, after liberation, because the inhabitants of the surrounding barrios were gathered the first time in Talugtug, the barrio leaders, at the insistence of Mr. Romualdo Estillore, seriously considered the creation of the municipality. A meeting of the people was held on Nov. 3, 1946 and a committee to negotiate for the creation of the proposed municipality was organized. Mr. Romualdo Estillore was chosen Chairman and Messrs. Aniceto Feliciano, Simeon Ramos and Fermin Ancheta, Vice-Chairman, Auditor, Secretary and Treasurer respectively. The move was pushed in the real earnest. It was an all out struggle. People generously contributed for expenses. If the proposed municipality be created and organized, there would be no further evaluation and farm work would not be neglected.

The situation was critical and immediate action was needed. A petition was drafted and signed by the inhabitants of the different barrios and then presented to the provincial board on Dec. 6, 1946. It was approved on February 12, 1947. The big celebration came on January 10, 1948 when the executive order No. 113 was signed by President Roxas creating Talugtug as the 26th municipality of Nueva Ecija. The town is more than 50 years old and has only 7 administators.