Tanauan, Leyte - History

History

The town got its name from a towering Molave tree which served as a look-out tower, “tan-awan” in the dialect. A look-out would watch for the feared Moro Pirates who would every now and then plunder and loot the settlements along the coast.

The first known settlers were the family of Calanao, his wife and daughter. In 1661, Juanillo Siengco’s family joined the Calanao family in the settlement along the bank of Bukid River at the foot of Adil Hill. By the time their settlements were more developed, the plundering of the Moro’s along the cost became intensified and for their refuge, they built a stone-walled enclosure “cuta” in the area of Buaya. In the course of time, Juanillo’s son Josef, married Calanao’s daughter, Sangod, and from the families of Juanillo Siengco and Calanao a tribe was formed which gave Tanauan its first officials.

In 1710, the first town officials were appointed by the Spanish authorities. From 1710 to the first American occupation in 1900, 47 persons became chief executives of the Municipality. During the American Regime from 1901-1943, another set of municipal executives followed. When the World War II broke out, Pedro A. Villegas was the incumbent Mayor.

When the Japanese occupied Tanauan, Leyte the incumbent Mayor Pedro Villegas and his secretary Janario Perez refused to serve the Japanese forces. Thus, Rufo Cobacha was appointed Mayor followed by Pedro Bulik who was killed by the guerillas. Finally, Eugenio Avila, Sr. was appointed and was incumbent Mayor when the combined Filipino and American Liberation forces occupied the town.

During the Japanese occupation, the town was burned by the guerillas in 1943. This event destroyed the Municipal Building including its records, and all the big houses of Spanish Architecture along Calle Real. The liberation came resulting in further destruction of the Municipal Hall( Lian Chong Building) and the few remaining houses along Calle real. However few lives were lost as the town’s people were warned and took refuge at the Parish Church. During this time, Benito Saavedra was appointed Mayor then succeeded by the following in the order of incumbencies: Rufo Cumpio -1945; Dioniso Boco - 1946 and Pelagio O. Tecson – 1946-1947.

In 1950, Barrio Haclagan was renamed Sto. Niño.

After the liberation period, Dionisio Boco was the first Mayor succeeded by Pelagio O. Tecson again. Tecson was the Mayor during the Martial Law Period - Martial Law in the Philippines and the so called “New Society” up to February 25, 1986 EDSA Revolution when Felix Cortes was appointed OIC Mayor. The local election held on February 1, 1988 resulted in the election of Charles R Avila. He was subsequently appointed as Administrator of the Philippine Coconut Authority in January 1991. Rodolfo Cinco, the Vice-Mayor succeeded him as Mayor.

In the May 1992 synchronized election for national and local officials. Atty. Roque A. Tiu won over 5 candidates for the mayoralty position. Tiu was the Chief Executive of the town until his second term ended in 1998. Mark Gimenez became Mayor in 1998 to 2001. When Atty. Roque Tiu ran again in 2001, he won over Gimenez. After Tiu completed his term, Agapito Pagayanan Jr., the vice-mayor became the new mayor of Tanauan after the 2010 election.