Barangays

Before the Spanish colonization, Barangay Balangon was a prosperous town, even preceding the town of Taal. It was a strategic location for defending against Muslim pirates, with only seven Filipino families living there. The area engaged in trade with Chinese merchants, who eventually settled in Balangon Evidence of this trade includes large stone walls and Chinese artifacts. When the Spanish arrived, they moved the thriving town to Taal and forced locals to transport stones for building a church. Over time, Balangon faced hardships under both Spanish rule and the Hukbalahap occupation during World War II. 

However, after the departure of the Hukbalahap, the barangay slowly revived, gaining new roads, clean water, and eventually becoming more developed. The first Barangay Captain of Barangay Balangon was Mr. Antonio Atienza, who was called "Matanda sa Nayon" (Elder of the Village). In 1970, Balangon Labac separated from Balangon Itaas, marking ts continued growth. Today, Barangay Balangon thrives with paved roads, a barangay hall, and a water system, symbolizing its progress.

Barangay Barigon, located in the northwest of Agoncillo, was originally a sitio of Banyaga. Due to its rich natural resources, the residents, led by Pedro Canteras and other officials, sought help from President Marcos to establish it as a separate barrio Their request was granted in 1969, and Pedro Canteras was elected the first Barrio Captain. One of his significant accomplishments was improving the narrow streets to facilitate easier transportation of goods. The community relied on water from Ayumit or Tubig Trees, and wealthier families built concrete water tanks called: "alahibi." The school in Sitio Mahabang Gulod was built on a 1,000 square meter lot donated by Mr. and Mrs. Mariano Valentino. On June 3, 1997, the first class of 16 students began, taught by Mrs. Hilaria Lenie Tolentino. nitially, classes were held in a chapel until a proper two-classroom building began construction in December.

Barangay Guitna was originally part of Agoncillo, which was a village under Lemery before 1945. Thanks to the efforts of the first municipal leader, Jacinto Mendoza Sr., Agoncillo was established as a town comprising 21 barangays. To preserve the name Guitna, a small barangay was formed in the eastern part of the Poblacion. Initially, it had 33 houses and 39 families, but it has since grown to 94 houses and 111 families. Through the dedication of past and current leaders, Barangay Guitna has developed infrastructure, including electricity and water sources. Additionally, Barangay Chapel was constructed in 2004 to foster faith and promote peace within the community.

If you visit the Municipality of Agoncillo, you will find the village of Panhulan, which is admired by many But how did it get its name? Long ago, this area was sparsely populated but abundant in natural resources, making it a beautiful place to live. The residents primarily engaged in farming, working diligently from early morning to maintain their nealthy and thriving crops. They watered their plants patiently, focusing on living a happy and prosperous life. One day, while a couple was joyfully watering their vegetable garden, a soldier passed by, admiring the beautiful view of Taal Lake. The muscular and fierce soldier asked them, "Como Sellama-Este Lugor?" The couple panicked and didn't know how to respond. When he asked again, they mistakenly thought he was asking about the watering can they were holding. Terrified, they replied, "Pang-ulan po" (meaning "for rain"). The soldier, believing that was the name of the place smiled, nodded, and continued on his way, muttering "Pang-ulan" to himself and jotting it down in his diary. From that day on, the area was called "Panghulan," which sounded pleasing n their language. Over time, it has evolved into "Panhulan. Today, Panhulan is a developed and prosperous barangay.

Barangay Pook is located below Barangay Poblacion, bordered by Barangay Pansipit to the east and Barangay Bangin to the west. In the past, Pook was a vast forest inhabited by wild animals like deer and boars. Temporary settlements of foreign Chinese traders led to trade exchanges between them and the local inhabitants. The term "Pook" became associated with the area after these traders asked for its name. The first residents were Mr. Bonifacio Buno and his wife, Mrs. Lucia Alilio, who served as the barangay leader. A chapel was built, and the barangay festival honoring their patron, the Holy Cross, was established to be celebrated every third of May. In 1888, Mr. Bartolome Mendoza became the recognized leader of the barangay, followed by several other leaders who made significant improvements in the area, including plans to establish classes. The residents are known for their resourcefulness, recognizing the need to cultivate their environment and enhance their quality of life.

Since the establishment of the town of Agoncillo, Barangay Sta. Cruz was not initially considered one of its barangays. According to historical accounts, the land now comprising Barangay Sta. Cruz was once part of Barangay Balangon. Due to disagreements among the residents regarding various beliefs and goals, the elders and residents of the area convened and agreed to separate. At first, they held a fiesta on a different date from the traditional celebration of Barangay Balangon. 

From that point on, this section of Barangay Balangon unified with the aim of being called Barangay Sta Cruz. This name is derived from the Holy Cross, the patron of the barangay. The establishment of Barangay Sta. Cruz was approved and ratified in 1970 under the leadership of former Mayor Vicente Maligalig, who was instrumental in assisting the barangay residents. Thus, since the mayor's approval, a new barangay has been established, now known as Barangay Santa Cruz.

Barangay Subic lbaba is a community with an origin shrouded in mystery, as its name cannot be traced back to any known source. Historical records and local research have not uncovered where the name "Subic Ibaba" came from. In its early days, the barangay was a small village with only a few houses, surrounded by rice fields and situated along the shores of Taal Lake. Due to the sparse population locals, especially the young women, were often taken advantage of by outsiders from neighboring barangays. One fateful day, a group of men visited the village for a feast, centered around the delicious Maliputo" fish caught from a local "baklad" (fish trap). The men planned to take the young women of the village back to their barangay after the feast. However, during the celebration, the locals, led by a brave man named Tandang Pacio, stood their ground Unarmed, they fought back against the- intruders, killing most of them and forcing the rest to filee, vowing never to return. 

Subic lbaba is bordered to the south by Panhulan, with a wooden bridge marking the boundary, while a creek defines the northern border. Mountains rise to the west, and to the east, the shores of Taal Lake create a natural boundary. Over time, the barangay has seen numerous leaders, starting with its first Barangay Captain, Kabesang Jose Maligaya. The first school in the community was established in 1928, initially housed in residential homes before moving to a dedicated building funded by the residents. A parish church, Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish, was completed during the Japanese occupation and remains a vital part of the barangay today.