17/03/2024
The beautiful place of Viga, Catanduanes, Philippines 💚
The municipality of Viga has a history that dates back to the original settlement at Caviga, which is now called Viga. The first settlers were believed to be a group of tribesmen led by "Abines" who migrated from the mainland. Frequent Moro raids forced them to flee inland and settle in an area where the primitive inhabitants were similar to pygmies, calling it "Oco." When the Moro threat diminished, they moved to the lowlands where the soil was more fertile, and named the new settlement "Viga" after the abundance of herbaceous giant gabi-like plants called "Marviga." The settlers were a mix of natives and migrating tribesmen who intermarried.
In the late 16th century, a group of Spaniards, possibly from Juan de Salcedo's expedition, arrived and subdued the natives, turning Viga into a Spanish settlement. The first Catholic Priest and recognized leader, Francisco Putiocan, was an Augustinian friar. The settlement was then officially named "Viga."
During the Spanish colonization, the inhabitants converted to the Catholic faith but felt the strain of Spanish civil rule cruelties. When the Philippine Revolution began, many natives joined the nationalistic movement and fought against the colonizers. When the Americans arrived, Viga was liberated from Spanish rule, and a civil government was established. During World War II, Viga became the center of the guerilla movement in the province, and there were battles between the guerillas and the escaping Japanese forces.
In 1951, the barrios of Sicmil and Sioron were transferred to the newly created town of Gigmoto.
