Gigmoto


Gigmoto, officially the Municipality of Gigmoto, is a municipality in the province of Catanduanes, Philippines. According to the, it has a population of people, making it the least populated municipality in the province.

Etymology

The name "Gigmoto" originated from the Bicol word himbot that means “just in time”. This is supposedly related to the romantic venture of a young man from Baras seeking to court a maiden from the town of Viga. Competing with several other suitors, the man traveled northbound to win the love of the maiden. He was overtaken by the night, so he slept in that place. In the morning he proceeded to Viga, arriving there just before nightfall. After staying for a period of time in Viga, the man from Baras won the heart of the woman. When the lovers were bound for Baras, they stayed overnight at Gigmoto – “just in time” for their first romantic night of being together.
As years went by Himbotan was changed to Higmoto. Years thereafter, believing that with the “H” Higmoto seemed to be a Japanese word, the “H” was changed to “G” – thus the name Gigmoto.

History

The first families to settle there were the Tanaels, followed by the Dayawons, both from Baras. The Tolledos, the Tatings and the Tatads came next. Other families from Baras, Bato and from the town of Virac had come and ultimately made Gigmoto the biggest barrio of the Municipality of Baras.
The town was created from the barrios of Sicmil and Sioron from Viga and the barrios of San Vicente, Gigmoto, Biong and Dororian from Baras.
On June 15, 1951, the government officials for the newly created town were appointed by the then Congressman Severiano de Leon who authored the bill creating the municipality with the approval of President Elpidio Quirino. Mr. Juan Q. Sarmiento who happened to be the first public school teacher became the first mayor with Andres Dayawon as vice mayor. Messrs. Maximo Tapalla, Apolinar Tatad, Marcelino Dayawon and Apolinar Joson were then appointed municipal councilors. Mr. Candido Tuboro became the first municipal treasurer. Fr. Andres Tablizo was the parish priest and Mr. Serafin Rodulfo was the first principal.

Geography

Gigmoto is from the provincial capital town Virac.

Barangays

Gigmoto is politically subdivided into 9 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.
  • Biong
  • Dororian
  • Poblacion District I
  • Poblacion District II
  • Poblacion District III
  • San Pedro
  • San Vicente
  • Sicmil
  • Sioron

Climate

Gigmoto has a tropical rainforest climate with heavy to very heavy rainfall year-round and with extremely heavy rainfall from October to December.

Demographics

In the 2024 census, the population of Gigmoto was 8,348 people, with a density of.

Education

The Gigmoto Schools District Office governs all educational institutions within the municipality. It oversees the management and operations of all private and public, from primary to secondary schools.

Primary and elementary schools

  • Biong Elementary School
  • Dororian Elementary School
  • Gigmoto Central Elementary School
  • San Pedro Elementary School
  • Sioron Elementary School
  • Dominador C. Guerrero Elementary School

Secondary schools

Notable personalities