Around 1875, only the municipalities of Palanas and Uson

existed in the Southern portion of the mainland province of

Masbate.Between these two (2) towns and along what is now
called Naro Bay, was a busy fishing village where fish was
given free by transient fishermen who came to fish on the
shores of this bay. As the fish was abundant, so were people
from different places who came to this place to engage in
fishing. Eventually, the place came to be known as Pueblo Naro
derived from the native word “NAARO” which means “could be

HISTORY OF
asked without payment in return”. This pueblo thrived into a
fishing community and became the center of trade. However,
bandits and pirates were attracted also to the place as many
times the village was pillaged by the “pulajanes” or moro
bandits. Consequent to the heavy attacks by the moros, Pueblo
Naro soon became deserted and was completely abandoned

DIMASALANG
that it was almost lost to memory except by the name of “Daan
na Lungsod” which means “Old Town”.

By its geographical location of being in-

between the Municipalities of Uson and
Palanas, the new Naro was the source of DIMASALANG, OFFICIALLY
boundary dispute of these towns. THE MUNICIPALITY OF
Jurisdiction of this place was alternately
held by these two (2) towns depending Hon. Atty. Michael Demph Du Hon. Edgar A. De Lara DIMASALANG, IS A 4TH
upon the degree of unity of the
Naga 2022-2025 2016-2019 CLASS MUNICIPALITY IN
constituents, support of the Cabeza de THE PROVINCE OF
Barangay and bravery of the town
executive. However, by 1897, the MASBATE, PHILIPPINES.
Municipality of Palanas gained an ACCORDING TO THE 2020
uninterrupted political control of Naro up
to the establishment of the American Civil CENSUS, IT HAS A
Government, where in Year 1902, the POPULATION OF 24,909
Municipality of Uson also extended its
Hon. Demphna Du Hon. Henry J. Naga PEOPLE.
political control to the old legal boundary
Naga 2007-2010 1998-2007, 2010-2016
at Masisi River beyond Barrio Naro. After

this historical event, the municipal council
shortly moved for the renaming of Naro to
Jose Rizal’s pen name “Dimasalang” in
cognizance and honour of the life and
works of the great hero. Thus, the name of
DIMASALANG for a municipality which
prides itself with a rich and glorious past.
TOWN MAYORS
THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE OF DIMASALANG,
MASBATE IS SHAPED BY A LONGSTANDING
DYNASTY, WHERE POWER AND INFLUENCE ARE
OFTEN PASSED DOWN THROUGH FAMILIAL
LINES. DOMINATING LOCAL POLITICS FOR
GENERATIONS, THIS DYNASTY HAS
ESTABLISHED A FIRM GRIP ON GOVERNANCE,
WITH FAMILY MEMBERS HOLDING KEY
POSITIONS IN GOVERNMENT, FROM MAYORAL
SEATS TO COUNCIL POSITIONS.
TOURIST SPOT NARO DELICACIES
FESTIVAL
Naro Bay was a busy fishing village
located between the two municipalities
BURIRING
of Palanas and Uson in the southern
part of Masbate province. Throughout
the years, it was called Pueblo Naro,
derived from the native word “Naaro,”
which means “could be asked without
PORTA VEGA BEACH payment in return.” Commemorating
the Dimasalang town’s founding
anniversary, the festival’s highlight is
the Street Dancing and showdown A species of puffer fish, quite
competition that will showcase the possibly Arothron manilensis that
dance festival of every barangay in the actually is edible.
municipality. This Philippine festival is
observed every June 17 to 19 to CHOCO MORON
commemorate the founding
anniversary of the Dimasalang town in
Masbate. At present, the Naro Festival
JAMORAWON ISLAND showcases street dancing
competitions in every barangay.

Suman Moron is a sweet Visayan

delicacy made from glutinous rice flour,
coconut milk, sugar and cocoa powder.

PATIO MILAGROS
WWW.DIMASALANG.COM