HISTORY

CULTURE

TOPOGRAPHY

LANDMARKS

Malagnang Festival

GETTING THERE

San Vicente is a first class municipality in the Palawan province. It is also one of the newest in Palawan, having been officially declared as a municipality in1969.

San Vicente’s history is as interesting as its magnificent topography. The municipality’s roots started in 1952. Migrants from the island of Cuyo arrived in Malagnang, a muddy sitio of Kemdeng which, in turn, was part of Puerto Princesa City in the Palawan mainland. At this time, Kemdeng was already bristling with Agutaynens, migrants from the neighboring island of Agutaya.

The Dandal brothers from Cuyo were the first settlers to arrive in Malagnang. A short time later, relatives of the first settlers followed. After establishing a small community, the settlers elected one of the Dandal brothers, Anastacio Dandal, as the first barrio lieutenant. More Cuyonens settled in Malagnang in the later years.

It was clear that the Agutaynens in this area would not take the intrusion easily. This sparked a disagreement to arise between the two ethnic groups. The disagreement stemmed from the fact that the Cuyonens and the Agutaynes cannot agree on who the town’s patron saint should be. The Cuyonens wanted St. Vincent Ferrer while the Agutaynens preferred St. Isidro Labrador.

To resolve the issue, both ethnic groups decided to choose the patron saint by drawing lots. St. Vincent Ferrer was drawn, much to the elation of the Cuyonens. Having drawn the patron saint’s name, Malagnang was changed to San Vicente.

In1969, San Vincente’s former barrio captain Lauro Dandal suggested a bold move to Mayor Donato Manga of Puerto Princesa City. He sought the mayor’s assistance for the establishment of San Vicente as a separate municipality. The suggestion was met with positive support from the local government.

The necessary documents for the creation of the municipality of San Vicente were prepared and submitted to Congress for legislation. The bill was approved on that same year.

Three years later, in May 22, 1972, the Municipal Council of Puerto Princesa passed Resolution No. 871-71 which officially declares the separation of San Vicente from Puerto Princesa. A month later, the Municipality of Taytay passed Resolution No. 48, allocating some of its territories to San Vicente.

Today, San Vicente is a thriving municipality surrounded by majestic natural wonders.