History and Government
Venoversergh (1952-42) accounted for the first recorded glimpse of the natives when Fr. Jose Marin crossed the Apayao border and made mention of the river settlers Calanasanes (Calanasan) and Kabugaoanes (Kabugao) in 1874. The discovery of these natives was brought to the attention of the Spanish colonial authorities. Spanish expeditions were then sent, but to no avail because of the resisting natives. Thus, the Mengal structure ensued. This structure is headed by a Mengal, or one who is the wisest or had the most number of heads taken, or had led a victorious headtaking activity. His word was the law. The mightiest Mengal would exact loyalty from neighboring settlers who were conquered. Since Bayag (Calanasan) turned out to be formidable due to its greater population, nearby settlers succumb to it. There were the settlers from Kabugaoan and other settlers downstream. When Bayag forged friendship for economic reasons, practically all the eastern and western settlers yielded except for Bulo and Langgangan.
When a Commandancia was put up in Kabugaoan (under Calanasan territory already) in 1891, the Calanasan political system was recognized and supervision was under Laoag Ilocos Norte. The Isnegs, being closer to Ilocos Norte and for economic reasons, heeded the government authorities of Ilocos Norte as they periodically reported to Piddig for political affairs. Due to the long distance that the local officials had to hike in attending the regular meeting, their late attendance caused them to be named “Bayag” meaning “slow”.
The greatest known Mengal was Antonio Dalangan. The Bunot Administration from 1936 up to the Martial Law in 1972 brought out many changes. In 1957, Calanasan under the ancients, Alet and Agbayat forged truce with the Bulo people. On June 25, 1963, Calanasan became a regular municipality under Executive Order No. 42. Republic Act No. 4989 changed its present name Bayag to its old name Calanasan.
Calanasan is under the administration of Perfecto D. Marrero from 1992 to 1998. Elias C. Bulut Jr. who won the 1998 election succeeded Marrero from 1998-2001.
The municipality is subdivided into eighteen (18) barangays - Butao, Cadaclan, Langnao, Ferdinand (Lubong), Macalino, Naguilian, Namaltugan, Poblacion, Sabangan, Sta. Filomena, Tanglagan, Tubongan, Ninoy Aquino (Tubang), Don Roque Ablan, Eleazar, Eva Puzon, Kabugawan and Sta. Elena.
The municipality with a land area of 87,454 hectares lies in the northern part of Apayao. It is bounded on the north by the provinces of Ilocos Norte and Cagayan, on the south by the municipality of Kabugao, on the east by the municipality of Luna and on the west by the province of Ilocos Norte.
The municipality is predominantly rugged land - mountainous and hilly with small flood plains along streams and rivers. There are two distinct seasons in the municipality, dry and wet season. The dry season starts in mid-January and ends in June while the wet season starts in July and ends in the early part of January. Intense heat is usually experienced from March to middle of May. Strong rains and typhoons usually occur during the period from July to October. Mild and invigoratingly cool climate is felt in December and early part of January.
The town’s population count as of 1995 by the National Statistics Office is 11,679 compared to 10,699 in 1990. Besides English and Filipino which is spoken by the literate group of the populace, dominant dialects spoken include Isnag, Ilocano, Ibanag, Bontoc and Negrito. The language of communication is Ilocano which when spoken is understood in all the barangays even in the remote areas.
In spite of the small number in the barangay, a number of religious sector can be found in each barangay. This is because the Isnag is also a well traveled and adventurous tribe and they easily absorb and practice good learning.
Farming is the main source of livelihood in the place. Most of the land used are not irrigated so they use the old type of farming which is the Kaingin. They also have unexploited forest in the municipality eventhough only one licensee is issued to engage in the operation of rattan materials.
Calanasan is a land of rivers and creeks which used to abound in various fish species. These rivers still serves as the source of marine resources of the various communities although mostly shallow due to flood situation.
The locality produces its own livestock and poultry resources through small-scale piggery and poultry raising. The residents also produce vegetables for their own consumption.
Tourist Attractions and Places of Interest
By: DILG-CAR, Copyright 1999
Vol. I - Local Government Units