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MANGALDAN
History
Mangaldan is the third oldest town in Pangasinan after Calasiao and San Carlos. It was founded in 1600 by Juan Martinez, O.P. and later handed over to the Dominican friars. The origin of the name of the town according to the legend may be from "Manga-alay-Adan", "Babaldan" and Manga-gal-galan".
Political Evolution
Before the Spanish time, MANGALDAN was a cattle ranch. The early settlers were noted also for their looms, campilans and salakots. During the Spanish time, the town head was given different titles "Capitan Basal" starting in 1727 up to 1821. The first Capitan Basal was Don Santiago Seven. There were more than 90 Capitan Basals, among them P. Casipit, M. David, L. David, F. Carawat, D. Aquino and D. dela Cruz, From 1822 to 1824, the title was changed to Alcalde and from 1825 to 1899 the title was restored to Capitan. Among the Capitanes from 1825 to 1899 were J. de Guzman, J. de Aquino, T. Serafica, L. Serafica, D. Mejia, V. David, V. Ferrer, H. Aquino, D. Abalos, J.L. Serafica and J. David as "Jefe Local" from 1898 to 1899. In 1900 under military rule, V. Magno was the town chief executive. Under the civil government from 1901 to 1934 the Alcaldes were L. Callanta (1901), D. Estayo (1902-1905), V. Magno (1906-1909), P. de Guzman (1910-1912), U. de Vera (1913-1916), P. de Guzman (1917-1918), C. Biagtan (1919-1920), P. Estayo (1921-1922), A. Garcia (1925-1928), C. Biagtan (1929-1932), A. Garcia (1933-1934)
Before the Spanish time, MANGALDAN was a cattle ranch. The early settlers were noted also for their looms, campilans and salakots. During the Spanish time, the town head was given different titles "Capitan Basal" starting in 1727 up to 1821. The first Capitan Basal was Don Santiago Seven. There were more than 90 Capitan Basals, among them Pedro Casipit, Mateo David, Luis David, Fulgencio Carawat, Domingo Aquino and Domingo dela Cruz, From 1822 to 1824, the title was changed to Alcalde and from 1825 to 1899 the title was restored to Capitan. Among the Capitanes from 1825 to 1899 were Jose de Guzman, Juan de Aquino, Tomas Serafica, Luis Serafica, Domingo Mejia, Vicente David, Vicente Ferrer, Hilario Aquino, Domingo Abalos, Jose Lopez Serafica and Juan David as "Jefe Local" from 1898 to 1899. In 1900 under military rule, Vicente Magno was the town chief executive. Under the civil government from 1901 to 1934 the Alcaldes were Luis Callanta (1901), Pedro Estayo (1902-1905), Vicente Magno (1906-1909), Pedro de Guzman (1910-1912), Ulfiano de Vera (1913-1916), Pedro de Guzman (1917-1918), Cosme Biagtan (1919-1920), Pedro Estayo (1921-1922), Andres Garcia (1925-1928), Cosme Biagtan (1929-1932), Andres Garcia (1933-1934)
Under the Commonwealth Government the alcaldes were Dalmacio Visperas (1937-1937), Filomeno Billote (1938-1940) and Daniel Frianeza (1941-1944) under the Japanese regime. Frianeza continued up to 1946. Pedro de Guzman became the mayor in 1946 followed by Guillermo Visperas in 1947. In 1948 Adriatico Golea was elected Mayor up to 1960. From 1960 to 1963 Abelardo Biala was the Mayor.
Cultural and Socio-economic Growth
The steady growth of industry and commerce and physical development of the municipality is attributed to its natural resources and the strong desire of the people to make their tour a happy and pleasant place to live in. The entrepreneurs have dedicated theselves to varied occupations such as farming, fishing, fruit tree growing, poultry raising, piggery project, etc.
For a long time, up to the early sixties, Mangaldan has gained popularity in drama and music. It was well-known for its zarzuela plays of Don Juan Biason reflecting the spirit of the times as well as "comedias" or "Moro-moro" plays.
