Tiaong, Quezon, a vibrant municipality in the province of Quezon, Philippines, boasts a rich history that dates back over 300 years. Originally part of San Pablo, Laguna, it became an independent town in 1691, inspired by the benevolence of Donya Tating, whose nickname and the sound of her bull, “Ooooong,” gave the town its name.
Strategically located and bordered by San Antonio, Candelaria, Dolores, and Lipa City, Tiaong was once a thriving agricultural hub, known for its traditional crafts, farming, and religious heritage. Its storied past includes pirate raids, revolutionary uprisings, and the establishment of one of Quezon’s oldest churches by Franciscan missionaries in the 1670s.
Today, Tiaong is a testament to resilience and community spirit, offering a blend of historical charm and cultural diversity rooted in its deeply religious and industrious populace.
Tiaong’s History
More than three hundred years ago, Tiaong was a part of the municipality of San Pablo (now a city) in the province of Laguna. It is bounded by San Antonio, Quezon to the south; San Pablo City to the north; Dolores, Quezon to the northeast; Lipa City to the west; and Candelaria, Quezon to the east.
In 1691, Tiaong became an independent municipality through the efforts of a philanthropic, humanitarian, nationalistic, and religious woman living at the outskirts of the town called “Lalig.” She was popularly known as “Donya Tating,” who habitually went to church every day riding a cart drawn by a big black bull. Due to her sympathetic gestures, especially towards the poor, she was dearly loved and respected by the people. Even the parish priest would not start the mass unless the loud mooing of the bull—“Ooooong”—could be heard entering the churchyard.
Out of gratitude, the townspeople began calling Donya Tating “Tiya” (Auntie). The combination of “Tiya” and the sound of “Ooooong” inspired the name of the municipality, Tiaong (Tiya-ong).
The original town proper was established 4 kilometers south of the present site along a river called “Malaking Ilog.” However, frequent pirate raids led the people to relocate the Poblacion to its current site. To protect against further attacks, they surrounded the town with deep trenches and bamboo stakes and erected a stone watchtower.
During the Spanish era, the local government was headed by a Gobernadorcillo, assisted by officials such as the Tenyente Mayor, Juez de Sementera, Juez de Ganados, Juez de Palayan, and Juez de Polisya. These officials were elected by nine prominent, influential individuals under the supervision of the Governador General. The first Gobernadorcillo was Don Francisco Magdami in 1691.
The church was built by Franciscan missionaries in the 1670s, northeast of the town near Burgos Street (now Escudero Street). It is one of the oldest and largest churches in the province of Tayabas (now Quezon). The majority of Tiaong’s inhabitants are Roman Catholic, though there are also Protestants, Iglesia ni Cristo members, “Sabadista,” Esperitista, and other religious groups.
Early Demographics and Territory
Tiaong originally consisted of 14 barrios: Bana, Bula, Bulakin, Cabatang, Cabay, Lagalag, Lalig, Lusacan, Paiisa, Quipot, Buliran, Callejon, Niing, and Pury. In 1957, four barrios were separated when Buliran became an independent municipality, now San Antonio, Quezon. Similarly, Candelaria was once part of Tiaong. Dolores was initially separated from San Pablo to become a municipality in 1879, later reverted to a barrio of Tiaong in 1901, and finally regained municipal status on April 11, 1910.
Education and Livelihood
The first school in Tiaong was organized by friars and housed in a convent. Initially, only boys aged 7 to 14 were admitted, and the curriculum included Cartilya Kristiano, Trisagio, the Holy Rosary, and Infants Manual, printed with the Archbishop of Manila’s permission. Later, girls of the same age were allowed to enroll when the Governor General mandated education for marriage solemnization.
From 1690 to 1790, agriculture was the primary source of livelihood, with crops like palay, corn, and mongo being cultivated. Animal husbandry, blacksmithing, and traditional crafts such as weaving and food production (e.g., rice cakes, cassava flour, and coconut oil) were common. Delicacies like panutsa and bukayo also thrived.
Revolutionary Era and American Occupation
During the Spanish regime, a secret revolutionary group affiliated with the K.K.K. of Andres Bonifacio, led by Ladislao Masangkay and other local patriots, fought for independence. This resistance continued into the American occupation.
On January 14, 1900, American forces under Gen. Schwan conquered Tiaong. The United States established its first civil government in the Philippines, appointing William Howard Taft as the first Civil Governor of the islands. Don Pedro P. Cantos became the first Municipal President of Tiaong.