THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY PATONG
Barangay Patong is approximately five (5) kilometers east of the town of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur. Bounded southwest are Barangay Labut and Cadanglaan. On the north is Barangay Sarsaracat. Comprising eight (8) sitios at present with a total land area of 613.6315 hectares. The sitios are;
- Bambaniit
- Baet
- Caboloan
- Tagaipuz
- Lata-o
- Ubbog
- Dinumaran
- Casamacan
As per cadastral records in 1920’s Patong is one of the main areas when the town was quarterly sub-divided.
According to our folks today, the original name of the barrio was Tagaipuz because it is then located at the tail of the hills. Even the school was called Tagaipuz Elementary School. And in 1950’s, Apo Tiburcio Tabarrejo was chosen as the Teniente del Barrio, or leader. He served with sincere dedications. His good leadership was enough to maintain the Peace and Order situations including his efforts to adapt a new name for the barrio called “Patong”.
Patong was derived from a love story of a young, lovely lass with an American soldier who joined the battalion forces that came to conquer the villagers against the cruel guerillas during the Spanish era.
To ensure peacefulness in the village, these American soldiers decided to stay longer. They camped at Bantay Timbungkol, a steep rocky mountain located southwest of Sitio Casamacan or ten kilometers away from the heart of the barrio. The air is crisp, the wind blows softly and gently. The cold, clean water from the spring coming from the mountain can refresh the hunters and mountain climbers from thirst. A sanctuary of birds and different kinds of wild animal such as abuyo, alingo that are known as best “Pulutan” for men.
Before sun rise and at sunset, the soldiers march for drill around the village. One of them was enchanted to a lovely lady named Teresita. His courtship to her rolled into a passionate interlude.
One starry moonlit night, the lovers met in the batalan or bangsal near a rimas tree. He hugged her intensely and held her buttocks (Patong) but the lady was reluctant and said in loud voice – Don’t hold my Patong. The neighbors heard her scream. As days passed the word Patong, which means “Buttock” in the English language was commonly uttered in the village.
As nature continually casts its blessings, Barangay Patong is very fortunate to have given the so-called SMALL WATER IMPOUNDING PROJECT (SWIP) – a body of water use to irrigate crops and multiplies the harvest and income of the people who are living mostly thru farming. This multi-million project was conceptualized during the administration of the late Mayor, Honorable Ramon Tolentino, Jr., implemented thru the initiative of Honorable Alfonso V. Favis, Jr. and joint efforts with the National Government Agencies concerned.
The annual festivity of the patron saint, San Isidro is usually celebrated every 15th day of May as a way to thanks Him for the answered prayers, guidance and abundant harvests.
Based on the census conducted on CY 2000, Patong has a total population of 1,314.
Agrimat Magsingal 