1870 Spanish Map identifies Pagadian City as "Pagarian", Researcher finds

Pagadian City—A significant archival discovery has shed new light on the early historical identity of Pagadian City, following findings by local researcher Doc Wends Cagape of the IP Writer page.

While conducting research for his forthcoming book on the Subanen people, Cagape examined a collection of Spanish colonial-era maps of Mindanao alongside various historical documents.

 In many of these records, nearby settlements such as Tiguma, Dinas, Kumalarang, Margosatubig, and Tukuran—then spelled “Tucuran”—were already clearly indicated. However, the original name of Pagadian had long remained absent or untraceable in the materials he reviewed.

The breakthrough came when Cagape encountered an 1870 Spanish colonial map documenting the navigational route of a frigate commanded by Don Claudio Montero.

Notably marked on the map was the name “Eus de Pagarian,” which strongly suggests that Pagadian may have been historically referred to as “Pagarian” during the Spanish colonial period.

The map, sourced from the Biblioteca Nacional de España, provides compelling cartographic evidence that contributes to a deeper understanding of the city’s historical evolution.

 According to Cagape, the discovery fills a longstanding gap in local historiography and offers a clearer picture of how Pagadian was identified in earlier records.

Historians note that such findings are crucial in reconstructing the geographic and cultural landscape of Mindanao during the colonial era. The identification of “Pagarian” adds a valuable dimension to ongoing efforts to document and preserve the region’s heritage.

The discovery is expected to be featured in Cagape’s upcoming publication, further enriching scholarship on the Subanen and the broader historical narrative of Mindanao.

Source: IP Writer (Doc Wends Cagape)

Philippine People's Press | In Truth We Prevail