History of Aritao Nueva Vizcaya
|
| Aritao Nueva Vizcaya Municipal Hall |
Before it became the vibrant town we know today, Aritao was once called Ajanas. The name we use now actually comes from the Isinay phrase "Ari-Tau", which means "Our King"—a tribute to Ari Mengal, a well-known Igorot leader.
The story of Aritao’s founding is rich with history and cultural encounters. In January 1767, a brave Spanish missionary, Fr. Manuel Corripio, was able to convince Ari Mengal and his tribe to leave their highland home and settle in the lowlands—right where the town of Aritao stands today. Not long after, Fr. Tomas Gutierrez helped convert the tribe to Christianity, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the community.
By 1777, Aritao officially became a pueblo (or town), following its merger with neighboring settlements—a move approved by the authorities in Manila. Then, many years later, on June 30, 1917, thanks to the efforts of Councilor Jose Aleman, Aritao was formally recognized as an official township.
Today, Aritao is home to 22 barangays, each one contributing to the town’s unique identity:
- Anayo
- Baan
- Balite
- Banganan
- Beti
- Bone North
- Bone South
- Calitlitan
- Canabuan
- Canarem
- Comon
- Cutar
- Darapidap
- Kirang
- Latar
- Nagcuartelan
- Ocao-capinaan
- Poblacion
- Sta. Clara
- Tabueng
- Tucanon
- Yaway
Every third week of March, Aritao bursts into color and excitement during the Panagsisibuyas Festival, its annual town fiesta that honors both tradition and agriculture.
From vibrant parades and street dancing to intense drum and lyre competitions (featuring talented students from local schools), the energy is contagious. There's also an agricultural exhibit that proudly showcases the town’s finest produce.
And of course, you can’t miss the cookfest—a culinary showdown featuring exotic and local dishes, all highlighting Aritao’s pride: onions, its One Town, One Product (OTOP).
One of the most moving parts of the festival is the dance drama, which tells the story of Aritao’s 100-year journey—from the time of Ari Mengal to the thriving community it is today.
Aritao isn't just a place with a proud past—it's a town that celebrates its roots while embracing its future. Whether you're in it for the history, the food, or the culture, Aritao is definitely worth the visit.
- Nueva Vizcaya Government. (n.d.). Aritao [blog post]. Retrieved from https://nuevavizcaya.gov.ph/municipalities/aritao/.
- El Toro Bumingo. (2018, August 19). Aritao Municipal Hall [Photograph of Aritao Municipal Hall]. Retrieved from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNhdhmkl8aGLUMdcFDqo5sCUvvEyKY7zU4MR2WfWQcqtB4L0ALcLDgSniB-2G5F0b8zZSK853xqV3sEjcF9NZaWye1ocNmqAGAv6rqapQHG_dkvQJ0z58QPulP895Hyu2KoL6um2D55k/?imgmax=800.
