History of Dupax del Norte Nueva Vizcaya
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| Dupax del Norte Nueva Vizcaya Municipal Hall |
The name Dupax comes from the Isinay word "Dopaj," which means "to lie down in complete relaxation." And it’s no surprise—this peaceful land was once a quiet resting ground for hunters from nearby tribal communities. The very spot where the town center, or Poblacion, now stands used to serve as a roaming camp for these early settlers.
Fast forward to 1971, a new chapter began for the area when Republic Act No. 6372 was passed by Congress, thanks to Congressman Benjamin B. Perez and Senator Leonardo B. Perez. The law created the Municipality of Dupax del Norte. Then on November 6, 1974, President Ferdinand E. Marcos signed Presidential Decree 586, officially dividing the large Municipality of Dupax into two: Dupax del Norte and Dupax del Sur.
But this division didn’t just come out of nowhere. There was already a long history behind it.
As early as 1725, Dupax was home to two distinct tribal groups: the Maalates and the Caraos. The Maalates, led by Chieftain Dayag, settled in Parai, which is now part of Dupax del Norte. Meanwhile, the Caraos—led by Chieftain Tiyu Pising—lived together with the Isinay people in what is now Dupax del Sur. It’s a division rooted in cultural and geographic identity that eventually took official form centuries later.
Today, Dupax del Norte is made up of 15 barangays:
- Belance
- Bulala
- Lamo
- Malasin
- Oyao
- Binnuangan
- Inaban
- Mabasa
- Munguia
- Parai
- Bitnong
- Ineangan
- Macabenga
- New Gumiad
- Yabbi
Every April 19 to 22, Dupax del Norte bursts into life for its annual town fiesta—a four-day celebration filled with fun, pride, and tradition.
Held during the 3rd week of April, the fiesta showcases everything you’d expect from a vibrant, close-knit community:
- Cultural performances
- Agricultural trade fairs
- The Search for "Saniata iti Dupax del Norte", a beauty and talent competition
- Playground demonstrations by elementary schools
- Spiritual night
- Barangay night
- DepEd Day
- A heartwarming mass wedding
- And the grand crowd-favorite: Lechonan as Bayan—a town-wide roast pig feast!
More than just a party, this celebration reflects the town’s respect for its roots, the strength of its community, and the joyful spirit of its people.
- Nueva Vizcaya Government. (n.d.). Dupax Del Norte [blog post]. Retrieved from https://nuevavizcaya.gov.ph/municipalities/dupax-del-norte/.
- Photograph of Dupax del Norte Municipal Hall by Judgefloro / Public domain.
