History of Dupax del Sur Nueva Vizcaya
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| Dupax del Sur Nueva Vizcaya Municipal Hall |
The name Dupax comes from the Isinay word "Dopaj," which means "to lie down in complete relaxation." It was a fitting name given by native hunters who would rest in the area after long days of roaming the forests before heading back to their distant homes.
The town’s story began in 1591, when it was first discovered by Luis Pérez Dasmariñas. Not long after, Dominican friars came and established a mission—but it didn’t last. Conflicts over territory between the Dominicans and Franciscans forced the mission to be abandoned.
Between 1632 and 1702, Dupax remained wild and difficult to colonize. But in 1717, Spanish missionary Fr. Alejandro Cacho arrived on a new mission and began laying the foundations of a Christian community. At the time, three major tribes lived in the area: the Malaats from Ituy (said to be the ancestors of today’s Isinays), the Caraos from Benguet, and the Bugkalots.
Finally, in April 1726, the town of Dupax was officially founded by Augustinian missionaries Fr. Nicolas Norbante and Fr. Agustin de San Juan. From this original town, three modern municipalities eventually emerged: Dupax del Sur, Dupax del Norte, and Alfonso Castañeda.
Today, Dupax del Sur stands proudly with 19 barangays, continuing to preserve the area’s deep-rooted culture and history.
- Abaca
- Domang
- Mangayang
- Bagumbayan
- Dopaj
- Palabotan
- Balzain
- Gabut
- Sanguit
- Banila
- Ganao
- Santa Maria
- Biruk
- Kimbutan
- Talbek
- Canabay
- Kinabuan
- Carolotan
- Lukidnon
Every April 9 to 11, the people of Dupax del Sur celebrate their annual Paglingalingan Festival—a much-anticipated event held during the second week of April.
The festival is packed with vibrant activities that showcase both tradition and community spirit. Highlights include:
- Cultural performances
- Grand parades
- Playground demonstrations by schools
- People’s Night celebrations
- And the exciting Search for Miss Dupax del Sur
It’s a time when the whole town comes alive—proudly embracing its identity while also giving everyone, locals and visitors alike, a reason to smile, dance, and celebrate together.
With centuries of history and a culture rich in resilience and unity, Dupax del Sur is more than just a town—it’s a living story of heritage, community, and pride.
- Nueva Vizcaya Government. (n.d.). Dupax del Sur [blog post]. Retrieved from https://nuevavizcaya.gov.ph/municipalities/dupax-del-sur/.
- Photograph of Dupax del Sur Municipal Hall by Judgefloro / Public domain.
