Brief History of Jose Panganiban: "Then Mambulao"
As early as 1571, the Spanish Conquistadores under the leadership of Juan de Salcedo came to the shorelines of Mambulawan lured by the gold abounding the place and in their mission of spreading Christianity. The Spaniards however found difficulty in pronouncing the word and corrupted it to “Mambulao”. The Spaniards were so impressed by the wealth t
hat they have protected their missionaries spreading Christianity and leaving a small garrison of soldiers which at times cannot match the marauding brigands of the sea coming from the north and south of the archipelago. How forts were built along the shorelines and mountainsides was the subject of an almost fantastic tale but nevertheless true according to our elders. It appears to be that at that time there lived in Mambulao a very rich and a very kind old woman named “Doña Ponay”. This lady of wealth according to the tale, offered the royal throne of Spain life size hen and eggs all made up of solid gold. With this gift also went a request for help and protection from the pirates. Impressed with the evidence of wealth and the urgent need to protect it, forts were built; ordered and manned by soldiers. Ruins of the forts can still be seen at present, a mute but eloquent monument to the once glorious past of “Mambulao” now Jose Panganiban. On December 1, 1934, Act No. 4155 was approved by the Philippine Legislation. An act to change the name of the Municipality of Mambulao, province of Camarines Norte, to that of Jose Panganiban. In honor of the Filipino Champion of Liberty and Patriot Dr. Jose Maria Enverga Panganiban who was born on February 1, 1863 and known as the “Avenger of Filipino Honor”. As an Agro-Industrial municipality, it is one of the most important mining towns in Bicol Region. It is a coastal town with only one major road that dissects the towns proper and the adjoining barangays. Schools and other multi-purpose centers were constructed. Municipal, barangay and feeder roads were built. Portions of the sea were reclaimed and on its view stands recreational areas who are until now enjoyed by many. Barangay Plaridel was born out of some 14 hectares of mangroves and swamps making Jose Panganiban potentially essential for its fast implementation of administrative projects. Jose Panganiban now as third class municipality continuously bustling to become one of the Queen Cities of the Bicol Peninsula.
