The Guinayangan Republic

According to the remaining inhabitants, no authentic record about its history or its beginnings has been handed to them. It was said that the place was named by the aborigines or the Aetas who first inhabited this region. Ever since the establishment of the barangay, it was already called Cabibihan.  The presence of many clams, locally called “cabebe” or “bebe” which abounds plenty in the bank of the river and its beds. During rainy season especially when there was flood, there were plenty of clams or “bebe” on the river beds, thus this became a good source of income and food among the people.

The early settlers of Cabibihan were the Flaviers, Rufulis, De Los Santos, Cerillas, Guerreros, Salvadors, Maravillas, and Avilas. These families became the leaders in nearly all fields of activities such in economies, culture and beliefs.

From the year 1920 to 1935, Cabibihan was a very progressive community. The big Tayabas Saw Mill which finally became the famous Cabibihan Saw Mill was owned and operated by an American capitalist, Lucy Carvender. Later on , the sawmill was bought and owned by a Chinese businessman named Sy Cumbing. Unfortunately during its boom, the saw mill burned in 1935 for unknown reason. Thus the decline of its progress was so rapid that many of its inhabitants left and settled to nearby barangays.

During the existence of the saw mill in this locality, the populace experienced better means of livelihood as there was much labor for the masses. The daily output of the mill was approximately 30k board feet, this account for the national prestige of Cabibihan. But after the burning of the mill, the economic, social and civic life of the people greatly changed. The people begun to leave the place. Resulting the closing of the public primary school.

Prominent among the Barrio Lieutenants (Barangay Captain) who have done much for the progress of the place are Isabelo Rofuli, Alipo Silverio, Serafin Maravilla, Patricio Guerrero, Cecilio De Los Santos, Jorge Avila, Emilio Victor,Carlos Salvador, Nicomedes Cerilla, Mauro Guerrero, and Pruvo Salvador.

The only important facts which was in the memory of people was the establishment of one of the biggest sawmills In the Philippines. The Cabibihan Sawmill had the national prestige. The were no historical sites and structures save the ruins of the nice Cabibihan Tennis Court constructed by the Cabibihan Tennis Club. The ruins of the railroad line constructed by the sawmill for this transportation of logs and lumbers and its tracks.
Likewise, the Japanese Occupation and the Liberation Period have not left any historical incident in the localities. Destruction and loss of properties were due to looting and stealing. But they have been rehabilitated by the Philippine War Damage Commission and little financial assistance of the government.

Compiled by: 
Mr. Sergio Nebres




Excerpt from the manuscript: 
Collection And Compilation Of Historical Data And Cultural Life Of The
Municipality Of Guinayangan Including Its Barrios And Sitios, 
Province of Quezon, Philippines
Philippine (Republic) Bureau Of Public Schools
Division Of Quezon