Alimanguan is a barangay, or a small administrative division, in the municipality of San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines. The name “Alimanguan” stems from a native term “alimango,” denoting a species of crabs which are found in abundance in local areas called “katunggan” or “bakawan.” According to local lore, these crustaceans were so plentiful that they could often be spotted crawling along the village streets.
This quaint barangay was established by the first settlers, who belonged to the Tagbanua ethnic group. They comprised four families: Rodriguez, Martinez, Talibod, and Francisco. The rich crab population impressed these settlers so much that they decided to name their settlement after it.
However, Alimanguan was originally known as “Aduas.” Initially, it was part of the municipality of Taytay until 1931. It was then that the village was renamed Alimanguan. It became an official barangay post-World War II in 1945. Several individuals have served as Teniente del barrio, the local term for the barangay captain, over the years. Mison Gapilango was the first in this role, followed by Marciano Gabin in 1946. Subsequent leaders included Guillermo Estrada, Josefina Collado, and Floresto Abrina.
In 1972, Alimanguan was transferred from its original municipality Taytay to the newly formed municipality of San Vicente, becoming an integral part of it. San Vicente was designated as a distinct municipality within the province of Palawan, marking an important milestone in the development of the region. Since then, Alimanguan has been under the jurisdiction of San Vicente, enriching it with its unique culture and heritage.