BRIEF HISTORY

Bagatao (Bicol for human-like) is a historical island, being considered as one of the biggest Spanish shipyards in the island during the Spanish Colonization. It was there where the magnificent galleon, the Nuestra Señora del Buen Socorro, which plied the Manila-Acapulco trade route, was constructed. The vessel was considered the biggest and grandest Spanish galleon ever built in the Philippines at that time.

Barangay Behia was founded in 1937 with Mr. Pedro Campillos as the Barangay Captain. The barangay has a land are of 500.87 hectares. It has an estimated population of 2,413 inhabitants. It is a fishing village and a large number of its population takes to the sea for a living. It is where big fishes were caught such as Alatan, Tangigi, to name a few. The rare delicacy derived from shells that like the “Palm of an Alligator” commonly known as “Palad Buaya” can also be found in the deep sea of Behia. Palad Buaya is something they take for “pulutan”, a specialty dish. An equally big number of its inhabitants devote their time in tilling the soil especially during the Habagat season.

The Barangay Patronal Fiesta is held every 24^th day of October in honor of St. Rafael. During this time, various activities were held sponsored by both the school and the barangay.

Behia is rich in cultural heritage particularly in oral traditions and literature. The elders usually tell stories about extraordinary exploits of legendary folk heroes like Katobol, Kolakog, and Juan Osong. During their free time, they converge around their bamboo drying beds or papag, singing nonsense sings with a bottle of gin to clear up vocal chords and loosen tongues. They also have the “tigsikan” or poetical joust and “rawit-dawit” or narrative verse recited by elders that could run for hours and hours composed from ancient memory. However, because of modern technology such as TV and DVD, these oral traditions are becoming endangered.

The practice of bayanihan is still visible in this barangay. The folks usually extend their hand whenever help is needed. The Tabang-tabang Group of Behia, composed of concened Behianos and the Sangguniang Barangay customarily sponsors civic programs for the youth such as sports tournaments.