Montevista, Compostela Valley

Montevista is a 4th class municipality in the province of Compostela Valley, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 33,225 people in 6,570 households.

Brief History of Montevista

Montevista became a regular municipality on June 18, 1966 by virtue of Republic ACT nO. 4804 comprising the six barangays of San Jose, New Visayas, Camansi, Bankerohan Norte, Bankerohan Sur and Linoan. These barangays were formerly parts of the municipalities of Nabunturan, Monkayo, Compostela and Asuncion.

Long before the coming of Christians, "CAUMANGA", the original name of Barangay San Jose, was a peaceful haven of Mandayan Tribes. It then became the stop-over for the adventurous migrants(settlers coming from different parts of the country), who came to the place in search of the fertile Compostela Valley.

The first settlers of CAUMANGA were Boboy Timbang and two cousins named Isig and Amasig, the disciples of Mongado-the first Mandayan Educator. Then followed by Eduardo Torres, Valentin Mabasag and some Christian settlers Julian A. Mascariñas, late Leonardo Toyong Sr., Late Francisco Ramos and ex-councilor Rufino Ubal. These men helped develop Montevista at its early stage.

During the Japanese occupation, CAUMANGA became the headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Forces under Inani Murakami, a kind-hearted Japanese Imperial Officer who befriended Fertig's guerilla movement and the Japanese people induced the evacuees to flock to CAUMANGA for protection, shelter,...
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