History
As transmitted by word of mouth since time immemorial, Balawag had been an arena of several tribal wars. This was so because of the age-old belief that a person who has killed somebody is a mark of distinction; such person is looked up to by tribe mates as powerful and a great warrior.
A popular legend which was passed by word of mouth from generation to generation among the Tobog Sub-tribe is that of a great leader of the Sub-tribe by the name Balawag. This tribal leader is said to have boldly and successfully led his warriors of the Tobog Sub-tribe in waging war against other Kalinga Sub-tribes.
Balawag’s prowess, however, was put to the acid test when he tried to wage war against the peaceful Naneng Sub-tribe who dwelt across the Chico River and which Balawag wanted to conquer and dominate. Fortunately, Naneng Sub-tribe who were settled at Sitio Amlao which is strategically located to serve as blockade to the Tobog Sub-tribe on its attempted attack against the Naneng Sub-tribe.
The Biga Sub-tribe could not help but face and fight the Tobog Sub-tribe warriors in defense of their friends, the Naneng sub-tribe, and killed several Tobog Sub-tribe warriors. This enraged Balawag and challenged the leader of the Biga Sub-tribe to duel in which they were to use their spears and shields. Calling the challenge was Dulliyao of the Biga Sub-tribe. The fight was to be held at the home base of the Tobog Sub-tribe which is now known as the Balawag Proper. When the fearless warriors met, Dulliyao proved to be the better fighter. He overcame his enemy, cut-off his head as a prize of his victory and brought it home to Amlao where members of the victorious Biga Sub-tribe butchered animals and merry-making ensued.
The defeat of Balawag caused his followers to be scattered and flee for their lives. Some of them fled to nearby Laya, some to other places like Babalag, Moleg and somewhere else.
The place where the duel between Dulliyao of the Biga Sub-tribe and Balawag of the Tobog Sub-tribe was then named Balawag in memory of that infamous warrior-leader of the Tobog Sub-tribe.
II. Creation – June 16, 1951
III. Land Area – 32.44 sq. kms.
IV. No. of sitios/puroks – 5 sitios
V. Population (2007 NSO census) – 1,279
VI. Major Products – Rice, coffee, banana & fruit trees
