HISTORY OF BAYOMBONG
The Municipality of Bayombong is a first class municipality and the capital of the province of Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. The name Bayombong originated from the Gaddang word “bayongyong” which means the confluence of two or more rivers. The name was changed to Bayumbung as a sign of the Gaddangs’ victory in the first tribal war in the area. Bayumbung was later renamed to Bayombong during its formal foundation on June 12, 1739 during the first mass celebrated in the region. The mass was officiated by Father Pedro Freire, a Spanish Augustinian Friar, in a chapel at the foot of the Bangan Hill.
Bayombong's Saint Dominic de Guzman Cathedral
Bayombong came under the administration of Dominican friars as a part of the Paniqui mission pueblo a few months after its founding. The names of those considered to be founding fathers of Bayombong were Ramon Cabauatan, Jacinto Gadingan, Vicente Saquing, Ignacio Abuag, Mariano Danao, Domingo Bayaua, a certain Bincatan and a certain Mamuric. All of them were Gaddangs. Their names are remembered today in major streets of the town.
In 1754, the local government was formally organized and in 1982, the town became the seat of the new Diocese of Bayombong. From 1773 to 1792, Fray Juan Crespo led the construction of the St. Dominic's church, the convent and the cemetery next to the church, and started the octagonal tower. By 1829, Fray Juan Molano finished the tower. In 1880 the church building was damaged in an earthquake, while more than a century later, in 1987, a fire destroyed the church and convent. In 1989, the 250th anniversary of the first Mass in Bayombong, the cathedral was rebuilt.
In 1916, the American administration started a farm settlement school in Bayombong.
Since the colonization of Spain, Bayombong has always been a center for Religion and Education. Bayombong is also the home of Capitol Park which is known as the “Luneta of the North.” A unique sight to see in Bayombong is the Rizal Shrine which serves as a tribute not only to Jose P. Rizal but also to other heroes of the country.
Bayombong's Town Hall