Barangay Calinaoan Centro

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Barangay Calinaoan Centro, situated in the northernmost part of the Municipality of Santo Tomas, Isabela, stands out as the emerging gateway of Santo Tomas, blending captivating history with resilience, progress, and natural beauty. Originally known as Calitnawan,derived from the ilocano dialect meaning "the clearest water", this barangay boasts enchanting and pure running waters that flowed from its creek that add to the captivating beauty of the land. Founded by five adventurous travelers from the Ilocos region- Aniceto Marquez, Cecilia Marquez-Ranchez, Paulino Marquez, Felipe Marquez, and Isabel Marquez- Calitnawan began as a forest-like land. Over time, it attracted more settlers, evolving into Barrio Calinauan under the Municipality of Cabagan, Isabela, and later becoming part of the independent municipality of Santo Tomas thru Executive Order No. 199, issued on January 5, 1949. In the 1950s, Barangay Calinaoan underwent a significant transformation, leading to its division into two distinct barangays. Amidst this transition, another chapter unfolded, giving rise to the emergence of Calinaoan Centro as a dynamic barangay paving the way for separate paths of growth and development. Former soldier Cipriano Marquez became its first Tinyente del Barrio, fostering its development. Today, under the leadership of Punong Barangay Joey M. Mamauag, Calinaoan Centro thrives as one of Santo Tomas' most progressive, developed, and peaceful barangays. With a vast land area dedicated to agriculture, it embraces its roots while promoting progress and sustainability. Calinaoan Centro has emerged as the gateway of Santo Tomas, characterized by ongoing efforts to enhance social infrastructure, including construction of a Day Care Center, rehabilitation of the Barangay Multi-Purpose Hall and Covered Court, and the establishment of a new Health Station. These facilities enrich the lives of its constituents, cementing Calinaoan Centro's pivotal role as the gateway to Santo Tomas' promising future.