Kauswagan, City Of Cagayan De Oro (Capital), Misamis Oriental

Kauswagan is a barangay of City Of Cagayan De Oro (Capital) in the Misamis Oriental Province, Philippines within Region 10 (Northern Mindanao), Philippines.

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Kauswagan, City Of Cagayan De Oro (Capital)

Population per 2020 census: 18,720
Population per 2015 census: 17,987
Area: N/A (Total City Area: 412.80 sq. km.)
Total City Population (2020): 728,402
Total City Population (2015): 675,950
Boundary: The barangay borders Carmen and Bayabas.

The Barangay Chairperson(Captain) – 2020 is: Pedro Dajalos Balite

History of Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Article below is verbatim from A. Paulita Roa

KAUSWAGAN is one of the most prosperous barangays in Cagayan de Oro today.

This barangay is about three kilometers from the poblacion. It is bounded on the east by the Cagayan de Oro River, the west by Barangay Bulua, the north by Barangay Bonbon and the south by Barangay Carmen.

According to Mr. Lumboy, a school teacher, and several old residents whose interviews regarding the origins of this barangay came out in the book “The Village: Early Cagayan de Oro in Legend and History” (Francisco Demetrio S.J. ed. 1967), Kauswagan used to be called “Balahotao” for it was believed that since the area was full of big old trees, witches (balbal) and giants (kapre) abound.

The early families of Kauswagan are the Abonitalla, Agawin, Salcedo, Pacana, Nagac, Amil, Beja, Sambaan, Rallo and the Avanceña. It is said that these families intermarried among themselves.

Other settlers were the Bol-anons, Cebuanos, Ilocanos and from Camiguin Island who came after the eruption of the Hibok-Hibok volcano in the 1870s. They were mostly farmers whose main agricultural products were rice and corn. Their patron saint is San Isidro Labrador whose feast day falls on May 15.

In the early 18th century, the residents were mostly Catholics and the first church was in the lot of Gil Blas Pacana, who was also the church fiscal of St. Agustine Cathedral. He was a famous musician who can play the violin and the piano. The people looked up to Pacana as their first church leader who used to teach them the Spanish Cartilla.

When the Aglipayan religion was introduced in Cagayan, those that fought during the Spanish-American War in 1900-1901 left the church, including some families in Kauswagan. Those that remained as Catholics were led by Pacana and they divided the church property. The image of San Isidro Labrador was given to Pacana which is said to be still in good condition today and is kept in the old chapel.

In 1907, the first school was established in the church that was administered by Pacana. It was later moved to the copra bodega of Aquilino Gabor in 1912 because it had no permanent school site. Because of this, Mr. Gonzalo Chaves suggested to Mr. Elias Salcedo to purchase the lot of Vicente Raagas for the school site and to construct a building there. Fourteen relatives gathered together and each agreed to pay the then princely sum of P50 to buy the lot. The group called themselves “El Catorce.” The following were the members: Elias Salcedo, Rustico Agawin, Catalina Amil, Andres Nabe, Clodualdo Sabalo, Victor Naca, Jose Abonitalla, Nemesio Agawin, Cipriano Naca, Julian Salcedo, Gaudencio Naca, Jorge Salcedo, Vicente Yaranon and Rufino Rallo.

The present land where the Kauswagan Elementary School now stands is a memorial to the civic minded El Catorce members whose generosity made it possible for many generations of residents to receive their elementary education right in their barangay.

After El Catorce, another group called the “Mutya Sa Sidlakan” was organized by the people to help and work on whatever improvements their Barrio Balahotao needed. The elected officers of the society were Rustico Agawin (President); Clodualdo Sabalo (Vice President); Gaudencio Naca (Secretary); Cipriano Naca (Asst. Secretary); Lucas Beja (Treasurer); Jose Salcedo (Asst. Treasurer); and Elias Salcedo (Auditor).

Of the many things that the officers and members did for their community, their greatest achievement was to initiate the change of name of their barrio from Balahotao to Kauswagan in 1912.

A hundred years later, in 2012, Kauswagan, which in Bisayan means progress, has truly lived up to its name because of the generosity, sacrifices and vision of the founding fathers of this barangay.

People of Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Total Population of Kauswagan as 2015 census: 35,069
Total Population of Kauswagan as 2010 census: 34,541

Elected Government Officials of Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Elected Officers of Kauswagan for the term of 2018 – 2020

Punong Barangay (Chairman): Pedro Dajalos Balite

Sangguniang Member: Carlitos Ordiales Pacana
Sangguniang Member: Peter Jason Balagot Balite
Sangguniang Member: Kirby Camay Cahoy
Sangguniang Member: Odine Molina Beja
Sangguniang Member: Artagnan Nagac Pimentel
Sangguniang Member: Roy Pagapula-An Saarenas
Sangguniang Member: Floro Retes Antiquina

SK Chairperson: Cliff Bejee Pader Ramos
Barangay Secretary : Hermelando Abaday Bautista

Elected Kauswagan Officers for the term of 2013 – 2016

Punong Barangay : Balite, Pedro Dajalos

Barangay Kagawad : Balite, Peter Jason Balagot
Barangay Kagawad : Saarenas, Roy Pagapulaan
Barangay Kagawad : Pimentel, Artagnan Nagac
Barangay Kagawad : Cahoy, Elnora Abonitalla
Barangay Kagawad : Sabalo, Christine Menchavez
Barangay Kagawad : Bautista, Haruyoshi Camarillo
Barangay Kagawad : Pacana, Carlitos Ordiales

Elected Kauswagan Officers for the term of 2010 – 2013

Misamis Oriental, Cagayan De Oro City, Kauswagan, Punong Barangay (Chairman), Pedro D Balite
Misamis Oriental, Cagayan De Oro City, Kauswagan, Kagawad 1, Ma Gina F Abaday
Misamis Oriental, Cagayan De Oro City, Kauswagan, Kagawad 2, Ritz Anne K Beja
Misamis Oriental, Cagayan De Oro City, Kauswagan, Kagawad 3, Hernando O Pacana
Misamis Oriental, Cagayan De Oro City, Kauswagan, Kagawad 4, Odine M Beja
Misamis Oriental, Cagayan De Oro City, Kauswagan, Kagawad 5, Christine S Monforte
Misamis Oriental, Cagayan De Oro City, Kauswagan, Kagawad 6, Artagnan N Pimentel
Misamis Oriental, Cagayan De Oro City, Kauswagan, Kagawad 7, Nicasio S Reyes
Misamis Oriental, Cagayan De Oro City, Kauswagan, SK Chairman, Phil Dion R Galorport

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January 7, 2026

1️⃣ Andas for Traslación 2026 now ready, with upgrades

The Andas carrying the Black Nazarene for January 9 Traslación features new steering wheel and reinforced underchassis to handle massive devotee crowds safely.

2️⃣ Over 3,500 affected by Mayon volcano unrest

NDRRMC reports 3,515 people from 964 families evacuated in Albay due to recent magmatic eruptions, ashfall, and pyroclastic flows; all in permanent danger zone.

3️⃣ Magnitude 6.4 quake hits off southern Philippines

USGS detects 6.4 quake off Davao Oriental coast—no tsunami threat reported, but locals feel shaking; no immediate damage confirmed.

Barangay’s power and authority: A must read for all barangay officials

This is the “Barangay Code of the Philippines – PDF”.

A Barangay Clearance is NEEDED in order to get a Business License.
So why is the barangay name not in most business addresses?
Ask your Barangay Captain/Chairman to create a Resolution to make it mandatory to put the barangay name in all Business addresses.

Every Government Unit in the Philippines is within a Barangay. The municipal hall, city hall, the provincial capitol building, and even the Malacañang Palace where the president resides is within a Barangay.

The barangay has power and authority over its domain. The improvement of the barangay rests on the barangay officials. The barangay chairman, the barangay council and the local businessmen forge the prosperity of the barangay. Not the president of the Philippines, senate, nor congress. Not the governor of the province, not the mayor nor council of the municipality or city. Poor barangays stay poor because of weak and/or ignorant(uninformed) barangay leaders.

When roads or any infrastructure need to be built, improved or repaired, all the barangay officials have to do is make a resolution and present it to the city or municipality council. The resolution will force the city/municipal council or responsible government office to hear the legitimate demands. “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.”

Each city or municipality is represented by the “barangay association or federation”. The elected president of the Association of Barangay Council and the President of Kabataan (SK) association each have a seat in the City/Municipality council. Their powers are the same and equal to the elected city/municipality councilors. They are there to help lobby the demands of the barangays. They are not there just to collect a big salary and rub elbows with the regular elected city/municipality council, but to also represent the needs of the barangays.

The duties of the barangay officials are specifically written in Chapter III(Punong Barangay) and Chapter IV (The Sangguniang Barangay). Read it..PDF file

Practically anything that has to do with the barangay, the barangay officials have a say on it and most likely the authority over it. The majority of the barangay officials are not aware of their duties and power. They depend on the city council or mayor. The elected barangay officials are afraid of the mayor and city/municipality’s “Sangguniang Panlungsod”. They are in fear of being ousted or removed from office. The truth is, the “Sangguniang Panlungsod” does not have the power to remove or suspend any elected barangay officials from office. Only the COURT OF LAW can do this (judicial branch of the government). Elected public officials can’t be suspended by the DILG or the office of the president unless an official complaint has been filed, there must be proof and there must be due process. Republic Act 7160 chapter 4, Section 60 – pdf file. Information is power. Be informed. Do not be intimidated by the president, senator, congressman, governor, mayor, vice-mayor, or councilors. Do your job.

The control of traffic is not up to the city council or chief of police. It is controlled by the barangay. If the barangay needs traffic enforcers, the barangay can make a resolution to demand it from the city or municipality council. When the electric coop or the water district do not maintain their lines, the barangay can directly demand for the maintenance from the utility companies. No need to wait for city council.

The citizens also has the power to make demands to the barangay officials. In case the officials get blinded. Simply file an official complaint with the barangay secretary naming the Punong barangay as the respondent representing the barangay.

Barangay officials are paid to serve the public. So never be afraid to ask them to do anything if it is for the benefit of entire barangay. Even the SK officials are compensated specially the SK chairman.

If the power lines are sagging, don’t go to the power company, go to the barangay office. Ask the barangay for a DEMAND resolution against the power company.

If the water lines are busted, don’t wait for the water company, go to the barangay office. Ask the barangay for a DEMAND resolution against the water company.

If the potholes in the road are not fixed, don’t wait for the The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), go to the barangay office. Ask the barangay for a DEMAND resolution against the DPWH.

Are you beginning to get the point?

Cleaning the shorelines, drainage systems, streets, rivers, and parks within your barangay is YOUR responsibility. You are accountable for this. It is not the responsibility of the City/Municipality officials. The citizens and officials of the barangay are responsible. Stop blaming others.

BUDGET: As far as the preparation for the budget expenditures, it starts at the barangay level, then moves on to cities, municipalities, provinces and regions. The barangays need to exercise their authority. They need to put their yearly budget together for their administration and future projects. The majority of the barangays leave this job to the municipality and city. This is so wrong. Then when the budget doesn’t come or is lacking, they complain.
The budget for the barangays does go to the City or Municipality, but simply for holding and later distribution. The city or municipality DOES NOT approve the budget. It was already approved by congress. The city or municipality simply “distributes” the approved budget.
The bureau of internal revenue is in cahoots to subdue the barangays, municipalities and provinces. They call the rightful shares to the taxes collected as “Internal Revenue Allotment Dependency”. It is not a dependency. It is the lawful and rightful share of the LGU as specified in “TITLE III, SHARES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS IN THE PROCEEDS OF NATIONAL TAXES, CHAPTER I, Allotment of Internal Revenue Taxes, Section 284.”
“IMPERIAL MANILA IS A MYTH!”, it does not exist anymore. The Philippine budget formulation system is not centralized. “Budgetary planning has been DECENTRALIZED since 1991” – pdf file. It is the responsibility of each LGU to submit their budgetary needs for review. Failure to submit is the problem.
DURING ELECTIONS: Where do City and Municipality politicians go to campaign? They seek the support of the Barangay officials. They plead to the barangay folks for the votes. Even the candidate for president. But after the election they ignore you. Do not ever forget the power of the barangay.

Ignorance keeps the pinoys thinking that Manila rules. Be informed, be educated and make your barangay prosper.

Regional Senatorial Representation – Minimum of One Senator per Region

With the current state of affairs a candidate needs millions of pesos to be a senatorial candidate. Because his/her campaign must be nationwide and is only directed at the most populous cities and municipalities to guarantee the most votes. Plus the comelec is prejudiced in the acceptance of certificate of candidacy. How often have you witnessed the COMELEC declare a provincial senatorial candidate as a nuisance candidate. The comelec is in cahoots with the big time money makers in the metro manila area. Unless the provincial candidate has millions of pesos and big time connections, his/her chance for even being accepted by the COMELEC is hopeless.