HISTORY OF BADOC(A BRIEF)

The town or then known as “pueblo” was established by Spanish Friars as a result of the marauding activities of fierce and ruthless Moros and Zambals. These marauders left the area after the security forces of Gaang, Currimao, Paoay, and Batac allied forces to vanquish them forcing them to abandon their haven which was then particularly located in an island then called as “Puro”.

Before the coming of the Spanish colonizers, the place was inhabited by some Isneg families who established huts in a clearing called Canaan which is situated in a place near the brook which was then called “Pagdanuman”. All around the settlement was a thick growth of a native weed known to the settlers as “bado-badoc”, very valuable to the Isnegs as they used its flowers which when dipped with oil extracted from the “Bittaog” (Palomaria) was used to light their huts at night and the elongated leaves and stems were used in making fences of their homes.

In 1572, the Spaniards conducted massive Christianization with the aid of the Spanish soldiers and while cruising the “Pagdanuman” brook, they were able to sight an area where they could put up their camp. In a courteous manner, they asked the settlers to allow them to put up their camp in the area and further asked their assistance to help clear the area which was then heavily crowded with the weeds.

Because of the language barrier, the Spaniards signified their intention by the use of signs, one of which was the pointing of their fingers to the area they requested to occupy and be cleared. Unable to understand what the Spaniards desired and thinking that they simply wanted to know the name of the weeds, the leader of the settlers swung his arms towards the direction of the weeds and said: “Bado-badoc” the leader of the Spanish team recorded these words; and from thence, the town was called Badoc. Thus, was the name of the town Badoc coined.