Discover the roots of Amlan and trace its journey from Ayuquitan to the vibrant municipality it is today. As part of Tourism Amlan’s mission, we honor our rich heritage and invite visitors to explore our historical landmarks, cultural stories, and enduring local spirit.

Twenty-one kilometers north of Dumaguete, the capital of Negros Oriental, lies the town of Amlan. During the Spanish era, the area was originally part of Ayuquitan Viejo. However, during the early years of the American regime, municipal reorganization led to the establishment of Ayuquitan Nuevo (New Ayuquitan) as a separate entity. Due to its growing population, it became the new municipal seat, while Ayuquitan Viejo was reduced to a barrio.

On June 7, 1950, Republic Act No. 435 was enacted by the Philippine Congress, officially changing the name of the Municipality of New Ayuquitan, Province of Negros Oriental, to "Amlan," and renaming Barrio Old Ayuquitan to "Ayuquitan." . The town's name is said to have originated from "Amblan" or "Amblang," referring to a rare variety of fleshy guava that once grew abundantly in the area. According to legend, in 1840, a Spanish priest named Pedro Bracamonte encountered a local couple eating the fruit. When he asked for the name of the place, they mistakenly thought he was asking about the fruit and responded, "Alman." Misinterpreting their answer, the priest recorded the name as Amblang, which later evolved into Amlan.

Early Development and Settlement

Amlan's town site was officially laid out in 1848 under the leadership of Padre Ramon Cavez de Patroceño, who oversaw the clearing of trees and bushes in what is now the town plaza. A small brick church was built, encouraging residents to settle around the newly established pueblo. However, Amlan remained under the jurisdiction of Tanjay for the first eight years due to the absence of an organized local government.

Several sitios (small communities) developed within the town:

• Mag-abo, named after the abundance of buri palms, which frequently caught fire, leaving piles of ash ("abo").

• Tinago, meaning "hidden," as it is located within calling distance from the provincial road but remains out of sight due to a low hill that obscures it.

• Pondol, part of Barrio Jugno, named after the term for a "dull end" or "cut," as it marked the end of the municipal road before it joined the provincial highway.

Spanish Rule and Moro Raids

During the Spanish period, Amlan faced frequent Moro pirate raids. To protect the town, residents built stone watchtowers, the ruins of which can still be found in Buswang, the mouth of the Amlan River, near Ayuquitan school, and in Barrio Calo. The town also established a temporary settlement in the hills of Barrio Siapo, known as Guilungsoran, to escape pirate attacks. Among the captives taken during a raid were Capitan Patricio and Teniente Anoy, along with two women.

Amlan was led by a series of Capitanes Municipales (Spanish-era municipal captains), including Don Juan Zareño, Don Juan Bandoquillo, Don Marcelo Rabanal, Don Sabine Ybeas, Don Celestino Sedillo, Don Pedro Oriola, Don Facundo Salacut, Don Fabian Suelto, Don Agustin Aniñon, Don Vidal Ybeas, Don Guardianno Suelto, Don Cesario Jamora, Don Mariano Suelto, and Don Jose Suelto.

American Period and World War II

On November 21, 1898, revolutionary activity reached Amlan, but hostilities quickly subsided when American forces arrived in Dumaguete aboard the USS Baltimore. Among the first American soldiers to enter Amlan were Mr. Henry Fleischer and Mr. Wanestine. A local government was soon organized, with Antero Bandoquillo appointed as the town’s first municipal president by the Junta Provincial in 1902.

The Americans introduced English education, with Mr. Stafford and Mr. Goldencaire among the first teachers. The Jones Law of 1916 allowed Amlan’s residents to elect their own municipal officials. Infrastructure development followed, including roads, telephone lines, artesian wells, and new schools. The Gabaldon Building, constructed in 1913, was the town’s first modern school building, with Mr. Lazaro Bandoquillo serving as its first principal.

World War II and the Japanese Occupation

When Japanese forces landed in Dumaguete, panic spread across Amlan. Many residents fled to the hills, leaving behind their homes and belongings. On June 22, 1942, the Japanese formally occupied Amlan, converting the house of Vicente Salatandre into a military garrison. Residents were required to carry Japanese-issued passes, and those without them were considered enemies of the occupation.

Despite Japanese efforts to win local favor—holding athletic contests, distributing food, and inviting prominent officials—resistance in Amlan remained strong. Guerilla units led by Lt. David Cirile, Lt. Ridad, Capt. Fernando Asis, and Major Sibala frequently harassed Japanese patrols. The first guerilla ambush in the area occurred in Tandayag, where two Japanese soldiers were killed, and four were wounded.

The Japanese, unable to secure land routes, began using boats between Bais and Dumaguete to avoid ambushes. As a countermeasure, local guerillas burned strategic buildings, including the school, the vice mayor’s residence, and the homes of Don Jesus Montenegro and Don Joaquin Bocanegra, to prevent their use by the enemy.

Liberation and Post-War Recovery

By September 1944, the Japanese began withdrawing from their garrisons in Bais, Tanjay, and Amlan, consolidating their forces in Dumaguete. The people’s hopes for liberation grew when American missionary Rev. Paul Lindholm visited Amlan, reassuring them that U.S. forces would soon return. His presence deeply moved the townspeople, some of whom wept and kissed his hands.

On April 26, 1945, at 10:00 AM, American liberation forces landed at Looc, Sibulan. Overjoyed, the people of Amlan left their hiding places in the hills and returned to their town—only to find their homes in ruins. The PGAU (Philippine Guerrilla Administrative Unit) provided humanitarian aid, distributing medicine, food, clothing, and war damage compensation. The reconstruction of public buildings, homes, and infrastructure marked the beginning of Amlan’s post-war recovery.