In 1786, the group of Datu Oguid Pagsuguiron Amar of Borneo landed at Calawagan Creek, now Poblacion Sur. A day after, two of his sons and 5 brave men went at the foot of the highest mountain in the area to survey a settlement site and found the place ideal and suited for dwelling.
In 1826, Datu Oguid called a meeting to hold a fiesta, mainly to thank GOD all the blessings they received after decades of safe, progressive, harmonious relationship and away from cruelties of Sultan Macatunao’s. In October 28, 1826 Datu Oguid made representations to Governor Barboza and Father Islaw of Barbaza Town to hold a mass, christened and solemnized marriages at Oguid’s Barangay at the foot of the highest mountain. The request was approved and granted on condition putting up a big “Cruz” mountain top. On November 01, 1826, Vesperas day a big wooden cross was erected by Oguid’s followers. On the second day, a thanksgiving mass was held, officiated by Fr. Islaw. After the mass there were revelries and games; sumptuous foods and drinks were served. During merry making the Governor ordered to transfer the site to lowland near the sea to have accessibility to the nearby towns.
On November 06, 1828 Datu Oguid chose five men to go down hill to survey the proposed site for the new town. The ideal site was at the middle of two Creeks Calawagan and Palaypay. Juan Amar Sarcino drafted a new town site plan- (present town site of Tibiao) including locations of Church, Convent, Plaza, the streets formation and residential areas.
During the Spanish occupation, Spanish soldiers happened to see the group of natives picking up shells locally known as “Kuhol” along the muddy field of Hatay-Hatay. They asked the natives what is the name of the municipality, pointing to the vast expanse of land comprising the municipality covered with tall grasses locally known as “TIGBAO”. The natives misconstrued the question, believing that the Spaniards were asking the name of the tall grasses, quickly answered TIGBAO. Since then, they started calling the place “Tigbao” but due to pronunciation difficulties, this was changed to Tibiao.
source: http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/tibiao-antique/index.php?cat1=2&cat2=1
