Dinalungan is a quiet, coastal municipality with a strong connection to nature and indigenous heritage. Though relatively underdeveloped, it holds promise for eco-tourism, cultural preservation, and sustainable agriculture, as it maintains a balance between tradition and progress.

General Information About Dinalungan

• Location – Central-northern part of Aurora Province, along the Philippine Sea
• Region – Central Luzon (Region III)
• Province – Aurora
• Founded – June 16, 1966
• Land Area – Approximately 325.52 km²
• Population – Around 12,500 (2020 Census)
• Number of Barangays – 9 barangays
• Languages – Tagalog, Ilocano, and Dumagat dialects
• Economy – Primarily agriculture (coconut, root crops), fishing, and small trade
• Distance from Baler – Around 61 kilometers north via coastal road

Geographic Features

• Bordered by Dipaculao to the south and Casiguran to the north.
• Lies between the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Philippine Sea.
• Terrain is a mix of coastal plains, rolling hills, and heavily forested mountains.
• Rich in natural resources, with mangrove areas, waterfalls, and beaches.

Historical Background of Dinalungan

Early History

• Originally inhabited by Dumagat-Agta indigenous groups, who practiced hunting, gathering, fishing, and slash-and-burn farming.
• Early settlers include Ilocano and Tagalog migrants from nearby provinces who settled along the coast and riverbanks.
• The town name “Dinalungan” is believed to come from the word “lunga”, meaning cave or resting place in the local dialect.

Municipal Formation

• Formerly a barangay of Casiguran.
• Dinalungan became a separate municipality in 1950, through Executive Order No. 364 signed by President Elpidio Quirino.
• It was established to improve local governance and services for residents in this geographically distinct area.

Post-Establishment Development

• Infrastructure development has been slow due to challenging terrain and limited access.
• The opening of coastal roads from Baler to Casiguran improved transport, though travel remains difficult during the rainy season.
• The municipality is working to balance development with environmental protection, especially in ecologically sensitive areas.

Tourism and Natural Attractions

• Dinalungan is less commercialized than Baler or Casiguran but offers raw natural attractions, including:
• Lipit Beach – an uncrowded white-sand beach
• Baul Falls – a multi-level waterfall in a forested area
• Mangrove forests – crucial for biodiversity and marine life
• Dumagat cultural sites – reflecting indigenous traditions

Culture and People

• Predominantly Tagalog and Ilocano settlers, with significant Dumagat indigenous communities in the hinterlands.
• Religious practices are largely Roman Catholic, with fiestas and holy days celebrated town-wide.
• Indigenous customs still survive in upland communities, especially in terms of healing practices, oral traditions, and rituals.

Timeline of Major Events

• Pre-1900s – Inhabited by Dumagat-Agta groups
• 1950 – Established as a regular municipality via RA 4759
• 1979 – Became part of the newly created Aurora Province
• 2000s – Present – Development of coastal access roads and tourism efforts