Tanza, Cavite • CALABARZON • Philippines

History of Barangay Biga

Discover the rich heritage, growth, and vibrant community of one of Tanza's most dynamic barangays

About Barangay Biga

Barangay Biga is one of the administrative barangays of the Municipality of Tanza in the Province of Cavite, Region IV-A (CALABARZON), Philippines. Like many barangays in the country, its early history is closely linked with the historical development of the municipality to which it belongs.

While detailed written accounts specific to Barangay Biga are limited in publicly available historical records, its historical identity developed alongside the growth and transformation of Tanza from the Spanish colonial period to the present.

Historical Background of Tanza

Tracing the roots from the Spanish colonial era to the modern Municipality of Tanza

Spanish Colonial Period

The history of Barangay Biga cannot be separated from the history of Tanza itself. During the Spanish colonial period, the area now known as Tanza was originally part of San Francisco de Malabon, which is presently the City of General Trias.

Historical accounts indicate that around the late 18th century, the area was known as Estancia Santa Cruz de Malabon, serving primarily as pastureland and agricultural territory. Early settlers gradually established communities as agricultural activities expanded in the area.

Santa Cruz de Malabon eventually developed into an independent municipality. On February 28, 1914, through Philippine Legislative Act No. 2390, the municipality was officially renamed Tanza — the name it carries today.

As the municipality expanded in population and economic activity, its territorial divisions evolved, resulting in the creation and organization of several barangays, including Barangay Biga.

Key Historical Timeline

Major milestones in the history of Tanza and Barangay Biga

Late 1700s

Area known as Estancia Santa Cruz de Malabon, serving as pastureland and agricultural territory under Spanish colonial rule.

1800s

Early settlers establish farming communities. The area grows as agricultural activities expand throughout the region.

Feb 28, 1914

Philippine Legislative Act No. 2390 officially renames the municipality to Tanza.

Mid-1900s

Barangay Biga established as part of administrative reorganization. Primarily agricultural land use characterizes the area.

Late 1900s

Rapid urbanization transforms Biga from farmland to a growing residential community as Cavite industrializes.

Present

Barangay Biga is a vibrant, active residential community playing a vital role in Tanza's social, economic, and civic landscape.

Development of Barangay Biga

Barangay Biga emerged as part of the administrative reorganization of Tanza as population growth and settlement expansion required smaller and more manageable local governance units. Similar to many barangays in Cavite, it was historically characterized by agricultural land use before gradually transitioning into a residential and mixed-use community.

Its proximity to the municipal center contributed to its development as an important residential area, especially during the late 20th century and early 21st century, when rapid urbanization occurred throughout Cavite due to industrialization and the expansion of nearby urban centers.

Contemporary Era

In recent decades, Barangay Biga has experienced significant growth as part of the broader development of Tanza. Infrastructure improvements, residential developments, and increased accessibility to nearby cities have contributed to its transformation into an active residential community. The barangay continues to play an important role in supporting the municipality's social, economic, and civic activities.

Origin of the Name "Biga"

There is no officially documented source that definitively explains the origin of the name "Biga" specific to this barangay. However, in Philippine toponymy, place names are often derived from natural features or vegetation found in the area.

The term "biga" commonly refers to a type of large taro plant (genus Alocasia), which typically grows in lowland or moist environments. This naming pattern is consistent with traditional naming practices observed in many early Philippine settlements.

This explanation is based on linguistic and cultural interpretation rather than an official historical record.

Demographics & Population

Population trends, household data, and proportional share based on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) census data

17,021
Total Population
2020 Census
11,819
Household Population
2015 Census
3,020
Households
2015 Census
3.91
Avg. Household Size
Members per household

Historical Population

Census Year Population Growth
1990 1,455 —
1995 1,918 +31.8%
2000 3,626 +89.1%
2007 10,875 +199.9%
2010 11,010 +1.2%
2015 11,819 +7.3%
2020 17,021 +44.0%

Population Growth (1990–2020)

Data source: PSA via PhilAtlas.com

Household Population Trends (1990–2015)

Household Details

Census HH Pop. # of HH Avg Size
1990 1,455 274 5.31
1995 1,918 366 5.24
2000 3,626 868 4.18
2007 10,875 2,593 4.19
2010 11,010 2,605 4.23
2015 11,819 3,020 3.91

Proportional Share & Distribution

How Biga contributes to the population totals of its parent administrative divisions (based on 2020 population of 17,021)

Note: Bar widths use a non-linear scale to highlight small proportions. Data source: PSA via PhilAtlas.com

Location

Coordinates
14.3647°N, 120.8554°E
Elevation
32.3 meters (106.0 feet) above mean sea level
Island
Luzon, Philippines
Municipality
Tanza, Cavite, Region IV-A (CALABARZON)

Adjacent Barangays

Barangay Biga shares a common border with the following barangays in Tanza, Cavite

Amaya V
Amaya VI
Bunga
Halayhay
Mulawin
Punta I
Punta II
Sahud Ulan
Sanja Mayor
Santol
Tres Cruses
11 Neighboring Barangays
All located within the Municipality of Tanza, Cavite