The Chronicles of Balud: From Wild Doves to Coastal Gem

The history of Balud is a story of migration, natural abundance, and a persistent drive for independence. Originally a vast, untouched wilderness, the town’s journey from a forest teeming with life to a thriving municipality is etched into the very soil of Masbate.

The Early Settlements and the "Balud" Bird

A century ago, the area now known as Balud was a dense, virgin forest. The coastline was particularly lush, attracting the first wave of settlers from nearby Panay Island.

· The Namesake: The early pioneers found the woods filled with wild doves. In their native tongue, these birds were called “Balud.” The abundance of these creatures led the settlers to name the entire area after them.

· The Pioneers: Four migrant families established the first community at the mouth of the Balud River, clearing the land for corn and root crops while utilizing the river and sea for fishing.

The Rise and Fall of Pulanduta

Before Balud became a town, the nearby sitios of Pulanduta and Jangan (then part of Milagros) were the primary hubs of activity.

During the American regime, Pulanduta—named for its "red earth" (Pula na Duta)—was briefly elevated to an independent municipality. It was led by its first President, Pepe Alvarez. However, due to a small population and limited revenue, the municipality was short-lived. Under its last president, Vidal Bacolod, Pulanduta was merged back into Milagros.

Growth, Resilience, and Independence

While neighboring Jangan stagnated due to land monopolies and a declining fishing industry, the barrio of Balud flourished.

· Economic Boom: Post-World War II (1946), the discovery of Balud’s waters as a lucrative fishing ground sparked a massive migration from Panay.

· Expansion: Agriculture expanded from basic root crops to large-scale rice and coconut plantations.

· Sovereignty: On July 18, 1949, Balud finally achieved its independence from Milagros through Executive Order No. 244, signed by President Elpidio Quirino.

Modern Balud: Economy and Tourism

Today, Balud is a 32-barangay municipality that serves as a vital contributor to the Province of Masbate.

Local Trade Note: Despite being a satellite of Milagros and Mandaon, Balud’s geographic position and road conditions mean it historically trades more actively with Iloilo and Estancia.

A Vision for the Future

Under the leadership of the Lim administration, Balud has shifted its focus toward global tourism. By leveraging social media and hosting international media outlets like Living Asia and ANC, the town's white sand beaches have gained worldwide recognition.

Today, the spirit of the town is captured in the popular local tagline championed by Mayor Ruben Jude Abelita Delmendo Lim:

“BALUD, BANWA KO! PALANGGA KO!” (Balud, My Town! My Beloved!)

References:

Municipality of Balud. History. https://balud.masbate.gov.ph/history/

Official Gazette. Executive Order No. 244, s. 1949. https://web.archive.org/web/20190514082955/https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1949/07/18/executive-order-no-244-s-1949/

Wikipedia. Balud, Masbate. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balud