HISTORY

The recorded history of Nasipit can be traced to as early as 1880 when it was declared a pueblo by the Spanish colonizers. According to townsfolk, its name may be attributed to an incident where a native, just after being bitten by a crab, was asked the name of the place by an immigrant. Misunderstanding the question, the native answered “na-si-pit” meaning bitten by a crab. Since then, the town became known as Nasipit.

Nasipit was officially separated from the municipality of Butuan on August 1, 1929. It became a municipality by virtue of Executive Order No. 181 issued by Acting Governor General Eugene Gilmore of the U.S. Army. A proposal to change its name to Aurora was initiated by former Governor Teofisto Guingona Sr. but due to strong opposition from townsfolk, the name Nasipit was retained.