History of Caibiran, Biliran
The generally accepted story about the origin of Caibiran tells that a group of people migrated from mainland of Leyte around Carigara and from Cebu. These people settled near the mouth of the Caibiran river about four (4) kilometers north of the present town of Caibiran. The river yielded not only an abundance of fish but also species of edible lizards called “Ibid” in the native dialect. The abundance of Ibid helped satisfy the need for food of the settlers and this is also suggested a name for the settlement. Within a short of time, the community as well as the river came to be known as Caibiran, meaning a place where there is abundance of Ibid.
The settlement grew and it became a Municipio, but misfortune struck, heavy rains poured and Caibiran river over flooded its bank thus endangering the lives of the people. In 1882, during a strong typhoon, Caibiran river again over flooded and destroyed a large portion of the town. Headed by then Capitan Bibiano Maderazo, a group of concern citizens of the town initiated a move to transfer the town to its present site. The settlement became known as Binohangan and the new town as Caibiran.
The new Caibiran has progressed over the years, but of course not without its share of problems and difficulties. Time again there has been typhoons that devastated the crops and there have been epidemics that swept over the sea. It is said that one time, the town was put to the torch during the time of Pulahanes and the Insulares. Even as recently as 1985 the market area was destroyed by accidental fire. The town’s ideal location, its ample water supply and fertile soil have always helped to keep alive the hope for a bright future no matter what calamity or setback.
At one time, Caibiran was more extensive territorially than it is now. During the 1950’s parts of its extremities were incorporated into other newly formed towns. First, three barrios in the north were annexed to the town of Kawayan. Then, Culaba became municipality, taking with it a number of northern barrios. Finally, when Cabucgayan in the south became a municipality, it took away from
Time marches and new signs of progress became evident in this municipality. New church, new convent, new homes and more paved streets bring Caibiran into closer contacts not only with its own barangays but also the other towns of the island. In particular, paving the cross-country road made transportation to Naval, Biliran easier. More schools were constructed both in the barrios and in the poblacion. The creation of Manlabang National High School accommodates more student populace to meet the educational needs of the rapid increasing population.