It started when Dimiao was made a regular parish on January 31, 1868. The people of Panang-atan with the help of the people from two adjoining villages — Canmanico and Cutcutan petitioned Alcalde Mayor Francisco de la Torre, the “Gobernador Politico Y Militar” of Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor for the creation of Panang-atan as pueblo. The people of Dimiao, with its Spanish leaders opposed the idea. But after an ocular inspection by a party sent to the place by the incumbent alcalde mayor of Cebu, and with consultations made with the Recollect provincial in Cebu, the petition of Panang-atan was granted. Then a Recollect priest, Fray Francisco Curnago was sent to continue the Christianization of the people in the place. During his earlier stay, he rode on his horse and viewed the hills and plains of the place.
He found it to be very much alike to a town in Spain, where he originated, Valencia. Without delay, he met with the prominent natives of Panang-atan and proposed to change the name of Panang-atan to Valencia, with an assurance that he would make strong representaions for the place to be created as an independent pueblo from its mother town, Dimiao.
His proposition was received with much interest and enthusiasm by the people. Then, on September 3, 1870, a letter was received from the Ministry of Overseas Territories in Madrid, Spain informing the officials of the approval of the establishment of a new and separate parish with Senor Sto. Nino as its patron. Up until now, Panang-atan is known as the town of Valencia.
To this day, Valencia has ecclipsed Dimiao in size and in number as well as influence. Valencia is one of the richest towns in Bohol Province. The Former mayor of Valencia, Concepcion Lim, is now the Vice Governor of Bohol Province. The first Valencianon, the first female, and the first Doctor to sit as Vice Governor of Bohol Province.
VIVA VALENCIA!
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