As early as 18^th century or after World War II, a community in this Westernmost portion of Mlang, Cotabato was predominated by a Maguindanaon people who were living under their own system of government with one common religion called “Islam” and centralized by a certain Sultan of Datu.

At those early days, some Chinese and other local traders from neighboring towns such as Dulawan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao and as far as Cotabato City had travelled along Rio Grande de Mindanao passing along at Liguasan Marsh and thick forest by using “awang” or “banca” due to lack of roads and bridges connecting other towns of Mlang.

These traders use to stop in a sitio called “Dungoan” a Maguindanaon term for “landing” where these traders used to unload and load their merchandise.

It was in the year 1951, when this sitio was turned and converted into a regular barangay by virtue of the Executive Order No. 462 dated August 3, 1951. The first appointed Teniente del Barrio was Mr. Alangkat Ducay with some other officials to complete their set of barangay that timem and during the election Mr. Ducay gave way to Mr. Laguiab Manangca who led the barangay for about sixteen (16) years.

When another barangay election came which was held last May 17, 1892, Mr. Jose M. Sagadan was elected into the office of the Barangay Captain. Barangay Dungoan is the only community among the barangays of Mlang where the populace are Islam believers, 100% of the dwellers are Muslims and Maguindanaon as their tribe.

People of Dungoan are strong believers in the teachings of Islam. They follow the 5 pillars and 6 beliefs of Islam. One of these is the observance of Month of Ramadan wherein the most significant event is “Fasting” Islam believers refrain form eating starting dawn until sunset. It is one way of showing repentance for the sins they committed. The tribal group in the community is 100% Maguindanaon and their religion is 100% Islam.

Their major sources of livelihood is farming, fishing, employment, and business. Other sources of income are small scale cattle raising, weaving, nipa-making and vegetable gardening.

Last September 29, 2007, another barangay election came, young and energetic fellow in the person of Mr. Franco M. Sagadan was elected into the office of the barangay captain. Remarkable development was experienced by the people of the barangay. This is due to his sincere and active administration which until now he has the full support and confidence of the people as his partners in the barangay governance.

Source: Our School Improvement Plan, 2011-2015

Dungoan Elementary School