According to local tradition, the early settlers of the town originated from Marayo (now
Pontevedra), and initially referred to their settlement as the village of “Lapak.” During the Spanish colonial period, the area was renamed La Castellana due to its resemblance in vegetation to Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid. The Spaniards established haciendas and sugar plantations, significantly boosting the local economy and attracting migrants and workers from various regions. As a result, the town developed into an important center of trade and commerce. ==Geography==