Before its creation as a separate and independent Political Unit, Pigcawayan together with Alamada and Libungan were component barangays of Midsayap. Pigcawayan, however at that time was more progressive than the two mentioned.

How Pigcawayan got its name remains undocumented, however two versions had been given by the early settlers which was passed on from one generation to another. The first version was that, the place now known as Pigcawayan was considered as a battle ground for the Iranons and the Maguindanaoans. Due to this fighting the inhabitants would abandon the place to be occupied by the victors. From this evolved the Muslim word “Piaghawaan” which meant an abandoned place.

The second version, refers to an incident when an American School Superintendent visited the place. By coincidence it was also the time when folks were roasting a pig with the use of bamboo pole rotated over live charcoal. The word pig bamboo as said by the superintendent was translated into the local dialect Pigcawayan the present name of the municipality.

Before the coming of the early settlers from the Visayas, the place was ruled by a Datu or “Chieftain” with the sitios of Maluao and Manuangan the most populated barangay. These sitios have demonstrated significant progress and development which to the expansion of settlements toward the Northeastern portion that is the present barangays of the Poblacion, Balogo and Upper Baguer.

As settlers increased in number the people/inhabitants under the leadership of the late Ruperto Panzo, Sr. who was then the representative of the sitio to the Municipal Council of Midsayap agitated for the creation of the municipality. Pigcawayan then was separated from Midsayap by virtue of Executive Order No. 622 dated September 30, 1953 signed by then President Elpidio Quirino, Mr. Ruperto Panzo, Sr. then was appointed as Mayor of the Municipality of Pigcawayan, however, the inaugural program was held October 20, 1953 and from that time on the date was made Pigcawayan’s Foundation Anniversary.

Local Chief Executives of the Municipality