History

Pre-1852:

• The area was ruled by three chieftains (datus) of fishing, harvest, and hunting, according to legend. The legend of “tolo-usa” (three-one) explains the origin of the name Tolosa. Tolosa was part of the municipality of Tanauan.

1852:

• Magdaleno Vivero and Domingo Camacho petitioned the Spanish Government for Tolosa’s autonomy. The petition was approved, and Tolosa gained independence from Tanauan. 

1861:

• Tolosa was formally founded. The town was named after Tolosa, a town in the Basque Country, Spain. 

February 12, 1863:

• Tolosa became a parish. Padre Geronimo Asenjo, a Spaniard, became the first parish priest. Early 1900s: Father Quintin Bautista became the first Filipino priest of the parish.

1901:

• Brigido Lauzon became the first civilian Mayor of Tolosa during the American occupation.

1910:

• A plan to abolish the municipality worried the inhabitants. Captain Daniel Romualdez averted the plan to return Tolosa to Tanauan.

1944 (World War II):

• Eagle Scout Valeriano Abello directed US and Filipino fire, saving Tolosa and neighboring towns from bombardment. Tolosa became a base for the U.S. Navy and the 6th and 13th Air Force. Irving Berlin presented “Heaven Watch the Philippines” in Tanghas, Tolosa. Tolosa was part of the Leyte-Samar Naval Base.

1970s:

• INCO mining company stripped Tolosa’s beaches of magnetite, causing environmental damage.

Later Period:

• First Lady Imelda Marcos developed an area in Tolosa, building a compound.