ORIGIN OF THE SURNAME GUIANG

There is no direct evidence about the origin of the surname “Guiang,” but several facts below may be cited to draw conclusions.

The Guiang surname could  have been adopted from the early Indonesian settlers in Paoay with Chinese origin.  There are known Chinese surnames called “Gi Ang” and “Giang.”  It is noted that some members of the Guiang family have Chinese-feature eyes and light skin complexion, which are most likely inherited from Chinese genes.

The name Guiang may have come from the Ilocano words “A guian kami ditoy,” which means “We live here.” This may also relate to the similar Ilocano words “Maka-paoay kami,” which means “We are independent or live amongst us independently.”

Another possibility is: DON MARTIN GUIANG, the founder of Paoay Town, was a trusted man of the Spanish colonizers. Historians say that one could not be anointed or recognized as founder or ruler of a new town during that time if a person was not a Spanish affiliate.  Hence, even the popular Spanish surname De Guia was believed to be originally Guiang.

Whatever and wherever the name originated, we are proud of our surname Guiang and are equally proud that we, the  members of the Guiang family belong to the Ilocano ethnic group in the Philippines.