In the olden time, Barangay Cangmalalag got its name from the plants growing in the lowly hills. These small trees have yellowish leaves called “LALAG” in the native dialect. From the color of leaves of the trees, people called this place CANGMALALAG which means the place where trees with yellowish leaves grow.

During the early part of the Spanish regime Cangmalalag was only a sitio of Barangay Cabulihan. For many years the people of Cangmalalag worked and cooperated with people of Cabulihan in all projects. The center of Barangay Cabulihan is located behind the hills about three kilometers from the sea coast. Due to this distance from the cluster of houses of Cangmalalag. the leader of Sito Cangmalalag planned and asked for a separation of their sitio from Barangay Cabulihan. This move was wholly supported by all inhabitants of Cangmalalag.

With resolution of separation the people presented this matter to the authorities concerned. There was granted in the early part of the American regime Thus, sitio Cangmalalag became Barangay CANGMALALAG. There was a school of Cangmalalag named Cabulihan Elementary School. The school was constructed when Cangmalalag was still a part of Barangay Cabulihan.