Picture
This is a picture of a 'balangay' where the word 'barangay' came from. This picture is drawn by Vianca De Jesus.

Barangay

The name barangay originated from the balangay,  Malay word meaning "sailboat". It is commonly believed that the pre-colonial Philippines, each original coastal "barangay" formed as a result of settlers arriving by boat from other paces in Southeast Asia. Balangay or Balanghai is the first wooden watercraft ever excavated in South Asia. Also known as the Butuan boat, this artifact is evidence of early Fiipinois a plank boat adjoined by carved-out planks edged through pins or dowels. With the its size, it was used for cargo and raiding purposes, giving proof that Butuan played a central role in trade throughout the region of the Philippine islands and with neighboring areas.Its craftsmanship and their seamanship skills during pre-colonial times. 
  
The balangay boats were discovered in the late 1970s in Butuan City, Agusan del Norteby archaeologists from the National Museum of the Philippines. Nine balangays have been recovered in the province. The first balangay, now preserved and displayed in a site museum in Libertad, Butuan City, was radiocarbon tested and was dated to year 320. The second boat was dated to 1250, and is now located at the Maritime Hall of the National Museum in Manila. The third balangay was transferred to the Butuan Regional Museum and is still undergoing preservation. The six other boats, which are yet to be excavated, remain in their original waterlogged condition which is proven to be the best way to preserve the said artifacts.