Dupax, officially the Municipality of Dupax, was a municipality in the province of Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. Founded during the Spanish era, it was divided into Dupax del Norte and Dupax del Sur in 1971.
Etymology
The name Dupax came from the Isinay word dopaj which means 'to lie down in complete relaxation and rest', the thing the natives wanted to do, upon repairing their camp and eating their catch, after hunting in the forest and before going homes.
History
The town of Dupax was discovered by Spaniards under Luis Pérez Dasmariñas in 1591. In 1609, a mission was established by the Dominicans, but was later abandoned due to territorial disputes with the Franciscans.
In the early 18th century, Dupax was inhabited by four tribal groups. By virtue of Republic Act (RA) No. 1181 approved on June 20, 1954, the seat of government was transferred from the old poblacion to Malasin.
Disestablishment
In the 1970s, Dupax was divided into three separate municipalities. The creation of this municipality was ratified in a plebiscite held on November 8, 1971; The town's final mayor was Carlos Padilla.