[3] According to oral tradition, the town's name is derived from the local term for the hog plum tree (Spondias pinnata)—alubijid or alubihod.

Legend had it that some of these trees had become landmarks particularly the huge ones that had grown near the “Bukana” of a river and a “Looc” which had been the landing site of different traders from other islands of the archipelago.

It was an ideal dwelling place of the natives since from its summit one could see Macajalar Bay even the seas beyond Sulawan Point and could immediately view the incoming vessels of any traders and marauders.

The place was also called “CALUMAT” coined from the words “Cauban, Agpas, Lukso, Ugma, Mamatay, Anak Tanan” a password adopted by the natives to warn them of surprise attacks of pirates and other marauders.

Dean Manuel Gapuz who conducted investigations and researches of the history of the town noted that these settlement had been visited by Sultan Kudarat of Cotabato when he was recruiting forces to fight against the invading Spaniards.

He further noted that as early as 1861, Alubijid was already an established community headed by local leaders until the outbreak of Philippine revolution against Spain in 1896.

At last, on November 14, 1937, the Undersecretary of the Interior, Honorable Rufino Luna sent to the Provincial Board of Misamis Oriental a communication outlining the necessary requirements for the creation of a new municipality of Alubijid.