[3] Malinao was founded in 1600, or 79 years after Ferdinand Magellan landed in Cebu and planted the first Christian Cross.

It became an independent bisita or sitio attached to Sawangan (now Legazpi City) until 1619, when separate religious administration was exercised with Rev.

It has since then the tradition among the residents, particularly the women, to sing the canticles or tarahades in times of crisis, calamities, or when they want to drive away epidemics and misfortunes.

The area is dominated by the mountain ranges of Malinao, with a peak altitude of 1,584 metres (5,197 ft) above sea level.

The rest of the constituents meanwhile stay on the rural barangays: Awang, Bagatangki, Balading, Balza, Bariw, Baybay, Bulang, Burabod, Cabunturan, Comun, Diaro, Estancia, Jonop, Labnig, Libod, Malolos, matalipni, Ogob, Quinarabasahan, Santa Elena, Soa, Sugcad, Tagoytoy, Tanawan, and Tuliw.

Poverty incidence of Malinao Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] The major agricultural products are: Other crops: