Long before the coming of Christians, "Caumanga", the original name of Barangay San Jose, was home to Mandayan Tribes.

It then became the stop-over for migrants (settlers coming from different parts of the country), who came to the place in search of the fertile Compostela Valley.

The first settlers of Caumanga were Boboy Timbang and two cousins named Isig and Amasig, the disciples of Mongado-the first Mandayan Educator.

Then followed by Eduardo Torres, Valentin Mabasag and some Christian settlers Julian A. Mascariñas, Leonardo Toyong Sr., Francisco Ramos and ex-councilor Rufino Ubal.

Though Montevista was created on June 18, 1966, its political administration took effect on January 1, 1969, with Bernardo R. Rabanoz as the first elected mayor.

Mayor Bernardo R. Rabanoz took the reign of administration after winning the 1980 electoral race, serving for six years until April 1986.

In turn, Emiliano A. Corias was designated as OIC Mayor and served as the Local Chief Executive from December 7, 1987, to February 1, 1988.