Its sturdy part when split was used by the natives, Subanen, as a substitute for betel nuts.

Since this tree were abundant in the area, the place thus called by the native as "Tampilisan".

In the early part of 1978, because of the concentration of population and potentials of the area and through consultation of the local leaders, Assemblyman Guardson Lood filed a bill in the Interim Batasang Pambansa for the creation of Tampilisan as an independent municipality.

The municipality of Tampilisan was established by virtue of Batas Pambansa Blg.

[7] The first appointed and elected mayor was Cesar A. Bomediano, a former SB Member of the Municipality of Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte.