The muncipality of Enrique Villanueva was once a barrio of Canoan named "Talingting". Talingting got its name due to presence of first species only found in its seas and the presence of sea birds foound in the shores, which are all known as Talingting. The name was officially changed when it became a municipality of Negros Oriental thru the efforts of the late Gov. Enrique Villanueva. It was changed to Enrique Villanueva in honor of his work in the creation of the muncipality. It is composed of 14 barangays with a total land area of 3,060 hectares. The total population in this municipality is 5,364 based on 2000 census.