As early as 1900, B'laans already inhabited the place originally as "PONGOL-NOLING". The native tern literally means "an island of trees" clustering in the middle  of the swamp. The place was characterized as swampy with the upper portion full of cogon grass. Huge trees were scattered everywhere.

The native, under the leadership of Datu Bulao Mamantal, planted banana, cassava, palay, and corn. They acquire goods through a barter system since the use of currency was not yet known.

In 1929, a few Muslims families coming from Tampakan, arrived and settled in the lower portion near the river and springs. Under the leadership of Datu Taugan Aminola, a Muslim village rose. Together, they tilled the lands under the able hands of their leader, who was then succeeded by his son, Datu Butucan Aminola.

Ten years later, families from Visayas and Luzon began arriving to settle in Mindanao. This was under the National Land Settlement Administration (NLSA) program of the government which was headed by Gen. Paulino Santos. On March 14,1940, the first batch of settlers from Iloilo and Cebu arrived at Lagao and proceeded immediately to Tupi bunkhouse for temporary shelter. Some of this twenty-three families were right away directed to Polonuling to build a new bunkhouses. These settlers include Hermogines Cawayan, Pedro Lemery, Vicente Lemery, Mauel Ramos, Dañozo, Celso Gatinao, and Fortunato Sereniña. Men of legal age were each given a portion of clearing according to lots drawn, eight (8) hectares for lots along the highway while twelve (12) hectares for the interior parts. For the following days, the place was filled with hectic activity of clearing of road networks, and the uprooting and cutting of huge trees.

On July 1940, another batch of settlers from Luzon arrived. They were distributed in all parts of koronadal. Silvestre Sulit was then the Overseer of settlers Carlos Hicban was his assistant. During this time, roads were developed and houses will built.

On September 11,1940, Polonuling was declared Barrio by virtue of Executive Order No. 61. Hermogines Cawayan was appointed as the Tenyente del Barrio and served for five (5) years.

In 1946, Polonuling was organized into a small unit of government wherein barrio officials were appointed. The Overseer appointed Amado Paladin as the Teniente del Barrio. On  the same year, the first building was also built. In 1963, the first barangay was held with Fortunato Sereñina as first Barrio Captain elected by the people. His service lasted for four (4) years (1963-67). Livelihood assistance such as KKK,SN was introduced by the government in the year 1977-81. Electricity was installed in the barangay during these years.

Barangay Polonuling flourished under the able leadership of its barangay leaders. Various infrastructure such as roads, school building, barangay hall, nutrition center, fencing, brgy. Plaza, multi-purpose building, cooperative, sports complex, waiting sheds, farm to market roads, and others were constructed all for the purpose of serving its constituency effectively.

Today, the barangay is among the top barangays of Tupi in terms of progress and development. Its humble beginnings of a few courageous settlers has now turned the barangay into a thriving community of 5,882 residents.