Lopez is the town in Quezon Province with the most number of barangays. Nobody can even go around all those 95 barrios in a day.
In the year 2003, we had cultural mapping in our town during the strategic planning when I invited resource persons from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). It was a joint project of our museum, the NCCA, and the Local Government Unit (LGU). That was the first attempt, and it stirred awareness among the members. Then in the year 2008, my daughter worked on the Preservation of Cultural Heritage Program in Brgy. Matinik. She had a book about this historical place where our roots came from. And for this project, she was conferred the highest award given by the Girl Scouts of Philippines--- the Chief Girl Scout Medal Award. In one of the meetings of the Lopez Heritage Conservation and Historical Society (LHCHS) in 2011, Mother suggested that we continue that project with the rest of the barangays in Lopez. Prof. Milagros Z. Loreto agreed to help with her students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Lopez as researchers. Other data came from my own personal research and from the database of Arella-Suguitan Museum in Lopez. For the benefit of interested netizens and researchers, I am sharing some of those data here, to provide a bird's eye view of what the town of Lopez had been blessed with. It is a town where people always wear the sweetest smile. In our own Salitang Lopez or Lopez Tagalog, we say, "Sa Lopez, ngiti nami'y walang kasing-tam-is!" Warm and hospitable Lopenzes always welcome visitors with the genuine smile that springs from the heart.
In the year 2003, we had cultural mapping in our town during the strategic planning when I invited resource persons from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). It was a joint project of our museum, the NCCA, and the Local Government Unit (LGU). That was the first attempt, and it stirred awareness among the members. Then in the year 2008, my daughter worked on the Preservation of Cultural Heritage Program in Brgy. Matinik. She had a book about this historical place where our roots came from. And for this project, she was conferred the highest award given by the Girl Scouts of Philippines--- the Chief Girl Scout Medal Award. In one of the meetings of the Lopez Heritage Conservation and Historical Society (LHCHS) in 2011, Mother suggested that we continue that project with the rest of the barangays in Lopez. Prof. Milagros Z. Loreto agreed to help with her students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Lopez as researchers. Other data came from my own personal research and from the database of Arella-Suguitan Museum in Lopez. For the benefit of interested netizens and researchers, I am sharing some of those data here, to provide a bird's eye view of what the town of Lopez had been blessed with. It is a town where people always wear the sweetest smile. In our own Salitang Lopez or Lopez Tagalog, we say, "Sa Lopez, ngiti nami'y walang kasing-tam-is!" Warm and hospitable Lopenzes always welcome visitors with the genuine smile that springs from the heart.
DANLAGAN
Legend has it that there was a place in Lopez frequented by people from other places for its mudfish. The usual conversation in ancient time was said to be like this: "Saan kayo pupunta?" (Where are you all going?) "Diyan lang sa dalagan." (There, where mudfish abound.). Today, when somebody asks, "Saan kayo pupunta?" The answer would be, "Sa Danlagan, sisimba sa mongha." Of course, it's the priest who celebrates Holy Mass. It's just that we tend to shorten sentences and we understand one another with that, as the statement actually meant, "We're going to Danlagan to attend mass at the Monastery of St. Clare." That sacred place is the most visited spot these days in Brgy. Danlagan, which has become part of the town proper. It can be reached by land transportation, even by a tricycle.
Located along national road, there are several auto repair and vulcanizing shops in this area. There is a junk shop, miller, copra buyer, and retail stores.There are special native desserts available for sale like sweetened grated coconut or bukayo, and macapuno candy. Some make coconut oil. Farming and fishing are major livelihood sources, small children learn and mingle at the Day Care Center, there's a basketball court for public use, and barangay population is 3,164. They celebrate two festivities every year: May 15 is the Feast of San Isidro. It is really festive with banderitas, procession, throwing of coins, games like palo sebo, contests on dancing and singing, and public dance at the barangay hall. August 11 on the other hand, is the Feast of St. Clare where there are hermanos and hermanas who take charge of the celebration; the highlight of which is the procession. During summer, the youth group is busy with Summer Basketball League and they always get together for a Victory Ball. Danlagan boasts of being one of the cleanest barangays in Lopez, Quezon. (Researcher for Danlagan was Carlo Cezar Pajarillo).
Fast forward to 2013... Villahermosa is the destination of the future! Aside from the Day Care Center and Villahermosa Elementary School, it is home to Quezon Provincial Training Center/ TESDA, and the Technological University of the Philippines-Lopez Municipal Institute of Technology Consortium. It has a Catholic chapel and an Iglesia ni Cristo Church. It is on this village that Arella-Suguitan Museum is planned to be transferred by its owners, Mr. & Mrs. Guillermo/Marietta Suguitan.
There are 2,129 residents in this barangay. There's a junk shop, warehouse, retail stores, copra buyers, hog raisers, hollow block makers, and videoke rentals. Plants of various kinds can be bought from this barangay. There's a small water falls called busay, its river has hito, dalag, gurami, and shrimps. In the old times, fresh water fish was caught by means of salakab. Block Rosary is still observed. Mayflower Festival is celebrated on May 20th while barangay fiesta is April 5th.
ESPERANZA
INALUSAN
LALAGUNA
The new settlers, while planting palay and vegetables, noticed the diligence of the Katabagan tribe. They also saw the abundance of a certain plant which the natives called "bamban." Its leaves were somewhat elongated and fruits, round. Each time the family would cut such plants, the natives would take it home and made those stems into "tain," a fishing gadget used for catching shrimps and fish. Later on, the brothers learned how to make "tain" by themselves. It greatly helped them to sustain their meals everyday. It was because of this survival story that the new settlers named the place "Mabamban." They had to honor the plant that helped them through in difficult times.
MAGALLANES
During the time when Japanese arrived in this barrio, villagers deserted it. Most settlers served and lived with Japanese Army and belonged to the group Sakdal, or Ganap; When guerrillas came, all the pro-Japanese went to town. The people then had three factions: pro-Japanese, pro-Commonwealth Government, and those loyal to the Philippines became members of the Vera's Party. Pro-Japanese settlers fled to Atimonan to escape guerrillas who confiscated their properties, palay, lands, and homes. Although they wanted to re-acquire their properties, pro-Japanese settlers did not return at once after liberation, for fear of getting hurt by the guerrillas. Then Vice Mayor Primitivo Cañete took steps in the peaceful return of all homesteaders in Magallanes. He made an understanding with Gen. Gaudencio Vera and also took steps to restore the organization of barrio officials. For once, Magallanes stood as one barrio and no longer divided into two.The school building that had been destroyed by the Japanese was re-established in 1949.
In 1952, there were 63 families in this barrio and they had kaingin of their own. Each family was considered economically stable. No sitio was extinct or depopulated. After 1985, there was another dispute in the barrio (already called barangay); until Jose Brunzal was elected. He donated parcels of lot for the school, chapel, etc. Optimistic and solicitous, there was a community program of bayanihan spirit. The community had pigs, chicken and fowls, goats and cows, which they later sold. People planted vegetables and other crops and the money they gathered from selling went to their local funds. The place was close to nature with the mountains and cornfields all around. There's a river called Lion River, fresh water fish are availabe like tilapia, dalag, and eel. Once the people lived by making hammocks made of rattan. People's livelihood is mainly copra, and charcoal. Like all other barangays, there are sari-sari stores.
Aside from Magallanes Elementary School, there was Magallanes Barangay High School, once an annex of Lopez National High School which has become Magallanes National High School. It was from this high school that I had been invited to be one of the jurors for Mr. and Miss MNHS and resource person in the creation of a theater group. There are churches of Christian Baptist, Iglesia ni Kristo, and Parish of Good Shepherd. In 2002, Juan and Nida Marquez donated an image of Nuestra Sra. De Guia to the barangay chapel.Since then they have celebrated the feast day every January 26th. They also celebrate Mayuhan, Barangay Fiesta, and Quezon Day.
In 2011, barangay population was 1,200. Magallanes is situated in the middle of four municipalities namely Buenavista, Catanauan, Guinayangan, and of course, Lopez. When Lopez-Buenavista Road was constructed, it paved the way for more developments (from the Historical Data of Lopez, Quezon 1952, The Light 1993, and research by Megan Almie Angeles).
MAL-AY
Tambo was a large barrio during Spanish time. "Tambo," a kind of wild grass that thrives in swamps was once abundant in that place. Tambuli, the carabao horn used to call people for a meeting, cannot be heard from end-to-end due to its vastness, so it was deemed proper to divide the place into three: Ilayang Tambo became Brgy. Rosario, Ibabang Tambo became Villahermosa, and Kabilang Tambo became San Antonio. The name was in honor of its patron San Antonio de Padua, whose feast is celebrated every 13th of June.
VILLAHERMOSA
Ginabihan. This was what this place was called. According to legend, somebody from Gumaca reached the place where taro or "gabi" abound. When asked by the people he met where he came from, he replied, "doon sa ginabihan." It took sometime before the place was called Esperanza (BPS 1952).
Not long after the Spanish Period, there were people in this place who were so deeply religious. They carried their burdens with a light heart, aiming to succeed in their undertakings. But their faith was tested by drought and famine.That was the ultimate test of their faith.
The faith of the barrio lieutenant remained unfazed. He gathered his people and asked his daughter who had been sick for so long, to lead the prayer. The young lady knelt and prayed hard to ask for bountiful harvest. She uttered, "Ina, lunasan mo po ang kahirapan naming ito," asking for the intercession of Mary, Mother of God. She has barely said the last word when she fell and died.
With a heavy heart, the father shouted and cried, "From this day on, we will call this place Ina...lusan..." and that's where the place got its name (BPS 1952).
Not just lake, but history!
Lalaguna got its name from 'the lake,' one of the major sources of fresh water fish in this side of Lopez. One of the biggest barangays, it is also one of the most historic places in town, and in Bondoc Peninsula as well. Ten kilometers east of Poblacion, it can be reached by land transportation.
On May 19, 1881, it was founded by Severino Villasanta, Juan Valencia, Juan Arias, Mateo Villate, and Diego Alano. A religious barrio, its chapel had been put up through community spirit. However, it was destroyed by a typhoon the same year that it was constructed. Juan Valencia was first barrio lieutenant, followed by Basilio Bitoin, and Juan Arias.
A new chapel was constructed in 1883, and a bahay nayon or what is now called barangay hall, during the term of barrio captain Estanislao Alano. In 1885, Villaespina on the eastern side and Rizal Rural on the southern tip separated as barrio "Dilim." From 1895 to 1899, insurgents lived there and clashed with soldiers. It enabled Americans to quell Filipino opposition. Everything was destroyed by these fights. In 1905, a destructive typhoon ruined the bahay nayon. It was in 1908 that the first barrio school was established, site was donated by supervising teacher Victor Oblefias. Liberato Florido and Victor Florido on the other hand, were the ones who donated an image of Nuestra Señora Del Rosario. In 1928, a private school branch of Eastern Tayabas Institute opened.
Intermediate school was erected at the border of barrios Banabahin, Rizal, Kawayan, and Lalaguna; while a primary school building was erected simultaneously by the village one kilometer away from it.
In 1952, there were a hundred permanent families living in this barangay. Farming, fishing, copra-making, weaving and handicrafts were major sources of livelihood. Copra was the leading export product, sold in Esperanza and poblacion. Rice came second. Buri, anahaw, and bamboos were local products.
When World War II broke out in 1941, guerrilla forces of Gaudencio V.Vera had an encampment at the hill near the primary school building. it was bombed on March 14-16, 1944 by Japanese planes, as Vera's Camp became the seat of guerrillas in Bondoc Peninsula. In the year 1945, a provisional municipal government was established on this place with Don Juan T. Tabien appointed as mayor and Efigenio Panganiban as Vice Mayor (from Historical Data of Lopez, Quezon 1952).
Today, Lalaguna is one of the most progressive barangays in Lopez. Dagat-dagatan which is rich in "isdang tabang" or freshwater fish is one of the most visited places in this village with 2036 population. Fish cages are interesting to see. There are schools of all levels, until secondary level, Lalaguna Rural Academy; and a chapel with San Juan Bautista as patron.
Basketball court serves as recreation center in this barangay that can be reached by land transportation. There's a bahay nayon where we had the weaving women interviewed by TV hosts from "Buhay Pinoy." Lalaguna is one of the major sources of anahaw fans. There are rice mills and copra buyers, bakery, mini grocery, and sari-sari stores.
Several festivities are celebrated in Lalaguna. They celebrate Valentine Fiesta on February 14, April 5 is feast of Zone San Vicente, April 19 is fiesta of Zone Central, May 19 is Hermanohan/ Mayuhan, June 24 is the feast of San Juan Bautista, December 28 is feast of Zone Dringking, December 29 is the feast of Zone Market, December 30 for Zone Riverside, and December 31 for Zone Provincia (researcher Anna Rose Sevial).
CAMPO PUSA is an interesting lore. There are wonderful, marvelous tales villagers have shared about the mountain called Campo Pusa, a historical site situated in Lalaguna, which served as a hide-out of the Filipino soldiers led by General Gaudencio V. Vera. The mountain was said to be enchanted when somebody unearthed a gusi or jar in 1898, full of bars of gold and jewelry. It was really heavy that he carried it down so he called on the neighbors out. But when he returned with them they were surprised to find out that the jar contained only mud and the treasures were gone. On moonlight nights, one can hear moaning from people who spoke different languages which were unintelligible. A ship seemed to come and go in the middle of the night and had a loud rumbling sound but there was no ship on sight.
Before the outbreak of World War in 1941, this place was covered with tall balete trees with thick foliage believed to be inhabited by large snakes. Down the mountain is a lake where crocodiles lived. The most astonishing fact according to the old folks is that thousands of cats lived there, which disappeared all of a sudden. All the cats had one color, pitch black with white. They lived in a cave near the mountain where they readily vanished in view when people came. This had been the reason why the place was called such. There were stories of sickness that struck people who tried to clear the place. When it was used as guerrilla camp, the Japanese bombed Campo Pusa. After that, the place became desolate and barren. The only remnant was the house whose owner thought that maybe the cats protected it, or the supernatural beings protected them from harm.
On June 24, 1997, another jar was unearthed but it was full of human bones and skull. I wonder if the bones and skull were kept or thrown away. Because Lalaguna could be an early settlement site even before the coming of the Spaniards, those bones could unearth great historical findings. I wish I had more time to do these things! But with regards to the cats, how can the mystery be explained? Its legendary lore is here to stay.
COL. SEVERINA ANACION-ROJAS is not just a famous figure in Lopez. She is a heroine who continuously struggles for a good cause. What's more, she is Mama's classmate and best friend.
Would you donate 3,411 square meters of land for a Veteran's Park/ Guerrilla Shrine? She actually did, eight years ago on February 16, 2005. I was there when she presented the Deed of Donation to Vera's Tayabas Guerrillas, then represented by the Commander of 4th Quezon Veterans District, Domingo T. Abellera. Her husband Roberto Rojas also signed the Deed of Donation, for marital consent. What a touching gesture from a kababayan who has so much respect for history and foresight of the future!
Eco-tourism park, museum, library, and a statue of General Gaudencio Verdadero Vera riding his mola are some of those in the blueprint. When she was interviewed by my daughter for "The Light" in 2007, Col. Rojas said that since she was born in Lalaguna (where her ancestors lived) and where Vera's Tayabas Guerrilla (VTG) Central Camp was located in World War II; she donated the lot to honor the great soldiers who died and the commander-in-chief of VTG, so that the young generation who haven't seen them nor felt the harrowing experience and wrath of war will know what transpired in the past and treasure what those great men have fought for.
I fondly call her Tita Vener. Her grandfather Ato was a revolutionary soldier, while her two brothers Cristito and Godofredo were guerrilla members. Godo died in combat while fighting with the Japanese Forces in the vicinity of what is now Lopez National Comprehensive High School. His body was never recovered.
Col. Rojas of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) retired from service in 1987. She was a young nurse when she volunteered to join the PHILCAG contingent to South Vietnam as member of the surgical team, and recipient of several awards, like the Philippine Republic Merit Award of the Presidential Republic of Vietnam and Campaign medal and Ribbon PHILCON Awards. She is an Outstanding Alumna of LNCHS, active organizer of Batch 1956; Outstanding Lopezeño. Asked about what advice she could give to the young, she had these to say: "Destiny plays a part in our lives but thinking right in decision making is most important. Dream, then work for it to achieve your ambition. Don't waste time but be patient. Do not act on impulse. Listen to good advice. Excel. Grab opportunities. Remember, health is wealth. Take good care of your health. Be guided by the Lord, always." It was through her that a chapel was built to honor St. John the Baptist. (From "A Soldier in War and Peace" by Queen Sroges Rochelle S. San Jose, The New Light 2007).
Lopez has been so blessed having Tita Vener around. Until the present time, she still helps kababayans, especially the veterans, as much as she could. The pedestal that I helped put up, having been the one who made the proposal for local funding, is right there waiting for the statue of Gen. Vera, which had already been done by a sculptor.
Recently, the statue had been installed on its pedestal... the brave man who led the guerrillas in Bondoc Peninsula had been enshrined at the future eco-park in Brgy. Lalaguna. Veterans and representatives from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) were there. Lopez's pride Julianito Villasanta was also there during the unveiling ceremonies. Thanks to our kababayan, Col. Vener Rojas, who believes that history should be seen in the future!
MABANBANOn May 19, 1881, it was founded by Severino Villasanta, Juan Valencia, Juan Arias, Mateo Villate, and Diego Alano. A religious barrio, its chapel had been put up through community spirit. However, it was destroyed by a typhoon the same year that it was constructed. Juan Valencia was first barrio lieutenant, followed by Basilio Bitoin, and Juan Arias.
A new chapel was constructed in 1883, and a bahay nayon or what is now called barangay hall, during the term of barrio captain Estanislao Alano. In 1885, Villaespina on the eastern side and Rizal Rural on the southern tip separated as barrio "Dilim." From 1895 to 1899, insurgents lived there and clashed with soldiers. It enabled Americans to quell Filipino opposition. Everything was destroyed by these fights. In 1905, a destructive typhoon ruined the bahay nayon. It was in 1908 that the first barrio school was established, site was donated by supervising teacher Victor Oblefias. Liberato Florido and Victor Florido on the other hand, were the ones who donated an image of Nuestra Señora Del Rosario. In 1928, a private school branch of Eastern Tayabas Institute opened.
Intermediate school was erected at the border of barrios Banabahin, Rizal, Kawayan, and Lalaguna; while a primary school building was erected simultaneously by the village one kilometer away from it.
In 1952, there were a hundred permanent families living in this barangay. Farming, fishing, copra-making, weaving and handicrafts were major sources of livelihood. Copra was the leading export product, sold in Esperanza and poblacion. Rice came second. Buri, anahaw, and bamboos were local products.
When World War II broke out in 1941, guerrilla forces of Gaudencio V.Vera had an encampment at the hill near the primary school building. it was bombed on March 14-16, 1944 by Japanese planes, as Vera's Camp became the seat of guerrillas in Bondoc Peninsula. In the year 1945, a provisional municipal government was established on this place with Don Juan T. Tabien appointed as mayor and Efigenio Panganiban as Vice Mayor (from Historical Data of Lopez, Quezon 1952).
Today, Lalaguna is one of the most progressive barangays in Lopez. Dagat-dagatan which is rich in "isdang tabang" or freshwater fish is one of the most visited places in this village with 2036 population. Fish cages are interesting to see. There are schools of all levels, until secondary level, Lalaguna Rural Academy; and a chapel with San Juan Bautista as patron.
Basketball court serves as recreation center in this barangay that can be reached by land transportation. There's a bahay nayon where we had the weaving women interviewed by TV hosts from "Buhay Pinoy." Lalaguna is one of the major sources of anahaw fans. There are rice mills and copra buyers, bakery, mini grocery, and sari-sari stores.
Several festivities are celebrated in Lalaguna. They celebrate Valentine Fiesta on February 14, April 5 is feast of Zone San Vicente, April 19 is fiesta of Zone Central, May 19 is Hermanohan/ Mayuhan, June 24 is the feast of San Juan Bautista, December 28 is feast of Zone Dringking, December 29 is the feast of Zone Market, December 30 for Zone Riverside, and December 31 for Zone Provincia (researcher Anna Rose Sevial).
CAMPO PUSA is an interesting lore. There are wonderful, marvelous tales villagers have shared about the mountain called Campo Pusa, a historical site situated in Lalaguna, which served as a hide-out of the Filipino soldiers led by General Gaudencio V. Vera. The mountain was said to be enchanted when somebody unearthed a gusi or jar in 1898, full of bars of gold and jewelry. It was really heavy that he carried it down so he called on the neighbors out. But when he returned with them they were surprised to find out that the jar contained only mud and the treasures were gone. On moonlight nights, one can hear moaning from people who spoke different languages which were unintelligible. A ship seemed to come and go in the middle of the night and had a loud rumbling sound but there was no ship on sight.
Before the outbreak of World War in 1941, this place was covered with tall balete trees with thick foliage believed to be inhabited by large snakes. Down the mountain is a lake where crocodiles lived. The most astonishing fact according to the old folks is that thousands of cats lived there, which disappeared all of a sudden. All the cats had one color, pitch black with white. They lived in a cave near the mountain where they readily vanished in view when people came. This had been the reason why the place was called such. There were stories of sickness that struck people who tried to clear the place. When it was used as guerrilla camp, the Japanese bombed Campo Pusa. After that, the place became desolate and barren. The only remnant was the house whose owner thought that maybe the cats protected it, or the supernatural beings protected them from harm.
On June 24, 1997, another jar was unearthed but it was full of human bones and skull. I wonder if the bones and skull were kept or thrown away. Because Lalaguna could be an early settlement site even before the coming of the Spaniards, those bones could unearth great historical findings. I wish I had more time to do these things! But with regards to the cats, how can the mystery be explained? Its legendary lore is here to stay.
COL. SEVERINA ANACION-ROJAS is not just a famous figure in Lopez. She is a heroine who continuously struggles for a good cause. What's more, she is Mama's classmate and best friend.
Would you donate 3,411 square meters of land for a Veteran's Park/ Guerrilla Shrine? She actually did, eight years ago on February 16, 2005. I was there when she presented the Deed of Donation to Vera's Tayabas Guerrillas, then represented by the Commander of 4th Quezon Veterans District, Domingo T. Abellera. Her husband Roberto Rojas also signed the Deed of Donation, for marital consent. What a touching gesture from a kababayan who has so much respect for history and foresight of the future!
Eco-tourism park, museum, library, and a statue of General Gaudencio Verdadero Vera riding his mola are some of those in the blueprint. When she was interviewed by my daughter for "The Light" in 2007, Col. Rojas said that since she was born in Lalaguna (where her ancestors lived) and where Vera's Tayabas Guerrilla (VTG) Central Camp was located in World War II; she donated the lot to honor the great soldiers who died and the commander-in-chief of VTG, so that the young generation who haven't seen them nor felt the harrowing experience and wrath of war will know what transpired in the past and treasure what those great men have fought for.
I fondly call her Tita Vener. Her grandfather Ato was a revolutionary soldier, while her two brothers Cristito and Godofredo were guerrilla members. Godo died in combat while fighting with the Japanese Forces in the vicinity of what is now Lopez National Comprehensive High School. His body was never recovered.
Col. Rojas of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) retired from service in 1987. She was a young nurse when she volunteered to join the PHILCAG contingent to South Vietnam as member of the surgical team, and recipient of several awards, like the Philippine Republic Merit Award of the Presidential Republic of Vietnam and Campaign medal and Ribbon PHILCON Awards. She is an Outstanding Alumna of LNCHS, active organizer of Batch 1956; Outstanding Lopezeño. Asked about what advice she could give to the young, she had these to say: "Destiny plays a part in our lives but thinking right in decision making is most important. Dream, then work for it to achieve your ambition. Don't waste time but be patient. Do not act on impulse. Listen to good advice. Excel. Grab opportunities. Remember, health is wealth. Take good care of your health. Be guided by the Lord, always." It was through her that a chapel was built to honor St. John the Baptist. (From "A Soldier in War and Peace" by Queen Sroges Rochelle S. San Jose, The New Light 2007).
Lopez has been so blessed having Tita Vener around. Until the present time, she still helps kababayans, especially the veterans, as much as she could. The pedestal that I helped put up, having been the one who made the proposal for local funding, is right there waiting for the statue of Gen. Vera, which had already been done by a sculptor.
Recently, the statue had been installed on its pedestal... the brave man who led the guerrillas in Bondoc Peninsula had been enshrined at the future eco-park in Brgy. Lalaguna. Veterans and representatives from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) were there. Lopez's pride Julianito Villasanta was also there during the unveiling ceremonies. Thanks to our kababayan, Col. Vener Rojas, who believes that history should be seen in the future!
Katabagan were the people in the place we now know as Mabamban or Mabanban, one of the 95 barangays in the town of Lopez. They were brown-skinned and straight-haired. One day, a mother with seven sons reached that place as they had walked away from the nearby town Catanauan to free themselves from the rage of insurrectos or rebels who killed the head of their family during Spanish colonization. The widow and her sons got themselves acquainted with the natives and mingled with them, a local socialization process called "nakihalubilo, nakipagkabuhay" and cleared the place.
The new settlers, while planting palay and vegetables, noticed the diligence of the Katabagan tribe. They also saw the abundance of a certain plant which the natives called "bamban." Its leaves were somewhat elongated and fruits, round. Each time the family would cut such plants, the natives would take it home and made those stems into "tain," a fishing gadget used for catching shrimps and fish. Later on, the brothers learned how to make "tain" by themselves. It greatly helped them to sustain their meals everyday. It was because of this survival story that the new settlers named the place "Mabamban." They had to honor the plant that helped them through in difficult times.
Uninhabited forest which used to be part of Veronica ---that was what Magallanes was during the Spanish Regime. It was on November 4, 1928 when the family of Pablo Bilogan arrived in that place, followed by the families of Hilarion Panganiban, Gavino Climacosa, Isaac Andalion, Gerardo Nepomuceno and Maligaya; with the families Destor, Gonzales, Hernandez, and Ramos. They were from Magallanes, Cavite. The following year, the families of Abellera, Atienza, Bautista, De Torres, and Maulawin arrived. They were from Batangas. They needed a place where they could plant palay, camote, and corn, so they started clearing the place; but were made to explain by the Bureau of Forestry. This incident drove others to return to their hometown in Batangas.
First clearing began along the banks of Balac River, the name 'balac' was given by the aetas and katabagans. Pioneer families settled along the fertile river banks. First settlement became the foundation of the barrio. Sitios Balac, Malatarin, Ibabang Bangahin and Ilayang Bangahin were all settled and well cultivated. Early settlers voted by raising their hands on what to name the place. It was changed to Magallanes through the initiative of Pedro Abellera, at the advise of Pablo Bilogan. The latter became first barrio lieutenant, followed by the former. In 1935, those in the northern portion sitio Malatarin became Magallanes A and southern part became Magallanes B. Division was primarily due to "disunity and discord." Petition was sent to the Municipal Council and approved. That was during the term of Don Thomas Florido as Municipal Presidente. Abellera continued to be the barrio lieutenant of Magallanes B while Amadeo Ogaña became the barrio lieutenant of Magallanes A until his death in 1938. Crispin Talabong succeeded the two parts of Magallanes, A and B.
During the time when Japanese arrived in this barrio, villagers deserted it. Most settlers served and lived with Japanese Army and belonged to the group Sakdal, or Ganap; When guerrillas came, all the pro-Japanese went to town. The people then had three factions: pro-Japanese, pro-Commonwealth Government, and those loyal to the Philippines became members of the Vera's Party. Pro-Japanese settlers fled to Atimonan to escape guerrillas who confiscated their properties, palay, lands, and homes. Although they wanted to re-acquire their properties, pro-Japanese settlers did not return at once after liberation, for fear of getting hurt by the guerrillas. Then Vice Mayor Primitivo Cañete took steps in the peaceful return of all homesteaders in Magallanes. He made an understanding with Gen. Gaudencio Vera and also took steps to restore the organization of barrio officials. For once, Magallanes stood as one barrio and no longer divided into two.The school building that had been destroyed by the Japanese was re-established in 1949.
In 1952, there were 63 families in this barrio and they had kaingin of their own. Each family was considered economically stable. No sitio was extinct or depopulated. After 1985, there was another dispute in the barrio (already called barangay); until Jose Brunzal was elected. He donated parcels of lot for the school, chapel, etc. Optimistic and solicitous, there was a community program of bayanihan spirit. The community had pigs, chicken and fowls, goats and cows, which they later sold. People planted vegetables and other crops and the money they gathered from selling went to their local funds. The place was close to nature with the mountains and cornfields all around. There's a river called Lion River, fresh water fish are availabe like tilapia, dalag, and eel. Once the people lived by making hammocks made of rattan. People's livelihood is mainly copra, and charcoal. Like all other barangays, there are sari-sari stores.
Aside from Magallanes Elementary School, there was Magallanes Barangay High School, once an annex of Lopez National High School which has become Magallanes National High School. It was from this high school that I had been invited to be one of the jurors for Mr. and Miss MNHS and resource person in the creation of a theater group. There are churches of Christian Baptist, Iglesia ni Kristo, and Parish of Good Shepherd. In 2002, Juan and Nida Marquez donated an image of Nuestra Sra. De Guia to the barangay chapel.Since then they have celebrated the feast day every January 26th. They also celebrate Mayuhan, Barangay Fiesta, and Quezon Day.
In 2011, barangay population was 1,200. Magallanes is situated in the middle of four municipalities namely Buenavista, Catanauan, Guinayangan, and of course, Lopez. When Lopez-Buenavista Road was constructed, it paved the way for more developments (from the Historical Data of Lopez, Quezon 1952, The Light 1993, and research by Megan Almie Angeles).
Before Spain re-discovered the Philippines, there was a heartless ruler in an island. Anybody who would dare to oppose him would be killed by his men. Three heads of the family named Maliksi, Makupad, and Malakas, managed to run away from that island. In their journey to the unknown, they reached the place which is now called Mal-ay.
One day, the three men had a dispute on what to name the place they discovered. Each one insisted on his own desire, according to his own reasons. In the middle of this confusion, they agreed that the name should be good. They also committed themselves to a fight in order to know who is the mightiest among them. It was literally a power struggle. Whoever wins would be the one to name the place. They set a date and came to wrestle. One was killed, the other one surrendered. Malakas won. He called the place Malaya to denote freedom. Free, unconquered by anyone. As time passed by, Malaya was shortened and became Mal-ay (BPS 1952).
PAMAMPANGIN
SAN ANTONIO
During Spanish Period, Pamampangin was part of Bacungan, a barrio with vast rice fields and good annual harvest. Families from other places migrated to this place and the inhabitants lived by planting and harvesting all year round. There came a time when those who had farms on the other side of the mountain rarely came back to Bacungan where they used to live. Later on they decided to finally settle where their farms were that they needed to separate, as they continued to have good harvest. More people settled with the original settlers, more houses were built, until it became a barrio independent from Bacungan. Because of the panorama of rice fields surrounded by mountains and river bank, the barrio was called Pamampangin, from the Tagalog word "pampang" meaning bank or shore.
When I was in high school in 1977, I had this article from "The Light," the official student organ of then Lopez Provincial High School, now Lopez National Comprehensive High School; entitled, "Villahermosa, A Pilot Barangay." Some data on this blog came from that article, others from the Historical Data of Lopez, Quezon in 1952, and still others came from Krystelle Ruiz.
Villahermosa, as the name implies, is a beautiful barangay. "Villa" in Spanish means village, while "Hermosa," means beautiful. Long ago, during the Spanish times, it was called "Tambo," a kind of wild grass, which thrives in wet places or ponds. According to old folks, tambo was once abundant in that place.
It was a vast land. Tambuli, the carabao horn used to call people for a meeting, cannot be heard from end-to-end, so it was deemed proper to divide the place into three: Ilayang Tambo became Brgy. Rosario, Ibabang Tambo became Villahermosa, and Kabilang Tambo became San Antonio. Villahermosa was such a beautiful place with its landscape and rows of green fields. It is near poblacion, and can be reached by land transportation. Jovito Arella was first to lead Brgy. Villahermosa. Farming and copra-making are basic industries.
In the '70s, people engaged in promoting cottage industry, green revolution, project compassion, and nutrition. The place was cited as the best in environmental sanitation. It is a distinct honor to the people of this pilot barangay to be visited by representatives from foreign countries, much more an agency of the United Nations as the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) which conducted a study tour to understand barangay movement. Gilcerio Caparros was cited as Farmer of the Year with his industry and abundant harvest.
It was a vast land. Tambuli, the carabao horn used to call people for a meeting, cannot be heard from end-to-end, so it was deemed proper to divide the place into three: Ilayang Tambo became Brgy. Rosario, Ibabang Tambo became Villahermosa, and Kabilang Tambo became San Antonio. Villahermosa was such a beautiful place with its landscape and rows of green fields. It is near poblacion, and can be reached by land transportation. Jovito Arella was first to lead Brgy. Villahermosa. Farming and copra-making are basic industries.
In the '70s, people engaged in promoting cottage industry, green revolution, project compassion, and nutrition. The place was cited as the best in environmental sanitation. It is a distinct honor to the people of this pilot barangay to be visited by representatives from foreign countries, much more an agency of the United Nations as the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) which conducted a study tour to understand barangay movement. Gilcerio Caparros was cited as Farmer of the Year with his industry and abundant harvest.
Fast forward to 2013... Villahermosa is the destination of the future! Aside from the Day Care Center and Villahermosa Elementary School, it is home to Quezon Provincial Training Center/ TESDA, and the Technological University of the Philippines-Lopez Municipal Institute of Technology Consortium. It has a Catholic chapel and an Iglesia ni Cristo Church. It is on this village that Arella-Suguitan Museum is planned to be transferred by its owners, Mr. & Mrs. Guillermo/Marietta Suguitan.
There are 2,129 residents in this barangay. There's a junk shop, warehouse, retail stores, copra buyers, hog raisers, hollow block makers, and videoke rentals. Plants of various kinds can be bought from this barangay. There's a small water falls called busay, its river has hito, dalag, gurami, and shrimps. In the old times, fresh water fish was caught by means of salakab. Block Rosary is still observed. Mayflower Festival is celebrated on May 20th while barangay fiesta is April 5th.
Tomorrow, another barangay will be featured on this blog. Getting to know the place will make us understand the situation in our town. it could help in planning for future developments. Thank you for reading!
1 comment:
Your post will be more interesting if it contain pictures
Post a Comment