SI JUAN ASIN AN BUWAYA SA SALOG NIN BICOL

ni Dominador N. Marcaida Jr. asin Christine Cordez-Monastereal

                Source: http://asianfolktales.unescoapceiu.org/folktales/read/timor_1.htm

Si Juan:

Kaidtong panahon bago pa man masakop kan mga Kastila an satuyang rona,

Digdi sa Pilipinas, sa salog kan Bicol dakul na buwaya an makukua.

An mga buwayang ini darakula asin maiisog.

Mala ngani ta dai pinapalibre na atakihon asin sibaon an mga parasakay sa salog.

 

Igwa ning sarong lugar sa pampang kan salog na an ngaran Katagbakan.

Digdi nakaistar an sarong aki na an ngaran si Juan.

 

Ining si Juan sarong makusog asin maisog na aki.

Pirme siyang nakakasalak sa pagraralaban-laban nin saiyang mga kalahi.

An saiyang minasbad pirmeng nakasukbit sa saiyang habayan.

Dara-dara asin winawasiwas nya saen man siya magduman.

 

Sarong aldaw nakaisip si Juan sa Salog Bicol maglawod.

Mantang nagririnsay, kinakanta niya an mga linya kan mga parasisira sa salog.

Arog kaini an mga letra asin tono:

 

SARO, DUWA, TOLO

Saro, duwa, tolo

Sakay na sa baroto

Kun dai ka tatao,

Magbilang kang tolo.

 

Saro, duwa, tolo

Itulod na ang baroto,

Kapot na sa sagwan

Ta malawod na ako.

 

An Baroto:

 

An saiyang darang baroto duwang katao sana an makakaigo.

Ini halaba asin gibo sa kahoy na magian.

An sarong parasakay na yaon sa hurihan iyo an piloto.

An sarong parasakay na yaun sa dolon iyo an parasagwan.

Alagad ngonian nin huli ta si Juan solo man sanang nakasakay,

Kaya siya sa baroto iyo ang piloto patin man parasagwan.

 

Kan nakaabot na siya sa parteng Cabusao, sa may bukana kan Salog Bicol,

Pasiring sa lawod kan mahiwas na dagat Pasipiko.

May nanumpungan siyang sarong dakulang buwayang nag-iikol-ikol.

An buwaya pasiring harani sa saiyang baroto.

 

An Buwaya

 

Pagkahiling pa sana ni Juan sa buwaya, inapod nya ini sa ngaran na midbid nya.

Nin huli ta sa totoong buhay an taong idto burubuayahun man sana.

Sarong oportunista na maski anong meyoras an mahiling

gusto nya tulos mahagad, makua asin masadiri.

An tataramon na buaya kun ipinapanongod sa gibo kan tawo,

Dai ka pwedeng maglantad kan kayamanan mong tago.

 

Kan pagkiling liwat kan buwaya ki Juan

Garo baga gusto na siyang sakmalon asin lapaon.

  

An pakikipaglaban ni Juan sa Buwaya

 

Nagin listo si Juan kan mahiling nya na paharani ng buwaya

Hinugkot nya tolos an minasbad na nakasukbit sa habayan nya.

 

Dai man tolos naghaloy ta ang buwaya inatake na si baroto ni Juan.

Nahulog si Juan sa salog alagad kapot man giraray an minasbad na mayo na sa sarongan.

Kan sasakmalon na si Juan, itinusok nya an minasbad sa saro kaining mata.

Linagarto, duminugo asin iyong nagin kawsa na ang buwaya mabuta

An buwaya uminatras, duminulag paharayo sa baroto ni Juan.

Poon kaidto mayo na lamang buwayang nag-aatake sa saiyang dalan.

Dai maitago an kaogmahan ni Juan na siya nanggana sa laban.

Kinanta nya giraray an bistadong kanta kan mga parasisira.

Arog kaini an tono asin letra:

SARO, DUWA, TOLO

Saro, duwa, tolo

Sakay na sa baroto

Kun dai ka tatao,

Magbilang kang tolo.

 

Saro, duwa, tolo

Itulod na ang baroto,

Kapot na sa sagwan

Ta malawod na ako.

 

SARO, DUWA, TOLO

 

                          SARO, DUWA TOLO

 

Saro, duwa, tolo,

Sakay na sa baroto,

Kun dai ka tatao,

Magbilang kang tolo.

 

Saro, duwa, tolo,

I-ugsod ang baroto,

Kapot na sa sagwan

Ta malawod ako.

 

_3 Sept. 2023

HISTORY OF CAMALIGAN CENTRAL SCHOOL

 

HISTORY OF THE CAMALIGAN CENTRAL SCHOOL

by Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

CAMALIGAN CENTRAL SCHOOL was opened in 1905, after three years that the Bureau of Education in the Philippines was organized. Classes of the first batch of pupils, who were organized in the municipality, were held in a two-room building made of light materials located in the Catalino Abilay lot where the Municipal Annex Executive Building now stands. From 1909 to 1912, classes were held in a rented building. In the latter part of 1912, classes were transferred to the two buildings that was erected on a one-half hectare lot donated by Don Tomas Salvador where the present school now occupies. By purchase and other donations, the school site was expanded to a two-hectare lot. Constancio Cordial (married to Hermogena Baldecia) donated the property adjacent to their lot at Barangay San Lucas to the Camaligan Central School, which has now become part of the property of Camaligan National High School. Catalina Abad, married to the prominent Bicolano writer Mariano Nicomedes and the mother of Mrs. Virginia N. Prado, was considered as one of the pioneer teachers of this school. So was Mr. Melanio Gerona, the son in law of Mrs. Catalina Abad Nicomedes,  who also became a former principal teacher of the said school. 

During the Japanese occupation, the school was converted by the Japanese occupying forces as a barracks for their soldiers. However, towards the end of the war in 1945, the local guerillas headed by Capt. Andres Diez were convened overnight by Major Barros and Major Juan Miranda in the main Gabaldon building of the school before they proceeded to launch a final major assault to the Japanese forces in Naga City. 

All throughout the more than hundred years of its existence, the school has produced numerous alumnus who were outstanding in their various fields of endeavor.

 

Sources:

1.   Jaime T. Malanyaon, “Our CASTEA Then and Now”;

2.   Danilo T. Gerona, “CAMALIGAN: Reliving A Thousand Years of History”;

3.   History of Bgy. San Lucas, Camaligan, CS; and

4.   Buenaventura M. Plantado Jr., “Ex-Mayor Buenaventura Plantado Sr.”.

  

dnmjr_13 Sept. 2023

CAMALIGUEÑO PERSONALITIES CATALOG

 

CAMALIGUEÑO PERSONALITIES CATALOG

 

RITA ABINA

by Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

          According to the former public school teacher Rita A. Abina, 94 years         old, born 20 July 1929, her narrative on the origin of the Abina Clan started from     Bernardo Abina (b. 1828) who married Anselma Aragon in 1853. This couple were   the parents of Pedro Abina (b. 1860), who married Calistra Olaño on 6 July 1885. 

     The spouses Pedro Abina and Calistra Olaño begot Felix Abina (born on May 2,      1888-died in 1961), and married Fructuosa Agustino (Aug. 23, 1898- Nov. 1952     whose parents were Francisco Agustino and Francisca Aguilar) in February 13,   1911.

         Felix Abina had another brother who went to Daet, Camarines Norte.

         Felix Abina and Fructuosa Agustino begot the following children:

Concepcion (married to Fortunato Llagas, had the following children: Merlie, Clarence (married to Elsa Mislang had the following children: Arvin who married Ricci and begot Arvin Jr. and Nico, Melissa who was married to Daryl Navarette and begot Krista Ayn, and Enrico), Roland (married to Casilda Picuela had the following children: Gi-An who was married to Rolando Rayong and begot Lanea; Gi-An’s other siblings were Novelia, Maurice, and John Paul), Betsy (married to Honorato Vasquez had the following children: Gail and Jane), and Marian (married to Fred Berotte had the following children: Alan Roy, Carlo Angelo and Kira); Bernardo (first married to Socorro Almenor, and had children: Elisa and Isabel (married to Amado Florida Jr. had the following children: Amado II who married Agnes Angeles who begot Vince Christian and Chloe Veronica, Eliza (who was married to Gilbert Magtoto begot Elgie), and Bernard (who begot Joseph); then later Bernardo was remarried Imelda Bombase of Tigaon and had the children: Ronnie (married to Araceli Arcega) and Renee (married to Ma. Victoria Falcon), Socorro (married Dominador Eduardo Sr. and had the following children: Emelinda (married to Jose Compuesto had the following children: Antonio who married Minda Turiano, Agnes who was married to Allan Salcedo, Adelina who was marred to Regidor Vargas, Andrea, and Annabelle), Carmen (married to Roberto Ang had the following children: Rowena who was married to Mienrado Enrile, Rosecel who was married to Mirando Patricio, Roselyn who was married to Mark Sta. Ana, Rosemarie who was married to Edcel Lopez, Ma. Dolores who married Manuel Paule, Jess Adonis who married Vivian Margallo, and Gretchen who was married to John Falardo), Pedro (married to Araceli Bercasio had the following children: Ramon who married Evangeline Galido, Rodel who married Adelfa Hare, Joan who was married to Richard Pangilinan, Jean who was married to Richard Marcos, Janet who was married to Eric Villegas, and Joy who was married to a certain Christopher), Dominador Jr. (married to Marcela Carongay had the following children: Marichu and Dominador III), Concepcion (married to Arturo Alcober had the following children: Arnel and Adrian who married Jesusa Samosa), and Edwin (married to Guadalupe Cabantog had the following children: Katrina and Erik); Paz (married Angeles Cariño, had the following children: Roberto was married to Rosita Dollante had the following children: Joan who was married to Emerson Lee, Lourdes who was married to Wesley Otto, Luis who was married to Norma Quitonio, Leonor who was married to Roger Felicidario, Larry who married Desyebell, Lilibeth who was married to Bernardo Mabute, Lilia who was married to George Boñaga, and Leo who married Emily Nolasco, Rodolfo who was married to Corazon Mallari begot Ana Cecilia who was married to Roman David, Geraldine who was married to Victor Deliña, Cherry Liza who was married to Leonilo Ardevela Jr., Eugene who married Shyrell Navarro, Sharon who was married to Randy Mayores nad Francis who married Jessica, Ruben who was married to Cyril Buentiempo had the following children: Marian who was married to Noel Volante, Alfonso who married Annabelle, Francis who married to Argerie Aguilar, Rolando who was married to Teresita Agna, Rebecca, Rosella, and Richilda); Alfredo (married to Rosita Iñigo, had the following children: Marilyn who was married to Jaime Ardevelas, Evelyn, Jocelyn who was married to Christopher Gonzales, Alfredo Jr. who married Helen Agna, Francia, Arlyn, Alfon, and Alex who married to Mari Cui), Loteto, Elias, Marcial (married Juliana Azutillo of Iquin, Canaman, had the following children: Rosalinda, Pedro, Romeo (married to Nilda Agna), Cesar (married to Ana Bueza), Ramon (married to Angelina Santiago), Gemma, Violeta, and Marites; Domingo (married to Marina Gupilan, had the following children: Alejandro, Francia (married to Raul Aquino), and Domingo Jr.(married to Ginalyn Bedonia), Rita, Virginia (married to Efren Reorizo, had the following children: Eleonor (married to Ruel Guevarra), Editha (married to Antonio Caigas), Saturnino, Emilio, Edgardo, Eden, and Ella); and Romeo Romulo (married to Evangeline Rapirap, had the following children: Felix, Marife, Romeo Jr., Rommel (married to Jinky Sta. Clara), Rodel, Fanny and Marian), Loreto, and Elias.

         

Rita Abina, attended her Caton classes under Salvacion Rivera in 1937. During the Japanese war (1941-45) she was in Grade V at the Camaligan Central School, when classes were stopped and resumed only after peacetime (1945). Her family had to evacuate to Sampaloc, Gainza where her father had a large rice farm, and returned to their house in Camaligan only after the war.  While her family had evacuated to Sampaloc, Gainza during the Japanese occupation, their house at Barrio San Marcos, Camaligan, that they had temporarily vacated had been occupied in the meantime by the families of the brothers Miguel and Victor Bichara who had evacuated also in Camaligan to escape the Japanese invaders.  It is worthwhile to note that the Bicharas of Naga City were a close family acquiantances of theirs because Miguel Bichara was the godparent of Felix Abina, and that Felix worked as a merchandiser at the Bichara’s clothing apparel store in Naga City.

 

Her father also engaged in rice farming at Sampaloc, Gainza, Camarinies Sur.  Her brothers Marcial and Domingo owned and operated a karetela before the war, while her other brother, Alfredo, b ecame a guerilla member during the Japanese war. After the war, Bernardo and Domingo engaged in selling fish at the Naga market which they bought from the De Guzman Compound at Camaligan since 1971. While Rita herself also became a regular school teacher from 1961 up to 1993, where she was assigned first Mataoroc, Minalabac, then to Mabolo Elementary School (1961-75) and later to Sta. Cruz Elementary School (1975 – 93) were she retired eventually from her teaching work. While she was teaching as a regular teacher at Sta. Cruz Elementary School, she was assigned to supervise the handicraft-making sessions for the participants of the Adult Education Classes of various ages during Saturday week-ends.

 

 

dnmjr_15 Aug. 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sgt. DOMINGO H. ADVERSARIO

by: Dominador N. Marcaida Jr., Cultural Mapper

 

Sgt. DOMINGO H. ADVERSARIO, born around 1925 and died in 1998, was the son of Gregorio Alversario and Maxima Hernandez of San Pablo, Camaligan, Camarines Sur. His brothers and sisters were Doroteo (married to Esperanza Quiñones), Primitivo, Emilio (married to Rufina Iñigo), Celedonio, Ana and Miguel. His great-grandparents were Mariano Alversario (b. 1899) and Juliana Antonio (b. 1896).

 

Sgt. Domingo A. Adversario, married to Julieta Montiveros of Sto. Tomas, Camaligan (the daughter of Ex. Mayor Liberato Montiveros (Term-1925-1928) and Paula Navarete) had three daughters by the name of Violeta Adversario (90 years old, former BIR employee, single, now at the Missionaries of Charity Home for the Aged at Tayuman, QC), Susie Adversario (married to Simeon Carbonyl, with adopted son Clark Carbonyl, presently with the Missionaries of the Poor at Cararayan, Naga City. She is 85 years old. ) and Lilia (single, now deceased).

 

Formerly these three children of Sgt. Domingo A. Adversario had a Condominium Unit in Quezon City, Metro-Manila. But the landlady sold the condo unit for 400 Thousand as payment for their debts, the 200 Thousand Pesos was supposed to be bank deposited for the support of her adopted son Clark who is now living at Sto. Tomas Camaligan with Carmen Montiveros-Jacob but the bank proceed from the said deposit was never received by the son up to now, and the other 200 Thousand Pesos was said to be given to the Missionaries of the Poor by the condo landlady). Sgt. Adversario’s personal belongings, together with her children’s belongings and all his war memorabilia, kept at their Condo unit in Quezon City were all taken by the Condominium landlady and thrown out without his children’s knowledge.

 

Sgt. Domingo A. Adversario’s brothers and sister were Primitivo, Emilio (married to Rufina Iñigo), Celedonio, Ana and Miguel. All were the children of the couple Gregorio Alversario and Maxima Hernandez of San Pablo, Camaligan.

 

Primitivo begot Ramon Sr. (married to Genoveva Cariño), who also begot Ramon Jr., Zerman, and Haide.  Ramon Sr. was employed for a long time until his retirement with the Bicol River Basin Development Project (BRBDP) as a sound operator who used to drive around towns his sound car. Primitivo’s other child, besides Ramon Sr., were Roberto and Salvador (married to Remedios and begot Cecilia Adversario-Gamuhay).

 

There is a story by Mr. Francisco A. Polotan Jr, former Municipal Budget Officer of LGU-Camaligan, 68 years old, and residing at Bgy. San Juan-San Ramon, Camaligan, that goes this way: When their house was burning at Pandacan, Manila, Sgt. Domingo H. Adversario crawled on his bare knees to enter the blazing edifice just to retrieve their picture with Gen. MacArthur and him.

 

Domingo Adversario hails from Barangay San Pablo, Camaligan and his house then was located at the corner lot of Bustamante Street and the street going to Barangay Sto. Tomas at the back of the Camaligan Central School. This was also sold by her daughters to the Saleses of Camaligan in 1972.

Writing about his war records, one historian said that “If the war sowed fear and hatred it also drew out the best qualities among men, bravery and heroism. In the early post-war era. The United States of America’s official information service in the Philippines, the Free Philippines, a newspaper issued by the Unites States Information Service carried an interesting news item on its September 26, 1945 issue. The brief news item sent from Tokyo, recognized one of the war’s important personalities in the Philippines who was not a high ranking military officer, nor a government official, but a lowly soldier who was from Camaligan, Sgt. Domingo Adversario. Described by the report as “the faithful Filipino orderly who once saved General MacArthur’s life.” According to this report, MacArthur was making his inspection of the troops on Corregidor on December 29, 1941, when Japanese planes suddenly swooped down and dropped bombs. Adversario who was standing near the general rushed to him and shielded the General with his body. A bomb fell nearby, wounding the orderly but the USAFFE Commander was unhurt. Adversario’s act of heroism and sacrifice endeared him to the General who, as a token of gratitude for saving his life, promoted this brave Bikolano soldier to the rank of a sergeant. Since then, wherever MacArthur went, Adversario would be there. This was but one of the many tales of heroism which gave life to wartime Camaligan. (From the book: “Camaligan: Reliving A Thousand Years of History”, by Danilo M. Gerona).

 

Also, an article "Sgt. Adversario of Camaligan" by “camaligueno ako” said that:

Sgt. Domingo Adversario, a native of Camaligan in this province, was an orderly to General Douglas Mac Arthur. While at Corregidor (where Mc Arthur and his family sought refuge), the area they were resting on was suddenly attacked by the Japanese forces. William Manchester, author of American Caesar, a biography of Gen. Mac Arthur writes, “A direct hit exploded in to the cottage’s bedroom, shattering the building. Another bomb, much closer to him (Mac Arthur), scattered shrapnel in every direction. The General ducked behind the hedge while his orderly Sgt. Domingo Adversario removed his own steel helmet, placed it over Mac Arthur s head. A fragment from one stick of bombs dented the helmet; a steel splinter from another laid Adversario’s hand open. As the Mitsubishis roared off, Jean (Mac Arthur s wife) arrived on the run, found her husband dressing the orderly’s hand with his handkerchief”.

Source: https://camaligueno.blogspot.com/2011/05/sgt-adversario-of-camaligan.html?fbclid=IwAR3FAqSRGjpYSQ48Q0c-_Uyl05ATWxr4t5NoPmi8rP6DpuK4_MLjydjehw0

 

Here is a story that this mapper posted at Facebook in 12 December 2021. It says: “THE PRESENT PLIGHT OF THE FAMILY SGT. DOMINGO H. ADVERSARIO (World War II hero):

 

This is the very recent picture of the two surviving children of Sgt. Domingo H. Adversario, the WWII hero who saved the life of Gen. Douglas MacArthur at Corregidor, Bataan, after being hit by a Japanese shrapnel sometime in September 26, 1945. They are Violeta and Leslie  Adversario. Violeta is now 90 years old, and Leslie, 85 years old.

 

Both of them homeless, evicted from their Condo House, at Quezon City, and consigned by their landlady to two separate Home for the Aged facility, one lady (Violeta) at the Missionaries of Charity Home for the Aged at Tayuman, Quezon City and the other (Leslie) here at the Missionaries of the Poor, at Cararayan, Naga City; Violeta was a retired BIR employee who took a lump sum retirement amount when she retired and was later swindled, now pensionless; Leslie had an adopted son, Clark by name, from her deceased former husband,  Simeon Carbonel, who is now living alone with a relative here at Sto. Tomas, Camaligan, without receiving any financial support; all their belongings are missing presently , including their father’s war memorabilia and medals received from, plus the special tombstone made for their father by, the US Government, all missing because they were thrown away by the Condo landlady; the Condo land lady took half of the proceeds of the sale of the Condo as payment due to her for the alleged debts of the ladies; half of the amount was entirely donated by the landlady to the Missionaries of the Poor Home for the Aged here in Naga City allegedly for the support and maintenance of Leslie alone, without leaving any amount for the support also of her son who living alone here in Camaligan with a relative; the family’s extensive farm at Mangayawan, Canaman was also swindled by a mother-side relative; their home-lot here at San Pablo, Camaligan had been previously sold to a neighbor sometime in 1979; and both ladies were bereft of all their belongings when they were evicted from their Condos, including all the War memorabilia, medals and special tombstone marker received by their father from the US Government, all missing as the Condo landlady just threw them out, or disposed of them, without these ladies’ knowledge.

 

Now the ladies, the children of Sgt. Domingo Adversario  (WWII hero), are living homeless and penniless. These are their present plight, once famous people who were living and employed lucratively, but are now destitute of any honor and money, just like the rest of us.” (Link: https://www.facebook.com/domar.1254/).

 

Sgt. Domingo Adversario Family Photo

 

 

 

 

_9 Sept. 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The SPOUSES BONIFACIO AGUID AND MARIA SAN JOSE AGUID

by Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Adea progenitors by the names of Lorenzo Adea, Jose Adea, and Cipriano Adea were the supposedly origins of the three Adea sisters that Councillor Bonifacio Aguid said to be where the many residents of Barangay Dugcal came from. The three Adea sisters, namely Cresciana Adea, Juliana Adea and Demetria Adea, each of these sisters were married to three natives of Dugcal by the names of Vidal Custodio (the father of Ramon, Leon, Emilio, Juan and Felix Custodio) who married to Cresciana Adea, Casimiro Alayan who married Juliana Adea, and Eustaquio Alacar (the father of Antonio, Catalina, Julia, Fausta, Victoria, Cipriana, Amando and Severo) who married Demetria Adea. 

The spouses Bonifacio Aguid and Maria San Jose of Zone 5, Dugcal, Camaligan, who are both former municipal officials. Bonifacio Aguid, a former Municipal Vice-Mayor (1964-71) was 73 years old, born June 5, 1937, in Dugcal, Camaligan and died 15 January 2020. He was married 16 May 1965 to Maria San Jose (born 10 September 1935 at San Juan, Libmanan, Camarines Sur).

          The Aguid clan of Dugcal had the following generations:

          Lorenzo Aguid and Isabel Agores were the parents of Florencio Aguid and Francisco Aguid.

          Florencio Aguid, the brother of Francisco Aguid, was married to Catalina Alacar, who had the following children: Bonifacio, Eugenia, Angeles, Priscila and Rosa.

          Bonifacio Aguid married Maria San Jose, with the following children: Shiela (married to Allan Morico), Joel (married to Juliet Almendral), Gina (married to Eugene Servidad), Marivon (married to Joseph Sudayan), Randu (married to Melba Parea), and Ryan (married to Ruby Banera).

          Eugenia Aguid was married to Pamfilo Rabina (as second husand), with the following children: Gaudencio (married to Rosa), Demetrio (married to Ofelia Castillo), Melchor, Herminio, Fortunato, Salome and Restituto.

          Angeles Aguid married to Nemesia Sergio, had the following children: Sonia (married to Basilio Verdadero), Manuel, Dante, Ofelia, Ely, Salve, Dione, Edmundo, Benjamin, and Susan.

          Priscila Aguid was married to Felipe Alayan and had a daughter Elizabeth (married to Eddie Rivera).

          Rosa Aguid was married to Pedro Malanyaon of Calabanga, Camarines Sur.

          Francisco, the other brother of Florencio Aguid, married Sixta Agad, daughter of Tomas Agad and Catalina de Mesa, with the following children: Damiana (married to Pedro Arco), Socorro (married to Magno Asico), Teofila (married to Ramon Querobin), Estelita (married to Pedro Alforte had the following children: Gemma (married to PB Rodelio Punzalan), Pedro Jr. (married to Minda de la Torre), Joel, Maricel, Antonio, Berna, and Calvin; Rosita (married Alfredo Alacar), Norma (married Marcelino Suiza), and Simplicio.

          Simplicio Aguid, son of Francisco Aguid and Sixta Agad, was married in 28 August 1959 to Elisa Sabiniano, daughter of Juan Sabiniano and Isabel Isorena.

Bonifacio Aguid engaged in Chicharon making in the barangay together with Brigido Alipante at Gogon in 1965, and then in 1970 at Dugcal with Gabriel Flores, Solomon and Antonio Tejero. He was also employed with the GSIS Finance Division from 1979 up to 2003.

Bonifacio Aguid told us about the massacre in 1942 by the Japanese of the family of Felix Barlo (married to Josefina Espiritu), the guerilla leader operating at Dugcal during the Japanese war. The Barlos were then residing at the property of Totoy Orcine. When bombings occurred, he hid in foxholes while biting a stick.   Japanese soldiers were seen patrolling the barangay riding on horseback.

Bonifacio Aguid was a Municipal Vice-Mayor in 1964-71 and Maria SJ. Aguid (1986 – 2007) was a Municipal Councillor of Camaligan, Camarines Sur.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ex-Mayor FELIX CARIÑO ALIÑAR Sr.

By Dominiador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spouses Felix C. Aliñar and Magdalena Flores/Family Heirloom_18/08/2023

 

Ex-Mayor Felix Cariňo Aliñar was born in 2 May. He was married to Magdalena Flores (born 27 December), the daughter of Marcelo Flores and Salvacion Abias. They begot the following children: Lourdes Flores Aliñar (single), Felix Flores Aliñar Jr. (married to Corazon Alinday), Milagros Flores Aliñar (married Eleuterio Carcer), Delfin Flores Aliñar (single), Estrella Flores Aliñar (married to Romeo Bulalacao), Rosario Flores Aliñar (married to Jaime Villere), Salvacion Flores Aliñar (married to Julian Ibo), and Mariano Flores Aliñar (married to Maria Theresa Dihiansan).

 

He became Mayor of Camaligan sometime in 1944 towards the end of the Japanese occupation. He was employed for a long time with the DPWH PMO at San Mateo, Camaligan, Camarines Sur.

 

Felix C. Aliñar had a brother named Jose Aliñar who worked under Telesforo “Roy” Prado, Jr.

 

 

dnmjr_18 Aug. 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEVERINO A. ALPARAN SR.

by Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

PHOTO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEVERINO A. ALPARAN SR. came from Teofilo Alparan, a native of Iquin, Canaman and was married to Lucia Albino. The couple gave birth to the following children: Severino Alparan (b. 8 January 1914-d. 11 January 2003) married to Zoila Albao (b. 27 June 1917-d. 20 July 2002), Veneranda (married to Calixto Nicolas); Rosenda (married to Fruto Alden); Luis (married to Josefina Aurellano) and Felix (married to Paz Parco).

 

Severino Alparan and Zoila Albao Alparan had the following children: Lydia (married to Antonio Carito), Vicente (married first to Ma. Lourdes Dematera and secondly to Rosita de la Torre), Eugenia (married to Quiterio Agdoro Jr.), Catalina Alparan (single), Severino Jr. (married to Bernardita Agotilla), Beatriz (married to Wilfredo Agapor), Adelina (married to Augusto Paglinawan), Ramon (married to Peñafrancia Tolentino), Antonio (married to Cecil Rozon), Domingo (married to Marilou Reyes), Santiago (married to Luzviminda Agotilla), Corazon (married to former Municipal Vice-Mayor and Councilor Eduardo Loriaga), Magdalena (married to former San Lucas Barangay Captain Elmer Alforte) and the youngest was Salvacion (married to Danny Recillo).      

 

Severino Alparan was a tailor by profession. He had a stall at the Naga Market facing Igualdad St., from 1965 up to 1973.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_25 Aug 2023

Former Mayor DALMACIO AURELLANO & PRISCILA TAMUNDAY

by Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Former Mayor DALMACIO AURELLANO  was born to  Cipriano Aurellano (1887-1928) and  Bonifacia Adversario. His brothers and sisters were: Francisco Aurellano  (b. 1911-d. 1988, who married Eustaquia Mariscal), (b. 1912-d. 1994), Estela  Aurellano (b. 1914-2002, was married to Mariano Sevilla), Justo

Aurellano  (1916-2000, was married to Eufemia Zaragoza),  Gaudencio Aurellano (b. 1921-d. 2013, married Natividad Reyes),  Leon Aurellano  (1924), Perpetuo Aurellano (1914-02), and Carmen Aurellano    (born 15 August 1921, married to  Alipio Iraola (born 15 August 1921, died 4 December 1986.)

 

Mrs. Priscila Tamunday was the wife of Former Mayor Dalmacio A. Aurellano. She also served as an Interim Mayor of Camaligan in 1986. The couple Dalmacio and Priscila had one son, by the name of Fructuoso Aurellano. Pricila Tamunday’s brothers and sisters were Casiano Tamunday (married to Clarita Jacob), Sofronio Tamunday (married to Aurora de la Cruz), Bernardo Tamunday (married to Ursula Castro), Purita Tamunday,  Sor Teresa Tamunday, D.C., and Antonio Tamunday (married to Thelma Angara).

 

His term as Mayor of Camaligan can be characterized as the longest one that could be reckoned in the history of Camaligan. His terms were: 1964- 1967, and 1972-1986, for a period of seventeen (17) years.

When his term as Mayor ended in 1986, he ran as Director of CASURECO I and won. His wife Priscila T. Aurellano was appointed by the DILG to take over temporarily as the caretaker Mayor of Camaligan.  

 

Achievement/s:

1. Continuation of the construction of the riprap of the Camaligan River Bank; and
2. Construction of the Main Municipal Building (Middle portion only) in CY 1982-86.

 

_19 Aug 2023

 

 

 

 

 

FR. INOCENCIO C. CAMBALING

by Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fr. Inocencio Cambaling was born on 14 November 1942 at Libon, Albay. He resided at San Marcos, Camaligan, CS. He is 78 years old at present.

 

He was one of the offshoots of the couple Eleno Cambaling, and Maria Villar, who had the following children:

1. Dolores,
2. Modesta (+, single)
3. Fausto (born 1908, died  in Libon  in 2003, and married to Gliceria Cedo of Libon, Albay, had the following children: Nilda, Evelina, Susie, Fr. Inocencio, Maria (married to Arsenio Cuadrante), Eleno (married to Eva Camacho – had the following children: Tisha, Tina, Joanne and Maria Blanca), Cesar (+), Salve (died at 56 y.o.), Fausto Jr., and Irene.
4. Isaias (+), and
5. Brigida.

The house of Fausto Cambaling at Bgry. Sto. Domingo, Camaligan, CS was burned down during the Japanese War. It was reconstructed in the 1980’s. The house of Eleno and Maria Villar at Bgy. San Marcos, Camaligan, CS was renovated also in 2015.

Maria Villar had a brother named Bruno Villar, who begot Julia Villar (married to Ramon Prado, and begot Belen Prado who was married to Fabio Cortes Jr. in 3 Dec. 1961), and Gliceria Villar (born in 1909 and was married to Emilio Abad (born in 1905 to Triciro Abad and Gregorio Juana). Gliceria Villar and Triciro Abad were married in 29 May 1925.

Fr. Cambaling attended elementary schooling at Libon Elementary School, Libon, Albay. He entered the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary for his High School education in 1955 until he finished his Theological studies at the same seminary in 1967. He was ordained a presbyter in 12 March 1967.

First assignment as a Coadjutor presbyter was in Daet, Cam. Norte 1967-69;

Second as Coadjutor of Goa, Cam. Sur in  1969-70;

Then, back to Daet, Cam. Norte, from 1970 up to 1977;

He became Parish Priest of San Vicente, Cam. Norte in 1978;

He went to New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, in the Parish of St. Catherine in 1979 – 1982;

He went to Calgary, Alberta, Canada under the Irish Bishop Paul O’Byrne in 1982-86;

He went back to Manhattan, N.Y. at OL of Good Counsel Parish in 1986-89;

He went back to the Diocese of Calgary, Canada in 1989 up to 2009.

 

As a young priest, he grew up in social activism, facing the challenges of the recent changes happening within the church, and the Philippines society at large at that time; first, within the church, when Vatican Council II was inaugurated in 1964; and second, in the Philippine Society when Martial Law was declared in 1973. He involved in the liturgical renewal being observed during the post-Vatican Council II era, and he was the first to observe in Daet, Cam. Norte the manner of saying mass by facing the congregation.

He was assigned in 1974-77 as the Diocesan Social Action Director of Daet, Cam. Norte, and involved in various social action activities. He was a spiritual leader of the people for a long time until his retirement from the church service in 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Former Mayor JULIO HERNANDEZ CAPUCAO

by Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

Former Mayor Julio Hernandez Capucao was born in 10 January 1889. He was married twice: first, in 1925 to Dominadora Ruiz of Capiz, Negros; and, when he became a widower in 1935 to Maxima Iñigo.

 

He became Municipal Mayor of Camaligan in 1946-47, right after the war. His Vice-Mayor was Felix Abina. Before World War II, Julio H. Capucao was a public school teacher assigned at Siruma, Camarines Sur. At the same time, he operated a karetela business in Camaligan and in Sabang, Naga City, before the war. After the war, after serving as Mayor of Camaligan, he operated several business stalls at the Naga Market, such as a carneceria, a maritatas, a nipa dry goods (dinahon), and a beauty parlor.

 

He died in 29 October 1969.

 

The CAPUCAO FAMILY OF CAMALIGAN, Camarines Sur

 

The original couple Julio Capucao, married to Rosa Cayetano, begot the following children: Serapio Capucao (married to Petrona), Francisco Capucao, Pedro Capucao, Ramona Capucao (born 1838 and died 22 May 1923, was married to Francisco Alacdan in 1868 with the children Lucio Capucao Alacdan, Pedro Capucao Alacdan (born 1873 and was first married in 1904 to Petrona Francisco San Juan (1874) and begot Tomas (1903), and Felisa (1909-1910), and remarried in 30 Jan. 1910 to Maria Ragas), Justina Capucao Alacdan (born in 1878, was married to Luciano C. Nicolas, my grandparents,) Bernarda Capucao Alacdan (single), and Benita Capucao Alacdan (1869), and Jose Capucao (born in 1856 at Sto. Tomas, Camaligan, CS and was married in 1881 to Helaria Hermosa.

 

The couple Serapio and Petrona Capucao had a child by the name of Catalino Capucao, who married Pia Hernandez of Libmanan, Camarines Sur, and had the following children:

1.   Julio H. Capucao Sr. (born in 10 January 1889; died in 29 October 1969), was

first married in 1925 to Dominadora Ruiz of Capiz, Negros and begot an only daughter by the name of Pia (Nena) Capucao (born 1928), and was married to Cornelio Abesa (the son of Cenon Abesa and a certain Ludovica),  begot 13 children, with grandchildren.

 

Concerning the Abesas: Cenon Abesa (married to a certain Ludovica), who was Cornelio Abesa’s father, had a brother by the name of Demetrio Abesa of Dugcal, Camaligan, who married Demencia Macedonia, and begot a daughter by the name of Aurora Abesa who was married to Mariano Custodio, the son of Leon Custodio and Marcela Collantes.

 

Demetrio Abesa had another daughter by the name of Adoracion Abesa who was married to Pedro Estallero (the son of Ambrocio Estallero and Justina Mariscotes).

 

Demetrio Abesa had a sister by the name of Conchita Abesa, who was married to Victor Regado, begot Pedro Regado.

 

Cornelio Abesa, son of Cenon Abesa and Ludovica, had a sister by the name of Leoncia Abesa, who was first married to Francisco Agpay, who begot children and grandchildren.

 

Leoncia Abesa, the sister of Cornelio Abesa, remarried to Felix Abelinde when she became a widow, and begot children and grandchildren.

 

Julio Capucao, upon becoming a widower in 1935, remarried to Maxima Iñigo (born in 8 May 1908; died in 23 February 1978, the daughter of Toribio Iñigo and Petra Mariscal), had the following children:

    a. Pura, born 19 July 1934, married, with children and grandchildren;

b. Julio Jr., born 4 Dec. 1935, married, with children and

    grandchildren;

c. Catalino (single).

d. Josefina, born 20 March 1939, married, with children and

    grandchildren;

e. Domingo, born 5 Aug. 1940, married, with the children and

    grandchildren;

f. Jose (born 19 June 1942), married, with children and grandchildren:

g. Rev . Fr. Pedro (single)

h. Cesar (single)

i. Manuel, married, and begot a child; and

j. Ester, married, and with children.

 

2. Felicisimo Capucao, first married to  Amparo Badiong, then second marriage to Maria Piansay,  and third marriage to Rosa Sacramento, who had children and grandchildren

 

3. Flora, born in 1902 and died 16 September, and married to a certain Altamarino of Lupi, CS, had children and grandchildren; and

4. Victorio (single).

 

Other Capucaos mentioned in certain documents:

 

•  Petrona Capucao, owner of the lot west part beside our house at Barangay San Jose, Camaligan, Cam. Sur, was the wife of Serapio Capucao. Another lot owned by her located at Barangay San Mateo southside of a coconut land owned by the spouses Catalino Capucao and Pia Hernandez, who was co-bounded by Dominga Acdan on the North, Gregorio Adversario (married to Maxima Hernandez) on the East, and on the west by a ditch.

•  Jose Capucao, born 1856 at Sto. Tomas, Camaligan, CS and was married in 1881 to Helaria Hermosa.

•  Eliseo Capucao, married to Victoria Ortiz.

•  Domingo Capucao, born 1907, son of Esteban Capucao and Alejandra Villarino, married in 16 July 1928 at Naga City, CS, to Restituta Amador, daughter of Arcadio Amador and Juana Bernardo.

 

 

dnmjr_31 Aug. 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ex-Mayor FELIPE CUADRANTE

by Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

 

Felipe Cuadrante (or Quadrante), was from Manggayawan, Canaman, Camarines Sur.

 

The Mayor during the Japanese occupation (1941-43), the first to use the term “Mayor.” Before his term, the Municipal Officials used the term “Presidente Municipal” since 1910 during President Quintin Bagsic’s term (1910-1912) up to Teotimo Rebuquiao’s term (1938-41).

 

He was a relative of Julieta Mañago, the wife of Sgt. Domingo Adversario, and the owner of a residential lot at Bgy. San Pablo that Eliseo Capucao and Rosa Sacramento bought.

 

He is the first Mayor of Camaligan to be called as such. Before him, the chief executives of Camaligan were called Presidente Municipal.      

 

 

__12 Aug. 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GONZALO CHANECO

by Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

Gonzalo Chaneco was a chemist who had his laboratory at his house in San Roque, Camaligan, CS. During Pres. Diosdado Macapagal’s term (1962),  he transferred his laboratory to Manila at the instigation of Dr. Floro Dabu who was the then Secretary of Health of Macapal at that time. Gonzalo, being a chemist by profession, became a supplier of various medical needs, particularly medicines, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Thus, he practically served under a Philippine President.

 

Upon the demise of Gonzalo Chanceo’s first wife, Eufemia, he remarried Asuncion Diez, who begot to him two daughters by the names of Candida (who died in infancy), and Rosario (married to Inocencio Ipo, who bore to him Jason, Janice, and Jennelyn), and two adopted sons by the names of Noel and Honorito (married to Mayann). Honorito Chaneco became the Administrator of the LRT during Pres. Corazon Aquino’s term.

 

The owner of the Chaneco house now at Barangay San Roque, Camaligan, (the house of the first chemist in Camaligan’s history) by the name of  Dra. Marlene Chaneco (married to Dr. Lazaro Rosales), is the present heir of the couple, Gonzalo Chaneco and Eufemia Lim of Abella, Naga City. Marlene has two other sisters by the names of Vivian (married to Eustaquio Generoso Jr.), and Grace (married to Jeffrey Garcia), but both sisters are already demised also.

 

The original owner of the Gonzalo house had contributed to the economic life of the community by putting up a chemical laboratory inside his house that locally manufactured medicines for various cures and  this employed several people in the process.

 

 

_15 Aug. 2023

 

 

 

EZRA SJ. DELOVIERES

ni Pinky O. de Leon at Angelita S. Baraga

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Si Ezra San Jose Delovieres, 64 gulang, ng San Roque Camaligan, Camarines Sur, ay anak nina 2nd Lt. Alberto Candelaria Delovieres, isang Retired ng Philippines Airforce, at Josefina Pascua San Jose, na isang guro na taga Isabela. Ipinanganak siya dito sa Naga City noong Agosto 2, 1956. Anim (6) silang magkakapatid at pangalawa sya. Nag-aral sya ng elementarya sa Camp Aguinaldo sa Metro Manila at sa Naga College Foundation. Nang nasa Grade 4 siya, sinali siya sa isang patimpalak at nag-champion siya sa Regional Arts Contest (Bicol Wide), hanggang makapagtapos siya ng elementary at nakakuha ng 1st Honorable Mention Award. Nag-aral siya ng sekondarya sa Camarines Sur National College of Arts & Trade (CSNCAT) dito rin sa Naga City at naging siyang representante at nakalahok sa patimpalak at nanalo sa National Book Week. Nag-aral siya ng Preparatory Engineer sa Paete College sa Manila, nguni’t hindi niya natapos at kumuha naman siya ng Fine Arts sa mga paaralan ng University of the Philippines (UP), University of Sto. Tomas (UST) at University of the East (UE) at University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) dito sa Naga City. Hindi na siya nakapagtapos dahil nag-aaral siya at nagtatrabaho ng mga panahon na iyon. Pumasok na siya sa pagawaan ng mga nagpu-proseso ng pagkain (Purefoods). At noong 1981 nagtrabaho siya bilang Commercial Artist (Cinema Artist) ng Summit Advertising na taga-gawa ng mga billboards sa dalawang daan (200) na sinehan sa Tondo, Manila. Ito ang pinakamalaking Advertising (movie, theater, at mga display) sa Metro Manila. Noong 1991 nang makabalik na sila sa Naga City, kinuha naman sya ng Bichara and Sons, na nagmamay-ari ng ilang mga sinehan dito sa Naga City, para maging artist nila. Habang nagtatrabaho siya kay Mr. Bichara tumatanggap din sya ng ibang proyekto sa ibang kumpanya para iguhit ang kanilang mga produkto kagaya ng Coca-Cola, Fundador at iba pa. Naging rin siyang lingkod ng kanilang barangay bilang isang barangay sektaryo at naatasang gumawa ng mapa ng kanilang barangay dahil siya lang ang may kakayahang magguhit. Nakapag-pundar siya ng maliit ng Art Shop sa lungsod ng Naga City, na katabing bayan ng Camaligan, Camarines Sur, kung saan dito siya nakakakuya ng kanilang konting kabuhayan sa ngayon. Pero itong nakaraang lockdown dahil sa pandemic nasa bahay lang siya at ipinagpapatuloy ang kanyang pagpipinta.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DR. ANTONIO C. DIAZ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Antonio C. Diaz, M.D.  was born 17 January 1918 in Pasig, Rizal. He died in 18 June 2001. He was a doctor of Medicine and for some long years he was the rural health physician of Camaligan. Camarines Sur.  He was the first ever rural doctor to be assigned in Camaligan, Cam. Sur.

Dr. Antonio C. Diaz was the son of the late Jose Diaz and Juana Cruz of Pasig, Rizal. She was married to Melina Baduria, daughter of the late Antonio Baduria and Porferia Roldan. They had three children by the names of Cezar (married to Helen Ong, the couple now residing in Australia), Josefina  (married to a Bajada of Baguio City), and Evelyn (single).

He graduated from Bocaue Elementray School, Bocaue, Bulacan in 1932; finished his secondary school at Bulacan High School, Malolos, Bulacan in 1936; enrolled at the University of Sto. Tomas, Manila, where he obtained his Doctorate degree in Medicine in 1943. He passed the Medical Board Exams in 1943 and the Junior Hospital Physicians Exams in 1952.

He was President of the Sanitary Division, Bureau of Health in 1947. He became Municipal Charity Physician, Bureau of Hospitals, in 1948-1952. He became the Municipal Health Officer, Regional Health Officer, of Naga City in 1953. He came to Camaligan to become the Municipal Health Officer since 1948 until his retirement in 1978.

He was the Pastoral Council President of the Parish of Camaligan for a very long time, from 1974 – 1986.

 

 

 

 

Ex-Mayor ANDRES DIEZ

By: Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

                                                                                                                                  

Andres Diez was a Guerrilla Captain of the Tancong Vaca Guerrilla Unit (TVGU) volunteers during the Japanese period.

 

Hereunder is an account of Andres Diez’ participation in the guerrilla movement as written in Danilo M. Gerona’s book “Camaligan: Reliving A Thousand Years of History” ( pp. 117 and 119):

 

“On the eve of the attack, Miranda ate his supper in the house of (Mayor) Andres Diez where Barros was waiting to brief Miranda.  Major Villasenor, Andres Diez and the young American officer, Lt. Rhys Wood, were also present…. Having furnished with this adequate information necessary for their offensive operations,  Miranda went to see Barros at the house of (Mayor) Andres Diez and reported the event of the day. After a brief conversation, Miranda left the house and proceeded to the Camaligan Central School where he conferred with his company commanders about the assault scheduled for the next day.”

 

Former Municipal Mayor Andres Diez’ house stood beside the barangay creek (this property is now owned by Marilyn Nepomuceno).

 

He originated from the island of Zumarraga in Samar, born sometime in 1897,  and was married in Camaligan to Leonila Jacob Francisco, her second marriage.

 

He became Municipal Mayor of Camaligan in 1945, during the time of American Liberation of the Philippines.

 

The informant, Aurora Añez Mora, supplied to us the information regarding the ancestry of her grandparents, Leonila Jacob and Florencio Francisco. According to her, Leonila Jacob (died in Dec. 1974) was a native of Camaligan, while Florencio Francisco was a native of Pamplona, Camarines Sur. They married and begot the children Godofredo (single), Guillerma [married to Aquilles Añez who begot Aurora (married to Anastacio Mora), Manuel (married to Carmen Aguinaldo), and Lourdes (married to Pacifico Bautista)], and Asuncion [married to Gonzalo Chaneco, who was married first to Epifania Lim who had a children with her by the names of  Lilia (married to Eulogio), Marlene (married to Lazaro Rosales) and Grace (married to Jeffrey Gapola); then again Gonzalo Chaneco remarried now to Asuncion Jacob and begot Rosario (married to Inocencio Ipo), Nael (single) and Hononito (married to Meyan) ].

 

When Leonila Jacob’s first husband died, she remarried Andres Diez who was a native of Zumarraga, Samar. Andres Diez was first married at Zumarraga to a certain woman who begot him two children by the names of Paz (single) and Felina (single). According to an informant, Andres Diez could have arrived in Camaligan from Samar in the early 1920s accompanied by the two kids of his first marriage. Then he remarried to Leonila Jacob, the widow of Florencio Francisco, and they begot Jose “Boy” Diez (married to Alberta Aguillon), Milagros (married to Miguel Pardiñas) and Luis Diez (married to Salvacion Reyes).

 

He was a guerrilla captain during the Japanese occupation and later became a Municipal Mayor of Camaligan in 1945 after Liberation. He died in November 1980.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ESTHER R. ESPEDIDO

by Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

She was born on12 April 1931 in Ocampo, Camarines Sur (Former Mabatobato, Pili, Cam. Sur), resided at San Pablo, Camaligan, Camarines Sur and was the daughter of Pedro Espedido and Justa Reyes.

 

She finished his elementary education at Camaligan Central School. She finished her secondary school at the University of Nueva Caceres where she also obtained her AB degree in 1961.

 

She was the Administrative Clerk of the Presidential Arm on Community Development (PACD) in 29 January 1960, and was assigned at the Provincial Office of the DILG, 1976, and at the Regional Office, DILG in 1992.

 

She was a member of the Camaligan Professionals League. She passed the 2nd grade General Clerical exams in September 1965. An outstanding Junior Legionary in 1953, and she was awarded as a model employee and an Outstanding Government Officer given by President  Diosdado Macapagal at Malacañang Palace, on  6 Jan. 1961.

 

She was also a recipient of a Lifetime Service Award, given at the DILG Regional  Office V, Legazpi City on 23 April 1994. She retired at the DILG in 1994.

 

 

dnmjr_12 Aug. 2023

Msgr. PEDRO R. ESPEDIDO, JR., H. P.

By Fr. Glenn Ruiz and Sherry Ann A. Alacdan

 

 

Msgr. Pedro Reyes Espedido Jr.  was born on December 12, 1932 at Mabato-bato, Pili, Camarines Sur which is now the town of Ocampo.  His parents were Pedro Sr. & Justa Reyes. (with a chinese family name YU).  He was the 6th child of the ten siblings with 6 sisters (one of which is a nun) and 3 brothers.  He was an alumnus of Camaligan Central School.  After his high school graduation at the Ateneo de Naga he entered the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary. 

 

He was ordained to the Priesthood on April 6, 1962. From 1962-1969, he served at the several Parishes in the Archdiocese of Caceres.  In 1969, he received his first assignment as a Parish Priest at San Vicente Ferrer Parish Camarines Norte.  It was during his term in this Parish that he was given an Ecclesiastical Title, as Monsignor, which recognized his works, achievements, and great contributions to the Church.

From 1969 to 2011, he served several Parishes, and given Ecclesiastical Office and Positions in the Diocese of Daet until his retirement.  Among his primary Ecclesiastical positions are the following: 1. Vocation director; 2. Director of two Catholic Schools; and, 3. Oeconumus, Financial Administrator of the Diocese of Daet. 

 

He was one of the witnesses of the historical creation of the Diocese of Daet, as Suffragan Diocese, in September 1, 1974 by Pope Paul V1 in the Apostolic Constitution REQUIRIT MAXIMOPERE. He received Papal recognition in his ministry by giving him the title Honorary Prelate, Monsgignor,

 

He served as a Priest and a Shepherd caring for the soul of the people. He was assigned as a Director of several Catholic Schools and above all as Financial Administrator, Oeconumus, of the Diocese of Daet in 1988.

 

He died on February 9, 2013 and his remains can be found at the Resurrection Cemetery of the Holy Rosary Major Seminary.

 

 

 

_15 Aug. 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FELIX “BARLO” ESPIRITU: A GUERILLA HERO OF WORLD WAR II?

 

An excerpt from Bgy. Dugcal History (Marcaida. 2010) states that: “Bonifacio Aguid told us about the massacre in 1942 by the Japanese of the family of Felix Barlo (married to Josefina Sta. Ana), the guerilla leader operating at Dugcal during the Japanese war. The Barlos were then residing at the property of Totoy Orcine. When bombings occurred, he hid in foxholes while biting a stick.   Japanese soldiers were seen patrolling the barangay riding on horseback. According to another informant (Francia Avila Espiritu), Felix Barlo’s surname is Espiritu, who married Josefina Sta. Ana (died in 4 March 1963). Their children were the following: Alice Espiritu, married to July Bien; Joseph Espiritu, married to Francia Avila; Mary Ann Espiritu; and Marilyn.”

 

There is an account of the Barlo Massacre found in the Philippine National Library (PNL) on page 5 of the account on the History and Cultural Life of Barrio Dugcal written by a certain Miss Carmen Aurellano in 13 April 1953 that reads: “One of the guerilla officers, by the name of Felix Espiritu alias Manoy Barlo, came to be known whose family evacuated in Dugcal.  It was midnight of “Viernes Dolores” when a company of Japanese soldiers lead by a Filipino spy raided by the barrio of Dugcal upon suspicion that there was a guerilla operating there. Commander Barlo accompanied by his men was there that time visiting his family. At once, the Japanese soldiers surrounded the house where Commander Barlo, his men and his family were asleep. They were awakened by the stinging bullets that were fired at theme by the Japs. Noby had his chance of escape except Manoy Barlo who was alert in his escape from the Japs. Everyone in the house including the baby, his only daughter, was killed. The barrio of Dugcal will be forever  remembered as the war zone during the Japanese time.”

 

This account is corroborated by another teacher, Mr. Godofredo Cordial, who told a story about Felix Barlo that he wrote in the article “History and Cultural Life of the Barrio of Gogon”, states that:

 

Excerpt from BARRIO HISTORIES  of Camaligan, Cam. Sur, by Mr. Godofredo N. Cordial and Miss Luz Borromeo @ https://www.nlpdl.nlp.gov.phHD01home.htm

The story about this massacre involving the family of Felix Espiritu, also known as “Felix Barlo”, was corroborated by a story of Salvador Espiritu, who originated from Dahilig, Gainza, CS, but now residing at Sitio Gogon, Dugcal, Camaligan, CS, when he heard from stories told to him about the massacre of the family of the Barlos. Salvador Espiritu informed us that Felix “Barlo” Espiritu’s house was beside Boy Diez’ house in San Mateo, Camaligan, but Felix himself was originally from Tabuco, Naga City (his house was beside the Tabuco chapel).

 

Another informant by the name of Concepcion Valles Ables of Bgy. Sto. Tomas, Camaligan, CS, told us about Felix Espiritu whose house was just after the house of Ruperta Alipante at Bgy. Sto Tomas, Camaligan, CS., that his wife was named “Tati”, and that his children were (1) Toto Espiritu was married to Francia Avila; (2) Lapog; (3) Laboy; (4) Mary Ann; (5) Josephine; and (6) Alice Espiritu, a singer, who lives at Progress Home, Canaman, Cam. Sur. She narrated about the incident how Felix “Barlo” Espiritu lost half of his arm when a bomb he lighted exploded in his hand during a fiesta celebration at his place in Bgy. Tabuco, Naga City. Felix Barlo also launched his candidacy as City Councilor of Naga City sometime in the 1950’s and lost.

 

According to another informant by the name of Aurora A. Mora, a parish catechist, her mother, Guillerma Diez Añes narrated to her that Felix Espiritu, alias Barlo, was always there at their house, the house of Andres Diez, helping around in the cooking chores because the Japanese soldiers were being entertained there as they were used to eat at the house of Andres Diez. Being a guerrilla leader, Barlo was there to surveillance the Japanese who were guests at Andres Diez’ house. She also confirmed that Felix Barlo’s house was indeed at the back of Andres Diez’ house at Bgy. San Mateo, Camaligan, Cam. Sur. Felix Barlo was a fierce guerrilla leader who killed every suspected Japanese supporter who were reported to him.

 

Furthermore, Aurora Mora told a story about how one of the prominent families in Camaligan came to be formed. She told her story that, sometime between  1943-1944, a certain young boy who had impregnated a girl and was already on the family way but the boy refused to marry her right away. The girl’s family sought the help of the Mr. Andres Diez to rescue the plight of their daughter and force the man to marry her. So, Mr. Diez ordered the guerrilla commander under him, a certain Commander Barlo, to kidnap the boy and bring him to Tangcong Vaca where the Bicolano guerrillas were hiding. At the time when the wedding was finally set, the young man was brought to the Parish of Gainza where the boy and the girl were formally wed, after which the boy was finally set free. This writer confirmed this story by checking the birthdate of the eldest daughter of this family and it fitted with the supposed date of the abduction as narrated by Aurora Mora.

 

However,  according to Felix Barlo’s eldest daughter, Alice Espiritu-Bien, her father never resided in Camaligan contrary to popular belief. It was Felix Barlo’s children who resided in Camaligan at the death of their mother Josefina in 1963, because Josefina’s father, Porfirio Sta. Ana, brought them to Camaligan from Bgy. Tabuco to live with him permanently. Porfirio Sta. Ana’s property at Camaligan, where Barlo’s children lived, is now the property of Catalina Apring’s heirs. Catalina Apring was an adopted daughter of Porfirio Sta. Ana, because he had one child only, her daughter Josefina. When Josefina died in 1963, Catalina Apring, being the only surviving heir of Porfirio Sta. Ana, inherited all his property.

 

Furthermore, according to Alice E. Bien, Barlo’s daughter, she was only 13 years old when her father Felix died. Alice was born 13 June 1947. Her father then was only about 49 years old when he died. His remains are now buried at the Peñafrancia Cemetery, Naga City. Her father Felix was the son of an itinerant merchant who originated from Cavite and made his permanent residence at Bgy. Tabuco, Naga City at the site where the Tabuco Lodge now stands.  During the Japanese heydays, her father Felix was an active guerrilla commander who operated at Mt. Tancong Vaca in Libmanan, Cam. Sur  at the command of Captain Juan Miranda, Bicol’s foremost Japanese resistance leader, who was based at Pamplona, Cam. Sur. Felix was a very generous man who helped many people as a guerrilla leader and as a civilian especially the poor people and the needy out of his meagre means. He had also helped Dr. Ramon Prado of Camaligan when he took the board exams, still added Alice. Aside from running as city councilor in the 1950’s, her father was also a mayor of Naga City. All his accomplishments are now found written in some history books being kept at the University of Nueva Caceres, Naga City, Alice said.

 

Felix Barlo was born around 1910, and died  October 16, 1959.

 

Here is an account of the Felix Barlo’s family, according to Alice Espiritu Bien, Barlo’s eldest daughter:

PORFIRIO STA. ANA (the son of Mariano Agdan “Plantado”of Capalonga, Camarines Norte and married to a certain woman surnamed Sta. Ana) was first married to a certain woman and begot Josefina Sta. Ana, who married Felix “Barlo” Espiritu.

 

The couple Felix “Barlo” Espiritu and Josefina Sta. Ana begot Alice Espiritu (married to July Bien), Joseph Espiritu (married to Francia Avila), Mary Ann Espiritu, another son known as Laboy, Marilyn, and the youngest son by the name of Angel Espiritu (aka Labog).

 

Felix “Barlo” Espiritu was the son of FELIPE ESPIRITU of Cavite Province and Lucia Pugay. Felix “Barlo” Espiritu’s other brothers and sister were Pablo Espiritu, Vito Espiritu, Juanita Espiritu, and another boy.                

 

Porfirio married for the second time a certain Macaria Abias Esperanza, who adopted Catalina Ragas, who also was married to Jose Apring.  Catalina Ragas and Jose Apring begot Herminia (married to a certain de Mesa), Mercedes (married to a certain Peraan ), Purita (married to a certain Trio), and Francia. 

 

Written by Dominador N. Marcaida Jr._4  April 2022, updated 23 August 2023.

Source: BARRIO HISTORIES  of Camaligan, Cam. Sur @ https://www.nlpdl.nlp.gov.phHD01home.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAYOR DIANO SJ. IBARDALOZA JR.

By Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mayor Diano SJ. Ibardaloza Jr. was born 29 July 1972 to spouses Diano SJ. Ibardaloza Sr. and Restituta San Juan (the daughter of Lino San Juan and Felisa de los Santos of San Roque, Camaligan, Cam. Sur). His brothers and sisters are Gerry Ibardaloza, Gloria Ibardaloza, Danilo Ibardaloza, Aida Ibardaloza (married to Alberto Medrano), Wilma Ibardaloza, Evelyn Ibardaloza, and Ariel Ibardaloza.

 

He graduated from his elementary schooling at San Roque Elementary School in the year 1985.  His High School education was spent at the University of Nueva Caceres in the years 1985-89. His college education was also spent at the same school from the years 1991 up to 1995, taking up Bachelor of Science Majors in Mathematics (graduated), and Accountancy (undergrad),

 

As a public servant, he started as an SK Chairman in the year 1992 and became an SK Federation President in 1993-1995.

 

He became a municipal councilor from 1995 up to 2013, then in 2016-2019. At one point in his life, he also served as a Barangay Treasurer. He ran as Municipal Vice-Mayor in the local elections of 2013 but lost. He was, however, appointed as Municipal Administrator from 2013 up to 2016.

 

In the national and local elections of 2022, he ran as Mayor and won. He is the Municipal Mayor of Camaligan up to the present.

 

Major Accomplishment/s: The construction of the Camaligan River Park as a premier tourist destination in the Bicol Region.

 

dnmjr_18 August 2023

 

Ex-Mayor AGAPITO LORIAGA, Sr.

by Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

 

Agapito Loriaga Sr. was born to Sabas Loriaga and Maria Tablay on 31 March 1915 at Camaligan, Cam. Sur. He died on 25 December 1972.

His three (3) brothers and one (1) sister were: Perjentino, born 31 Oct. 1924, died 2004 and married to Maria Cambaling),  Marciana (married to Jose Aldave), Hermino (married to Flora Galicia the daughter of Mariano Galicia of Marupit); and Norberto, born 1928, died in 214 at 73 yo, (married to Eugenia Oco (died 2018)

He became Municipal Mayor for three terms: first and second terms, 1956-1963; and third term in 1968-71.

He begot a child name Francia Loriaga, while living with Ruperta Alipante; then with a certain Concepcion and begot Emelita Loriaga, who begot two children by the name of Edward and Ruby; then finally married to Manila Prado in 1965 and begot Agapito P. Loriaga II.

He was the only Mayor who served three terms after the World War II.

Achievements:

1.   Constructed the 250 meters riprapped portion of the Bicol River bank sometime in 1962-73.

2.   Construction of Municipal Road 1965 San Juan-San Ramon up to San Marcos portion.

Awards:

1.   Anniversary Awards as Outstanding Mayor, from the Philippine Institute of Public Opinion, given 8 March 1971.

2.   BSP National Council, Bronze and Silver Thanks Badges, 21 May 1971 (bronze) and 10 May 1973 (silver).

 

 

 

dnmjr_25/08/2023

RITA A. MERILLES

by Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rita Aguilar Merilles is the daughter of Godofredo Aguilar and Salome S. Azucena of Camaligan, Camarines Sur. She was born 23 June 1939 at Camaligan. She married Onofre Merilles, the son of Olimpio Merilles and Juanita Arcilla of Buhi, Camarines Sur.

 

She graduated from Camaligan Central School in 1952; finished her secondary course in Camarines Sur High School in 1956, finished her third year BSEEd at the University of Nueva Caceres and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Midwifery degree from San Juan School of Midwifery, San Juan, Rizal in 1960.

 

She was a  Rural Health Midwife of the Department of Health, assigned in Minalabac.

 

She was the Treasurer of the Camarines Sur Nurses and Midwives Association; PRO, National Federation for Filipino Midwives, and member of the Professionals of Camaligan, Cam. Sur.

 

She passed the Midwife Board Exams held in Manila in 1960; graduated salutatorian (a recipient of silver medal) from San Juan Hospital, School of Midwifery.

 

 

dnmjr_14 Aug. 2023

 

 

 

 

 

LUCIANO DLC NICOLAS, a church cantor

By Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LUCIANO DE LA CONCEPCION NICOLAS, a church cantor and violinist, was born in 1879 to the couple Eugenio Nicolas (b. 1834) and Juana de la Concepcion (b. 1836) who married in 1856.

 

Luciano C. Nicolas, who married to Justina Capucao Alacdan (b. 1878- d.1970), begot the following children: the twins Jovita and Faustina (both born in 1904 and died of sickness in infancy), Catalino (1905), Fortunata (1906), Cornelia (1908), Geronimo (b. 1909, married to Irene Sto. Domingo), Anastasia (1911), who married Honorato Abanilla (son of Juan Abanilla and Francisca Ragas), and begot Demetrio and Maria Abanilla), Estelita (b. 1913, who married Dominador Marcaida Sr. and begot Vivica (1949) and Rev. Fr. Dominador Jr. (1954); Maximo (1914), Leoncia (1915); Leonila (1916); Roman (1912); Calixto (b. 1918, married to Veneranda Alparan, and begot Amparo, Ruben, Romeo, Elizabeth, Roberto, Jose, Manuel, Rodrigo, Alicia, Francisco, and Domingo) and Leonardo (b. 1921, married to Dolores de los Santos, and begot Beatriz, Alfredo, Elena, Gloria, Fermin, William, Juan and Renato Nicolas).

 

By profession, Luciano de la Concepcion Nicolas was a church cantor and violinist at the Parish Church of Gainza, Camarines Sur the whole of his lifetime. Among the legacy he left behind now are a thick collection of church musical scores which are all still in the Latin language. He was also a farmer who farmed a small farm-holding at Tarosanan, Camaligan, Cam. Sur where, perhaps, she met her partner in life in the person of Justina Capucao Alacdan, whom he married sometime in 1903.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_26 Aug. 2023

MAXIMINO BLANCA NICOLAS

By Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

Maximino Blanca Nicolas was born in 1899 to Luciano Nicolas (b. 1854, the son of Eugenio Nicolas (b. 1825) and Juana Vicenta (b. 1829) and Petrona Blanca.

Maximino Blanca Nicolas (b. 1899), later married Leonor Agusa (b. 1903) and begot Leandro (b. 1922, married to Buena Albao, and begot Santos, Rufina, Leonor, Evelyn, Salvacion and Francia), Purificacion (b. 1926, married to Gerado San Juan and begot Salvador, Rosario, Soldead, Serafin, and Gerardo Jr.), and Andres (b. 1927, who died in infancy).

According to the History of Barangay Tarosanan, Camaligan, CS, it is stated there that: “Our first informants, the spouses Domingo Ragas and Clara F. Antonio, told us that the lot where the present barangay hermita is located was donated to the barangay by Maximino Nicolas, who then served as Barrio Delegado (Barrio Deputy) and Hermano Mayor for a long time.” Because of this, he took charge of the carving of the image of the barangay patron saint, Ntra. Sra. Del Rosario, and caused the image’s footrest, including her old retablo,  to be made out of Barayong wood that abounded at his house lot. During his term as Hermano Mayor, he also supervised the holding of religious functions in the “hermita” (barangay chapel) almost on a routine basis.

In another portion of the history of Barangay Tarosanan, Camaligan, CS, it stated also that: “Clara Antonio Ragas told us that the first primary school building, that was made of light materials (nipa and wooden posts), were constructed on the former property of Maximino Nicolas, presently the property of Natividad S. Pado, on the west side of the barangay hermita. It was constructed sometime in 1938.”

Maximino Nicolas had contributed his property to be donated to the barangay as site for the barrio chapel, and then also allowed his property to be used as a temporary site for the first primary school building in barangay Tarosanan.

Beside all these, Maximino Nicolas also served as an official of his barangay for a very long time.

Therefore, Naximino Nicolas’ contribution to Barangay Tarosanan, in  Camaligan, cannot be overlooked, because he had given so much of his property and his life for the service of his barrio folks.

He died in 1961 due to a self-inflicted injury to his own body.

MARIANO NICOMEDES

by Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

 

An entry in LDS record, under image 33SQ-G142-ZR7 (1923), states that Virginia Nicomedes was born 2 May 1923, at San Pablo, Camaligan, CS, to Mariano Nicomedes, 50 years old, an Agricultor, and to Catalina Abad, 40 years old, with 3 children. Virginia’s mother, Catalina Abad, was “one of the pioneer school teachers of Camaligan” (Balalong, June 13, 1980 issue.)

 

This mapper’s file says that “Mariano Almodovar Nicomedes, born in 1873, and died in 1934 at the age of 61, was an agricultor (farmer) by occupation. Catalina Abad was born in the year 1883.

 

Mariano Nicomedes was a gifted writer who wrote bikolano articles and novenas and who also translated the “Mi Ultimo Adios” of Dr. Jose P. Rizal in the Bikol dialect. A small portion of the Nicomedes’s property along the road was occupied between 1963-64 by a small sculpting shop of Feliciano “Gabat” Oliva where he used to sculpt and paint the wooden images of saints.

 

Virginia Nicomedes’s other brother was Jose Nicomedes Abad (married to Sending). Her two other sisters were Leonor Nicomedes, who was married to Melanio Gerona, an elementary school principal teacher at the Camaligan Central School, and the other sister was Salome Nicomedes, who had a son by the name of Noli, who married a certain Angelita Pacamara.”

 

He was also the maternal grandfather of the incumbent Vice President of the Philippines, Hon. Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo. VP Robredo’s father, Antonio Gerona, was the son of Melanio Gerona and Leonor Nicomedes, the daughter of Mariano Nicomedes. (From: Marcaida, Dominador Jr. N. Bgy. San Jose-San Pablo Profile, updated 10 March 2020).

 

Another source says that, under the pseudonym of "Sedemocin", he wrote sayings, one-act dramas, short stories, and a translator from Spanish to Bikol. He was one of those who translated the 2 novels of Jose Rizal, Noli Me Tangere (Hare Sakô Pagdotâ} and the  El Filibusterismo (An Subersibo). He collaborated with  Emeterio Abella and Joaquin Teodorico in launching the newspaper “An Parabareta” (1903-1908). He tried to revive this newspaper that even reached until  1930 but according to his wife Catalina Nicomedes, it was no longer continuous  but the issues was released intermittently depending on the availability of funds.

 

He finished the course of Bachelor of Arts at the  Conciliar Seminary of Nueva Caceres. He was one of those who organized the Academia Bicolana (1927), an  organization that aimed to  promote Bikol literature. He was also a contributor of articles to the Sanghiran Nin Bikol magazine (1927-1931) where he wrote its editorials. He was also a deputy auditor of Ambos Camarines in 1903. (From: https://bcl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariano_Nicomedes)

 

He was also a playright, and a poet. His parents were Juan Nicomedes and  Benita Almodovar. Source: CCP, Encyclopedia of Phil Artists. Manila. CCP, 1994. Vol VII, pp. 360-361.

 

According to the book by Danilo Gerona, “Camaligan: Reliving a thousand Years” (2018), Mariano Nicomedes was “born to a well-off family of Juan Nicomedes and Benita Almodovar on 8 September 1873.” He was also elected municipal councilor of Naga City, served as clerk of the Provincial Treasurer, Municipal Treasurer of Goa, Libmanan and Daet and Chief of the Provincial Treasury and also of Public Works.

 

Posthumously, he received a Rizal bust from the Knights of Rizal in recognition for his Bicol translation of “Mi Ultimo Adios” last 1971.

During the Concurso Nacional in 1922, he got first prize for his bikol translation of Jose Rizal “Mi Ultimo Adios”. He was a posthumous Jomapa awardee in the 19th Gridiron of the Naga press, Radio and TV Club in 1980.

 

He was also a Homenaje (Homage) Awardee of the Nueva Caceres  Heritage Movement, Inc. (NCHMI), in 1 July 2018.

 

Historically, his living contribution to society, the Bikol translation of Rizal’s Mi Ultimo Adios” is historic in the sense that he was the first to translate the poem in a local language, Bikol.

 

Aesthetically, his translated poem is a work of art that is incomparable because of the beautiful language that he employed in his writings.

Socially, the ideas explicated in all his writings, art works and  newspaper certainly contributed to the growth of Philippine society, particularly his own BIkol society, though the wide readership that his newspaper derived. 

 

Socioeconomically, his newspaper business that was maintained alive for ten long  years, gave work and income to their workers,  and also kept active the local printing business in Naga City.

 

Socio-Politically, his ideas aroused strong political sentiments as he was inclined towards the revolutionary ideas and efforts of his times, by translating Rizal’s two novels entitled “Hare Mo Ako Pagdunan”.

 

Spiritually, his works contributed very much to his and other’s spiritual growth by bringing them towards faith and devotion to motherland and fellow countrymen by publishing the “Dotoc asin Pasion sa Santa Cruz” that is still in very much use until today.

 

_12 Aug. 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EX-MAYOR BUENAVENTURA PLANTADO SR.

By: Buenaventura M. Plantado Jr.

 

Ex-Mayor Buenaventura Plantado Sr. of Camaligan, Camarines Sur was born on 14 July 1905 in Camaligan CS. His parents were Ambrosio Plantado and Luisa Aguinaldo. He enlisted into the military service/Philippine Constabulary in 1927 and was assigned im various places in Luzon. At that time, The Philippine Constabulary was a component of the Armed Forces under the the Philippine Army. IN 1939, he served as the driver/security escort of the then Chief Constabulary, Brigadier General Guillermo Francisco. He reached the rank of Master Sergeant with Serial No. USA 114751.

 

At the outbreak of World War II, he was assigned with the Camarines Sur Constabulary Company stationed in Naga City, Camarines Sur. With the Fall of Bataan, he joined the guerilla forces and was given the rank of Captain under the 3^rd Special Infantry Battalion, Bicol Brigade under Major Barros and Major Miranda from 1942-1945. His guerilla unit was based in Tangkong Vaca mountain in the tri-boundary area of Pamplona, Pasacao and Libmanan in Camarines Sur. Among his notable accomplishments in defending our motherland was when they staged an ambush together with other guerilla leaders and a highranking Japanese official by the name of General Tanaka in Taguilid, Pamplona, Camarines Sur. Because of this accomplishment, the guerilla forces of Camarines Sur became well-known and hunted down by the Japanese forces.

 

Due to his guerilla activities, he was targeted by the Japanese forces in the area. An unfortunate event happened when he was captured by Japanese soldiers, but was able to escape when he intentionally capsized the banca (wooden boat) that they were riding on along the Bicol River. In another occasion, his luck ran short when was captured again. This time, he was tortured severely, sustaining serious injury/wound on his left chest aside from various injuries. He fell unconscious as a result of the beatings. He was doused with fuel on his back and set on fire. Thinking that he will not survive, the Japanese left him for dead. Fortunately, after the Japanese soldiers had left, the sympathetic barrio people present there came to his rescue, put out the fire, and prvided medication and care until he recovered. He miraculously survived this tragic event, although he sustained 3^rd degree burns on his back. As a result, he became so infuriated that those responsible in tipping the Japanese were taken one by one during the night, brought to the Bicol River, tied up with a stone and vanished forever. Similarly, the other Makapili, the name given to people collaborating with the Japanese soldiers, were also targeted putting a deterrence to their treacherous acts. IT was at this point that the Name Capt. Plantado, or “Tura” became a byword in the fight against the Japanese and their collaborators. At the end of the war, he was one of those who welcomed the US 5^th Cavalry in Naga City, Camarines Sur.

 

He optionally retired and honorably been discharged from the military service/Philippine Army on 14 May 1948, with the rank of 2^nd Lieutenant, and settled in San Marcos, Camaligan, Camarines Sur. In the early years of the 1950’s, the peace and order, and criminality, in Camaligan were in a bad situation. Crimes against persons and properties, such as theft and robberies, were prevalent including the incipient formation of an enti-government group called “Watawat”. To address the  problem, the responsible and concerned people of Camaligan, thinking that a tough and battle-tested son of Camaligan might be of help to address the problem, prodded him to run for Mayor. But due to lack of financial resources, beside the  fact that politics was not his forte, he declined the offer. However, he finally acceded to run with the support given to his candidacy, which eventually won him the mayoralty of Camaligan in 1952. Once seated as the local chief executive, he prioritized the restoration of peace and order, and the implementation of ordinances. He summoned suspected personalities to better stop

 

 

_12 Aug. 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EX-MAYOR MANUEL N. PRADO

by Salvador P. Sagarbarria, Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ex-Mayor Manuel N. Prado (fondly called Mayor “Wawe” by everyone) was born as the 9th of 10 children to Judge Joventino Salvador Prado, a former  RTC Judge, and Virginia Abad Nicomedes, a former elementary public school teacher, on 6 December 1960 at Bgry. Sto. Domingo, Camaligan, Camarines Sur.

 

He finished elementary schooling in 1973 at Camaligan Central School where his mother was teaching, then his secondary course at the Ateneo de Naga in 1977, and then his tertiary course of BS in Commerce (major in Accounting) at San Beda College, Manila, in 1981. He married in December 1982 the former Marie Buena Sison, who hails from Cagayan de Oro City. Their union produced five children who are now all accomplished professionals in their respective fields.

 

His first employment was as Finance officer of Vita Food, Inc. from 1981-1986. In 1987, he came back to Camaligan to campaign and present himself as Mayoralty candidate. Having won, he served his first term as Mayor from 1988 up to 1992, after which he was re-elected for a secons term from 1992 to 1995.

 

After his political stint, he served as Assistant Manager for Branch Operation of the family-owned Rural Bank of Camaligan, Inc. from 1995 onwards. When his mother Virginia Nicomedes Prado passed away in 2002, he was transferred to the maion branch of the bank in Camaligan (with branches in Buhi, Pili and Calabanga, all in Camarines Sur). The bank’s name was changed to South East Country (SEC) Bank in 2006. He is due for retirement this coming December, 2020.

          Mayor Prado is the grandson (maternal side) of the illustrious Don Mariano A. Nicomedes, considered as intellectual in his time, who translated in Bikol Dr. Jose Rizal’s Mi Ultimo Adios.”

As Mayor of the municipality of Camaligan, he contributed in various aspects of community life during his two terms. Het a find example as a good, well-loved leader of the people he served.

As a banker, he was instrumental to the economic viability of Camaligan, facilitating the financial services of the bank to townmates, and even to places where there are branches.

Having served for two terms as Municipal Mayor of Camaligan, he effected various improvement and developmental changes, and was instrumental to sourcing out different projects and financial assistance from the National government to benefit the local constituents.

 

Accomplishments:

1.   Construction of the Camaligan Fish Port Complex, together with DOTC Secretary Pedro “Pete” N. Prado, at Dugcal, Camaligan, Cam. Sur;

2.   Construction of the Municipal Executive Building (now named as Catalino Abilay Bldg.), 1^st and 2^nd Floor Annex; and

3.   Improvement of Municipal Health Center.

 

 

 

dnmjr_14 Aug. 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Former DOTC Secretary PEDRO “PETE” NICOMEDES PRADO

by Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Former DOTC Secretary Pedro “Pete” Nicomedes Prado was born 2 June 1948 at Sto. Domingo, Camaligan, and died in 14 October 2016. His parents were the former Judge Joventino S. Prado, Sr., and the public school teacher-banker Virginia N. Prado. His only sister and eight (8) brothers include the following:

1. Maria Pura Prado, a retired bank officer, with one son and grand children.

2. Joventino Jr., married, and with a son;

3. Cesar, married, and with a daughter;

4. Tomas, a practicing lawyer and an AFP Executive Staff), married, and had three children;

5. Melchor, a private Entrepreneur and the owner/manager of Marina de Bay, married, and with children;

6. Felix, a physician and former Municipal Health Officer and a Sangguniang Bayan Member of Camaligan), and with three children;

7. Jesus, single;

8. Manuel, an Ex-Mayor of Camaligan, CS, with four children and grandchildren; and

9. Pablo, an Ex-Mayor of Camaligan, CS.

 

He finished his elementary schooling at the Camaligan Central School in 1961 (see attached photo on p. 3). He had his secondary and philosophy studies first at the San Jose Seminary, Loyola Heights, Quezon City; and then took up another college degree at the Ateneo de Manila University, graduated Bachelor of Arts in 1969. He acquired post graduate studies at the University of the Philippines taking up Masters in Environmental Planning in 1971 and Comprehensive Regional Development with the United Nations Centre for Regional Development in 1973. He was conferred a Doctorate of Humanities (Honoris Causa) at the University of Baguio in 1990. He was also the Dean of Students and a Professor at the Marian College in the same year.

 

Among the trainings he attended were in investment banking in 1975, and Project Development and Finance at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1979.

He took up Entrepreneurial Management at the University of the Philippines in 1990, then Corporate Governance and Risk Management for Rural Bank Directors at the Rural Bankers Research and Development Foundation in 2000.

 

His work experience included the following: served as Director of the Rural Bank of Camaligan, from 26 January 2014, then as Chairman/President of the Southeast Country Bank, Inc., from 16 December 2002. He was the Chairman/CEO of the KIFIL International, Pratrium Holding (USA), Inc., and Barnston Island Herbs International since 1992. He held several positions also in various private institutions, such as Chairman in the following: Solidex (HK) Ltd., Ice Cream Churn (ASTA) Ltd., in 25 January 1994, Churn Properties (LLC), Thay An Int’l, Ltd., and Vice-Chairman in Ice Cream Churn Inc. (USA).

 

He held several other government positions, such as the following: as Director of the Bicol River Basin Development Project (BRBDP) in 1975-80, Manager of the Planning and Project Development Office (PPDO) of the DPWH in 1975-80, DPWH Project Director for Project Management Office for Port Projects funded OECF of Japan, ADB, and USAID in 1975-1987, Managing Director of the Cabinet Coordinating Committee on Integrated Rural Development Projects (CCC-IRDP) in 1976-80,  and Director of the International Research Project on Rural Development in Asia, Institute of Developing Economics (IDE), Japan in 1978-80. During the term of President Corazon C. Aquino (1986-1992), he was appointed as the General Manager of the Philippine National Railways on April 4, 1986-March 21, 1991 (source: https://philippinetrains.fandom.com), then as  DOTC Secretary in 1991-92.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Among the many achievements he brought to Camaligan included the following:

1.   The construction of the Camaligan Fish Port at Barangay Dugcal, CCS; and the

2.   Declaration of the Queborac-to Dugcal Road as a National Highway.

 

dnmjr_23 August 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VIRGINIA NICOMEDES PRADO

by Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

 

Virginia Nicomedes Prado was born on 2 May 1923 at San Pablo, Camaligan, Camarines Sur to Mariano Nicomedes (a multi-awarded bikolano poet, writer and translator) and Catalina Abad (a pioneer school teacher at Camaligan Central School). Her brothers and sisters were: Jose Nicomedes (married to a certain Sending), Leonor Nicomedes (married to Melanio Gerona, the father of the former Vice President of the Philippines, Ma. Leonor Gerona Robredo), and Salome Nicomedes (who begot Noli who married Angelita Pacamarra). In 22 October 1944 she was married to Atty. Joventino S. Prado a member of the affluent Prado Family of Camaligan.

 

Her children were:

10.  Maria Pura Prado, a retired bank officer, with one son and grandchildren.

11.  Pedro, a former PNR-Manager (1986-91), DOTC Secretary in 1991-92, and MMDA Consultant;

12.  Joventino Jr., married, and with a son;

13.  Cesar, married, and with a daughter;

14.  Tomas, a practicing lawyer and an AFP Executive Staff), married, and had three children;

15.  Melchor, a private Entrepreneur and the owner/manager of Marina de Bay, married, and with children;

16.  Felix, a physician and former Municipal Health Officer and a Sangguniang Bayan Member of Camaligan), and with three children;

17.  Jesus, single;

18.  Manuel, an Ex-Mayor of Camaligan, CS, with four children and grandchildren; and

19.  Pablo, an Ex-Mayor of Camaligan, CS.

 

Mrs. Virginia Nicomedes Prado finished her elementary schooling at the Camaligan Central School. Then she pursued her high school studies at the Colegio de Sta. Isabel. After her high school, she studied in Manila for her college studies, taking up BSE. She had taken up a Masters Degree but did not finish it.

 

After college graduation, she devoted herself to teaching at the CamaliganCentral School starting from up to 1976 when she retired from teaching.

 

When her husband Judge Joventino Prado died in 1976, she took over the reins of running the Rural Bank of Camaligan, Inc. the bank that her former husband put up in 1974 from his retirement funds. She became the bank’s President, Director and General Manager, that she had successfully and efficiently ran up to the time of her demise in December 2, 2002.

 

She became a business sector representative member of the Sangguniang Bayan of Camaligan. She was also the Chairperson of the Prado Foundation, Inc.

 

She was the recipient of several awards for her outstanding contribution to banking and as a public school teacher, to wit:

1.   Outstanding SB Member in 1978 by the DAP

2.   Excellence in Leadership Award; and

3.   Gintong Ina Award in 1990

 

Virginia Prado, together with Mercedes Naldoza, Guillerma Diez, Petronila Francisco, and Fermin Agomaa had written a manuscript entitled the “History and Cultural Life of Camaligan” dated 22 April 1953, which is being kept in the National Library of the Philippines through the link: https://www.nlpdl.nlp.gov.phHD01home.htm.

 

Sources:

1. Vox Bikol, Vol. VII, No. 47, 2 May 1980.
2. Balalong, 13 June 1980.

 

                         

_19 August 2023

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. Virginia N. Prado as Grade II-1 Class Adviser, SY 1962-63 at the Camaligan Central School.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FR. ANTONIO A. REYES-YU

by: Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fr. Antonio “Tonyeng” Alba Reyes Yu was born 12 March 1917 to the couple Julian     Reyes-Yu and Eugenia Alba in Camaligan, Camarines Sur.

 

His sister was Socorro Reyes Yu (b.1919 and died in1998, married to Victoriano Abad Aguinaldo (1919-1992), begot Aurora (b. 1943, married to Jesus Recepcion, and with children and grandchildren),  and Carmen (b. 1964, married to Manuel Añes (1958-1997).                     

 

His brother was Rafael Alba Reyes Yu (1925), married to Rosario Monroy (b. 1933), with children and grandchildren.

 

His assignments as a member of the clergy were in the Dioceses of Albay and Sorsogon, particularly in Pandan, Catanduanes; Bacacay, Albay; Bacon, Sorsogon; Jovellar, Albay; Ligao, Albay and Guinobatan, Albay until his retirement in 1885.

 

He was my preacher during my thanksgiving mass at Camaligan Parish, Camaligan, C. S. last 19 March 1979.

 

He retired from the active presbyteral ministry last March 1985, and spent his retirement at their residence in Camaligan, Camarines Sur, being attended with much care and love by his sister and his nieces.

 

He died last 9 April 1994. His mortal remains lie peacefully at the Family Reyes Yu-Alba Mausoleum at the Marupit Cemetery, Camaligan, Camarines Sur.

 

 

dnmjr_1 Sept. 2023

 

 

THE SPOUSES DOMINGO ALDEN RAGAS AND CLARA FRANCISCO ANTONIO

By: Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domingo Ragas was born on  29 April 1929, while his wife, Clara   Francisco Antonio was born in 17 April 1929. They were both residing with their family at  Roque, Camaligan, Camarines Sur. 

 

Domingo Ragas was the former municipal secretary during the first term of Ex-Mayor Agapito Loriaga from 1956 up to 1959.  He succeeded Consejo Pondare as the municipal secretary. He was also succeeded after his stint by Amparo Medrano.  In 1956, they already held office at the Municipal Building Annex that was constructed in 1954 at the property donated by the family of Catalino Abilay. He also served as cashier of the Bureau of Soils of the Department of Agriculture Regional Office V from 1967 until his retirement in 1989. Domingo Ragas, 81 years old (born 29 April 1929 of Tarosanan, Camaligan, CS) was the son of Antonio Alden and Gregoria Ragas who was the daughter of the Simon Ragas and Raymunda de la Concepcion. 

 

Clara Antonio Ragas, 81 years old (born 17 April 1929 at San Francisco, Camaligan), was a public elementary school teacher assigned at Tarosanan Elementary School for more than twenty years from 1968 up to 1985, and then at San Roque Elementary School from 1985 until she retired in 1990. She is the daughter of the spouses Narciso Antonio and Felicitas Francisco. The couple Narciso and Felicitas, with their whole family, moved to Libmanan and had their house built there at the back of the Monterola Building (at the Libmanan market site). She attended elementary schooling until Grade V in Libmanan. They came back to Barrio San Francisco, Camaligan, in 1941 during the Japanese time when she was just 11 years old. Narciso however was able to buy the lot at Camaligan poblacion on the property of Silveria Ortiz (sister of Petra Ortiz, married to Julian Pesito) and transferred their residence there in 1950. It was here that Domingo Ragas and Clara Ragas were married in March 22, 1956. After their marriage, they rented the house of Jaime Naldoza at the back of the original municipal building that was built at the site of the present Municipal Health Center.” (From Bgy. San Francisco History. Dominador N. Marcaida Jr., 2010):

 

The couple had eight children whose names are: Dominador (married to Corazon Magistrado), Emma, Nora (married to Atty. Adan Botor, a prominent lawyer in the Bicol Region), Elena (married to Nelson Sta. Clara), Asuncion, Susan, Adelfo (married to Curie Olivera), and Caesar.

Contribution to the community:

 

 “A rice paddy served as a pathway that went from the hermita to the Gainza road. It was Domingo Ragas, during his incumbency as Municipal Secretary, who negotiated for the construction of this rice paddy pathway into a municipal road, together with the road from barangay San Francisco to the Gainza road. In 1968, Clara A. Ragas was assigned in this school as a Grade II teacher. According to Clara Ragas, the narra trees planted on the school premises were solicited by her from the Department of Agriculture-Regional Office V after Typhoon Sening in 1970.” (Excerpt from the “History of Brgy. Tarosanan”.  Marcaida.2010).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The SAN LORENZOs of CAMALIGAN, CAM. SUR

by Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

 

Sergio and Romeo San Lorenzo of San Lucas, Camaligan,CS were the half-brothers of Jesus San Lorenzo Jr. of San Juan, Camaligan. Sergio (married to Feliciana Baldocia Cordial) and Romeo’s (married to Elena Ortua) sisters were Zenaida (married to Emerenciana Auro’s brother Florentino Auro) and Teresita (married to Rodolfo Temeña). Jesus San Lorenzo Jr.’s sisters were Normita San Lorenzo (married to Romeo Datu), Lilia San Lorenzo (married to Adoni Orolfo), and Emma San Lorenzo.

 

Sergio and Romeo San Lorenzo and their sisters Zenaida and Teresita San Lorenzo were the children of the first marriage of their father, Jesus San Lorenzo Sr., to Illuminada Mariscal.

 

When Jesus San Lorenzo Sr., remarried with Gorgonia de la Concepcion, they had another set of four children by the name of Normita, Lilia, Emma and Jesus San Lorenzo Jr.

However, the San Lorenzo clan originated from their ancestors Mariano Lumbria and Mathea Candelaria.

Mariano Lumbria, married Mathea Candelaria, and begot Calistro (married to Manuela Dominga Candelaria) and Antonio (married Maria Dominga).

Calistro Lumbria begot Francisco Lumbria who married Luisa Lumbria and begot Vicenta Lumbria.

Vicenta Lumbria was married twice: the first marriage was to Regino Dagpa who begot Gregoria Dagpa [married to Brigido Abad (son of Evaristo Abad and Petrona Aligasin) who begot Placido Dagpa (b. 1885), and Maria Dagpa (married to Manuel Francisco (son of Gregorio Francisco and Pasquala de la Concepcion) and begot Sabino Francisco (b. 1887)]; and the second marriage was to Mariano Felisardo Dagpa, who begot Jaffa (b. 1848) and Cayetano Dagpa (married to Juana Mateo Lorenzo (the daughter of Nazario Mateo Lorenzo and Raymunda de la Concepcion), and begot Macario San Lorenzo Dagpa (married to Encarnacion Blas of Tarosanan), Sergia (born 1887), and Joaquin San Lorenzo Dagpa (b. 1884). 

Joaquin San Lorenzo Dagpa married Aquilina Flores who begot Agapito San Lorenzo Dagpa (married to Josefa Florendo, the daughter of Mariano Florendo and Barbara Polagñi), Maria San Lorenzo Dagpa (married to Arsenio Alipante), Basilisa San Lorenzo Dagpa, Eugenia San Lorenzo Dagpa, Jesus San Lorenzo Dagpa Sr. and Lt. Col. Jose M. San Lorenzo Dagpa (Philippine Air Force).

Jesus San Lorenzo Sr. was married twice: first marriage was to Iluminada Mariscal and begot Sergio (b. 1935, and married in 21 Dec. 1959 to Feliciana Beldecia Cordial, the daughter of Constancio Cordial and Hermogena Beldecia); Romeo (married to Elena Ortua), Zenaida (married in 29 June 1961 to Florentino Auro, the son of Lucas Auro and Rosario Aricano), and Teresita (married to Rodolfo Temeña);  and second marriage was with Gorgonia de la Concepcion and begot Normita (married to Romeo Datu), Lilia (married to Adoni Orolfo), Emma San Lorenzo and Jesus San Lorenzo Jr.

Sergio M. San Lorenzo, married to Feliciana Beldecia Cordial, begot May C. San Lorenzo, Grace C. San Lorenzo, Sergio C. San Lorenzo, Jr.,  Francia C. San Lorenzo, Joan C. San Lorenzo, Eden C. San Lorenzo, and Marichu C. San Lorenzo (youngest to eldest).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Romeo M. San Lorenzo, married to Elena Ortua, begot Romylen O. San Lorenzo, Ronnie O. San Lorenzo, Roger O. San Lorenzo, Melchor O. San Lorenzo, Josephine O. San Lorenzo, Archie O. San Lorenzo, Zacarias O. San Lorenzo, Leizel O. San Lorenzo, Romeo Jr. O. San Lorenzo, and Melanie O. San Lorenzo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, Antonio Lumbria, Mariano‟s second son, married Maria Dominga and begot Petrona (married to Aguido de los Santos, the son of Antonio de los Santos and Portacia Ago Hipolito) and begot Laureano (b. 1873), Pascual (married to Flora Bermudo (daughter of Alberto Bermudo and Valentina Candelaria) and begot Quiterio (b. 1873).

         

Construction of the barangay hall of San Lucas, Camaligan, CS was began by Ex-Barangay Captain Romeo San Lorenzo. Its repair was also undertaken during the term of Ex-Barangay Captain and Ex-Municipal Councilor Romeo San Lorenzo, which began its concreting in 1994. Councilor Romeo San Lorenzo served as Municipal Councilor for 2 terms, in CYs 1998-2004.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lot 8, declared under Romeo San Lorenzo, were part of Domingo Gregorio’s property.

 

The other San Lorenzos of San Roque, Camaligan were descended from Isidro San Lorenzo who was married to Sofia Albino (sister of Lucia Albino who was married to Teofilo Alparan).

Isidro San Lorenzo, married to Sofia Albino, had the following descendants: Valeriano (married to Concordia Cambaling, the daughter of Flaviano Cambaling); Simeon (a WWII veteran, who was married to a certain Adoracion of Hondagua, Quezon); Julita (married to Florencio del Rosario of Tinago, Naga City); and Regino (married a certain Irene of Calauag, Quezon).

The Kalayan site was formerly owned by the spouses Arsenio Alipante and Maria San Lorenzo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENCARNACION ABARIENTOS VDE SILERIO

by: Dominador N. Marcaida Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Encarnacion Abarrientos (born 29 March 1920 at Sua, Camaligan, CS. to Leon Abarientos and Natalia Cielos), was married to Ireneo Silerio (born 14 Dec. 1911, died 14 Aug. 1998) on November 7, 1937 by Fr. Elias Doroin at the Parish of Ganiza, Cam. Sur.

 

The couple had the following children:

1. Wilfredo (24 September 1938., died 27 August 2015)

2. Soledad (b. 9 March 1941),

3. Vilma, married to Romulo Candelaria),

4. Domingo (born 11 Feb. 1962, died 21 June 2008, married to Marites Naval of Calabanga),

5. Ireneo (married to Corazon de Castro of Bawa, Canaman),

6. Danilo, married to Araceli Asis),

7. Jose (married to Francia San Buenaventura),

8. Antenor (born 20 Feb. 1950, died 11 August 2004, married to Emma Esotenedo of Calabanga, CS),  and

9. Beatriz (born 10 July 1949, married to Jose Respeto).

 

Social – A centenarian lady who was awarded PhP 150,000.00 by the LGU-Camaligan.

                   

_12 Aug. 2023

 

 

GREGORIO A. TRINIDAD

By Helen T. Almen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Gregorio “Gorio” Agrito – Trinidad was born on March 10, 1918 in Marupit, Camaligan, Camarines, Sur. He was Pablo Trinidad and Leona Agrito’s only child. His father was a farmer and his mother, a simple housewife. They owned hectares of rice land in the area.

            Being an only child, he was spoiled by his parents. He loved making fun of his playmates (a prankster), this attitude of his continued until he reached his elementary and adult years.

             At the age of 7, he attended elementary at Camaligan Central School. Gorio’s mother was always being called by his teacher because he was a bully to his classmates. He only finished grade four because he did not want to continue his studies.

            In 1935, at the age of 17, he lived with his common-law wife, Modesta Aguillon, and had four kids with her.

            In 1940, Gorio became a U.S. serviceman under the Philippine Army. His position was a machine gunner of the “H” Company 52nd Infantry, 51st Division.

            During the World War 2, the guerilla soldiers (including Gorio) fought against the invaders when the Philippine Commonwealth was attacked by the Japanese Empire on December 8, 1941. The combined force of American – Filipino army was defeated in the Battle of Bataan. On April 1942, they surrendered to the Imperial Japanese Army.

            According to Leonida Trinidad – Razonable, based from the story of her Tatay Gorio, on April 9, 1942, the prisoners of war, including her father, were forcefully transferred from Bataan to Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac. It was called the “Death March”. During the march, many casualties happened to the prisoners prior to reaching Camp O’Donnell. The Death March was characterized by severe physical torture and wanton killings.

            After six (6) days of detention at Camp O’Donnell, prisoners were again forced to march 85 miles with only one meal of rice during the entire journey.

            Gorio safely returned home after the tragedy. His partner, Modesta Aguillon died, leaving their four kids under the care of Genoveva “Bebang” Aguillon. Later on, Gorio married Bebang and had nine children.

            Last June 12, 1998, Gregorio Trinidad received a Centennial Plaque of Recognition from the Municipality of Camaligan

            Gregorio Agrito – Trinidad died last July 14, 2014 at the age of 96.

            According to Jocelyn T. Abes, Gorio’s youngest daughter, the Fall of Bataan and the Death March where her father was among the prisoners, are the stories stamped in the mind of every Filipino soldiers who fought the Japanese especially to her father and can never be forgotten.

            Based from the story of the late Gregorio, while he was detained at Camp O’Donnell at Capas, Tarlac, he experienced extreme stomach pain because of hunger. He was nearly dying and thought it was the end of him. He fell asleep. He saw in his dream a woman wearing a long white gown and a long curly hair. In her hand, she was holding a white cloth with a face of Jesus Christ full of blood and a crown of thorns on his head. The woman laid the cloth on his stomach. When he woke up the following day, his stomach pain was gone. He realized that, that woman he saw in his dream was Sta. Veronica. He believed that he was cured by Sta. Veronica.