MUNICIPALITY OF FAMY (LAGUNA), Historical Data of

Famy, the smallest town in the province in population, has 2000 people more or less and is located in the northeastern part of Laguna.

It is said that during the olden days, there was a tree named calumpang in the place where the present Catholic church is. It so happened that one day, the residents of Mabitac went to the forest to cut a big tree fit for making a saint. They were able to find a very good one that they would have two saints out of the tree. They cut the tree into pieces, then each one was pulled by one carabao. They first had to pass this town (formerly, it was not even a barrio) before reaching their place.

On their way home, they passed by a calumpang tree which was very shady. They were attracted by the shade and the cool atmosphere given by the tree, that led them to rest for a few minutes. Relieving a little of their weariness from the long journey, they continued their travel. The first carabao started to pull his load with ease, but the men managing the carabao pulling the other piece were surprised to see that their carabao could not pull the other piece. The called to the men in the other group to take their carabao and help pull their load, but they were amazed that with the two carabaos, the load became even heavier. The leader of the group requested some of the men to hire more carabaos to help in pulling the piece. The men returned with three more male carabaos. They arranged the carabaos one after the other and attempted in pulling the tree, but they were very much surprised that even with the combined strength of five carabaos, the log could not be moved. They then got scared with the thought that such incident was miraculous. They hurried home with the first piece, only leaving the other piece under the calumpang tree. The news spread like wildfire in the Mabitac (formerly a barrio) and in the neighboring places, and the people, believing in such a miracle, packed up their belongings and started to settle in the new place. People from other nearby places like Siniloan, Sta. Maria, and Daraitan (a barrio of Tanay, Rizal), upon learning the news, followed the caravan of new settlers to gamble their luck in the bedlam of wilderness. When they reached the place, they found the piece of log under the shady calumpang tree. They built a small chapel right on the place where the miracle happened.

Building temporary houses and clearing land for "kaingin" were their next objective. Since that time, 1700, they formed a group of permanent settlers in the place, and later they called it "Calumpang" after the spreading and shady calumpang tree they found in the heart of the place.

The place remained a barrio of Calumpang until the year 1898, when it was first recognized as a town bearing the same name. On September 24, 1898, the new appointed municipal officials attended the Mass with their canes. The first municipal president was Felipe Jamolin, who was appointed by the revolutionary governor of Laguna, Gen. Juan Cailles. Mr. Jamolin held the position of Municipal President from 1898 to Nov. 10, 1901.

Calumpang, the former name of the town, was changed to its present name (Famy) on February 13, 1899, in honor of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, whose maternal name was Famy, and who (Aguinaldo) at that time was the President of the short-lived Philippine Republic.

On March 19, 1901, the federal government (American) issued an order that the town should have a president, vice-president, and delegates. Mr. Felipe Jamolin was appointed president; Mr. Laureano Zalay as vice-president; and Messrs. Pedro Abary, Felipe Fernandoez, and Julian Fernandez as delegates. In that same year, November 11, 1901, another order was sent by the American government making a slight change on the titles of the municipal officials, and they appointed Mr. Felipe Fernandez as president; Mr. Marian Agencia as vice-president; and Messrs. Telesforo Jamilan, Fermin Principe, Liborio Valmonte, Jose Jamilan Sr., Mariano Ramos, Pedro Principe, Pedro Regulacion, and Francisco Ramirez as councilors.

Due to the fact that the American government was just establishing a stable government in the islands, there were many changes made. Among them was the annexation of small municipalities to bigger ones. Famy, a small town, was then affected, and it was on January 1, 1904 when Famy became a barrio of Siniloan. The United States, being a democractic country, exercised democracy in their territories, and that was proven when Famy became a barrio in which the officials of the town were selected from the citizens of the poblacion and the barrio. The president appointed was Mr. Felipe Kaharian, a native of Siniloan; the vice-president was Mr. Mariano Agencia from Famy; and the councilors were Messrs. Pedro Abary, Isaac Fernandez, and Patricio Valois from Famy; while councilors from Siniloan were Messrs. Anselmo Rodenas, Roman Releñas, Maximo Serrano, Hipolito Calim, and Benito Masacupan.

From January 1, 1904, Famy remained a barrio of Siniloan until August 15, 1910; and from August 16, 1910 up to the present time, Famy again became a town. For the second time, Famy became a town, the municipal officials were no longer appointed but were elected by the townspeople.

The following persons became municipal officials of the town with the corresponding dates of office:

1910 - 1912

Municipal President Vice-President Councilors

Mr. Isaac Fernandez Mr. Mariano Agencia Mr. Benidicto Garcia Mr. Juan Jamolin Mr. Fermin Prinicipe Mr. Dionisio Alcantara Mr. Florencio Fernandez Mr. Cecilio Jamias Mr. Isabelo Jamena Mr. Flaviano Lemeyra

Significant accomplishments during the term: establishment of the permanent municipal government of Famy.

1913 - 1914

Municipal President Vice-President Councilors

Mr. Patricio Valois Mr. Isabelo Flores Mr. Pedro Acorda Mr. Roman Calim Mr. Flaviano Lemeyra Mr. Lorenzo Valsorable Mr. Roberto Lamigo Mr. Leoncio Acelajado Mr. Hilario Fernandez Mr. Juan Jamolin

Note: 1914 - 1915: The incumbent President resigned and the then-Vice-President, Mr. Isabelo Flores, acted as President until the end of the term.

Signficant accomplishments: The digging of the present artesian well located closely to the municipal site. Construction of the first wooden bridge across the river between Siniloan and Famy.

1916 - 1918

Municipal President Vice-President Councilors

Mr. Jose Jamilan, Sr. Mr. Dionisio Alcantara Mr. Jacinto Abary Mr. Julio Calim Mr. Vicente Lameyra Mr. Jacinto Vale Mr. Bartolome Fernandez Mr. Braulio Acorda Mr. Florentino Lameyra Mr. Gregorio Regulacion

Significant accomplishments: Digging of the Famy River.

1919 - 1921

Municipal President Vice-President Councilors

Mr. Juan Jamolin Mr. Roberto Lamigo Mr. Pedro Moises Mr. Graciano Principe Mr. Claudio Redeña Mr. Dionisio Jamilano Mr. Leoncio Añonuevo Mr. Clemente Razon

Significant accomplishments: Construction of the first semi-permanent school building through the contributions of the townspeople.

1922 - 1924

Municipal President Vice-President Councilors

Mr. Julio Calim Mr. Francisco Calim Mr. Pedro Jamiral Mr. Rufino Razon Mr. Faustino Razon Mr. Estanislao Acorda Mr. Maximo Redeña Mr. Silverio Ramirez Mr. Felix Garcia Mr. Feliciano Acorda

Significant accomplishments: Construction of the first semi-permanent municipal building through the contributions of the townspeople.

1925 -1927

Municipal President Vice-President Councilors

Mr. Jose Jamilan Sr. Mr. Marcelino Maliwanag Mr. Cirilo Samela Mr. Gregorio Regulacion Mr. Jacinto Vale Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr.

Significant accomplishments: Construction of the concrete bridge across the Famy River at his own personal expense. Extensive planting of coconut trees and fruit trees.

1928 - 1930

Municipal President Vice-President Councilors

Mr. Dionisio Alcantara Mr. Teodulo Jamias Mr. Apolonio Matienzo Mr. Antonio Valois Mr. Miguel Llames Mr. Flaviano Calim

Significant accomplishments: Completion of the ground floor of the municipal building.

Note: It was during the year 1927 that an order from the national government was received by the municipal government of Famy, reducing the number of councilors into four.

1931 - 1933

Municipal President Vice-President Councilors

Mr. Isaias Lameyra Mr. Gil Reyes Mr. Marcos Caralde Mr. Gabriel Jamilan Mr. Pelagio Ramos Mr. Valeriano Acorda

Due to an unexpected incident, the Municipal President, Mr. Isaias Lameyra, died in the early part of his term, so much so that Mr. Gil Reyes, the Vice-President, took the place of the Mun. President, adding one councilor, Mr. Emeterio Dando, to complete the council.

During the incumbency of Mr. Gil Reyes, trouble was prevalent in the Municipal Council that led to the resignation of four councilors: Mr. Marcos Caralde, Mr. Pelagio Ramos, Mr. Valeriano Acorda, and Mr. Emeterio Dando.

Another set of municipal councilors was appointed by the Governor of Laguna, forming the new line-up of the council:

Municipal President Vice-President Councilors

Mr. Gil Reyes Mr. Gabriel Jamilan Mr. Pablo Advento Mr. Maximo Redeña Mr. Miguel Llames Mr. Miguel Lameyra

Significant accomplishments: Providing sanitary facilities in the municipal building. Construction of the barrio road. The National Government constructed the national road from Famy to Infanta.

1934 - 1936

Municipal President Vice-President Councilors

Mr. Jose Jamilan, Jr. Mr. Pedro Jamiral Mr. Jacinto Abary Mr. Julio Calim Mr. Liborio Valmonte Mr. Dionisio Alcantara

Significant accomplishments: Construction of the present four-room schoolbuilding. The National Government constructed the national road from Famy to Junction, Mabitac.

1937 - 1940

Municipal Mayor Vice-Mayor Councilors

Mr. Pelagio Ramos Mr. Jacinto Abary Mr. Pacifico Valois Mr. Mariano Cajudo Mr. Patricio Valsorable Mr. Juan Jamon

Significant acomplishments: Construction and widening of the barrio road and bridges.

Note: The head of the town was no longer called President but Municipal Mayor.

1941 - 1943

Municipal Mayor Vice-Mayor Councilors

Mr. Jacinto Abary Mr. Jose Jamilan, Jr. Mr. Pedro Valois Mr. Mariano Cajudo Mr. Miguel Lameyra Mr. Patricio Valsorable

Significant accomplishments: Construction of the new Municipal Building, a small town market, and the Municipal Dispensary, Bureau of Health.

1943 - 1945

Municipal Mayor Vice-Mayor Councilors

Mr. Julio Calim (appointed) Mr. Jose Jamilan, Jr. Mr. Pedro Z. Valois Mr. Mariano Cajudo Mr. Miguel Lameyra Mr. Patricio Valsorable

Significant accomplishments: Completing the sidings of the ground floor of the new Municipal Building. Acquiring a 6 x 6 truck for the municipality.

1945 - 1946

Municipal Mayor Vice-Mayor Councilors

Mr. Jose Jamilan, Jr. (appointed) Mr. Pedro Z. Valois Mr. Mariano Cajudo Mr. Patricio Valsorable Mr. Silvestre Acorda Mr.

Significant accomplishments: Construction of the temporary Municipal Building.

1947

Municipal Mayor Vice-Mayor Councilors

Mr. Pedro Z. Valois (appointed) Mr. Mariano Cajudo Mr. Patricio Valsorable Mr. Silvestre Acorda Mr. Mr.

No accomplishment due to the short duration of the term.

1948 - 1951

Municipal Mayor Vice-Mayor Councilors

Mr. Pelagio Ramos Mr. Timoteo Samela Mr. Ignacio Principe Mr. Primitivo Libao Mr. Narciso Garcia Mr. Tranquilino Peñascosas

Significant accomplishments: Construction of another Municipal Building (temporary) under the typhoon relief. Improvements of the barrio road and bridges, and the rebuilding of the Home Economics Building. Rehabilitation of the Main School Building.

1952 - 1955

Municipal Mayor Vice-Mayor Councilors

Mr. Constancio Valsadera Mr. Juan Jamon Mr. Andres Abary Mr. Francisco Montalla Mr. Cresencio Valois Mr. Anselmo Laminero

Significant accomplishments: Construction of a semi-concrete Municipal Building, and three artesian wells.

Prospective accomplishments: Construction of the town plaza, town market, a new school building, and additional municipal road.

Famy, even if it is in a remote place, did not escape the telling effects of wars, Spanish, American, and Japanese. Likewise, there were certain events of incidents that have a place in the history of the town.

The Spanish War occurred as the town was still in the stage of strengthening its status to become a municipality. Like any other place in the province, it had contributed certain brave men to the rank and file of Katipuneros who bravely resisted the power of Spanish sovereignty. We have the late Felipe (Federal) Jamolin, a captain under General Emilio Aguinaldo and Commander Regino Valois, still living. These two were the outstanding men among the many Katipuneros in the town. People in the place who could not occupy a place in the battlefields contented themselves by sympathizing and giving material aids to the rebels. All these acts of help, sympathy, and resistance were highly recognized by the President of the short-lived Philippine Republic, General Emilio Aguinaldo.

Next to the Spanish War was the Filipino-American War. In the famous Battle of Mabitac, Famy became a rest camp for the tired and wounded defenders of Mabitac. This was so because the two towns are adjacent and there was a secret passage during that time. After the insurgents were subdued, a military government was established in all towns in the province. Worthy of mention at this period was the separation of Famy from Siniloan, the the organization of its own municipal government in 1910.

In all these periods, it is worth to mention in passing that the townspeople suffered greatly with the loss of properties and lives.

The Japanese occupation had caused the most horrible and unforgettable sufferings for the people. Besides the torture of the suspected anti-Japanese, there was wanton disregard of human rights and forcible seizure of personal belongings. As an insult to injury, Filipino spies for the Japanese were the ones who caused their brother Filipinos to suffer at the hands of the common enemy of Filipino freedom.

Still fresh in the minds of the people of the place was the mass execution of 19 able-bodied men of the town who were suspected of underground activities against the Japanese. Prominent among them was the then-Municipal Mayor, Mr. Jacinto Abary. These men had gallantly resisted the tortures of the brutal Japanese soldiers till death, only to uphold their pledge of undying loyalty to democracy. To hold in good faith their loyalty to the guerrilla organization, they endured the sufferings. At least, they had not betrayed their organization. The death of these men kindled the determination of the guerrillas to carry on the fight. It was not until April 4, 1945 that the resistance ended, when the American liberation forces entered the town. There was, however, untold sufferings as a result of the bombing by American warplanes. Ninety per cent of the houses in town were razed to the ground by artillery fire and bombs. It was really a start of a new life for the people. New houses had to be built. People had to secure food to tide them up until they could cultivate again their lands to raise food crops. It was not easy to live, then. The lack of food was further aggravated by the prevalence of diseases such as cholera, malaria, dysentery, typhoid, beriberi, and ulcers. There was also a loss of morale and dis-

The succeeding years proved to be years of rehabilitation. New houses were built, farms were expanded, and people attended to the education of their children. The unsettled peace and order condition, caused by the presence of discontented elements, affected slightly the lives of the people; but it was not so grave so as to hold back the move for attaining normal living conditions among the people.

Transcribed from:

Historical Data of the Municipality of Famy, Province of Laguna, online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.