MUNICIPALITY OF PAGBILAO, QUEZON, Historical Data of Part 1
PART I
Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V | Part VI
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Missing page.
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by the name of Pablo and Rita. It was not known where they came from, but one thing was sure: they had settled here because their search for good soil in which to plant their palay seeds ended here. Because of the fertility of the soil, the place soon became famous and waves of immigrants from neighboring towns, Tayabas and Atimonan, came pouring in, until finally the settlement spread out and the population increased.
It could be said, therefore, that the original families of the place were those of Pablo and Rita.
V - List of town executives from the earliest time to date.
| 1767 | Luis Felipe |
| 1768 | Miguel de los Santos |
| 1769 | Luis Felipe |
| 1770 | Juan de los Santos |
| 1771 | Jose Cayetano |
| 1772 | Francisco Morales |
| 1773 | Pedro Altas |
| 1774 | Luis Felipe |
| 1775 | Miguel de los Santos |
| 1776 | Jose Cayetano |
| 1777 | Pedro Atos |
| 1778 | Luis Felipe Jr. |
| 1779 | Juan de los Santos |
| 1780 | Ventura Castillo |
| 1781 | Tomas Andaya |
| 1782 | Pedro Ceferino |
| 1783 | Jose Cayetano |
| 1784 | Luis Felipe Jr. |
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| 1785–86 | Ventura Castillo |
| 1787 | Miguel de los Santos |
| 1788 | Antonio Bernabe |
| 1789 | Ventura Castillo |
| 1790–91 | Juan de Luna |
| 1792 | Juan de los Santos |
| 1793 | Ventura Castillo |
| 1794 | Francisco Morales |
| 1795 | Pablo de la Cruz |
| 1796 | Juan de Luna |
| 1797 | Ventura Castillo |
| 1798 | Jose Martinez |
| 1799–1800 | Juan de Luna |
| 1801 | Hilario de San Juan |
| 1802 | Antonio de Jesus |
| 1803 | Francisco de la Cruz |
| 1804 | Miguel de Luna |
| 1805 | Bibiano de San Juan |
| 1806 | Francisco de San Juan |
| 1807 | Juan de Luna |
| 1808 | Ventura Castillo |
| 1809 | Apolinario Juan de la Cruz |
| 1810 | Gregorio de San Luis |
| 1811 | Juan de San Antonio |
| 1812 | Juan de Luna |
| 1813 | Ambrocio de San Francisco |
| 1814 | Apolinario Juan de la Cruz |
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| 1815 | Ignacio Bernabe |
| 1816 | Lorezo Sotomayor |
| 1817 | Apolinario Martinez |
| 1818 | Apolinario Juan de la Cruz |
| 1819 | Francisco Marcello |
| 1820 | Bibiano de San Antonio |
| 1821 | Gabriel de San Antonio |
| 1822 | Gregorio Alonzo |
| 1823 | Ignacio de los Santos |
| 1824 | Francisco de San Juan |
| 1825 | Gabriel Sto. Domingo |
| 1826 | Ignacio de los Santos |
| 1827 | Lorenzo Sotomayor |
| 1828 | Ignacio de los Santos |
| 1829–30 | Francisco de San Juan |
| 1831 | Apolinario Luis Martinez |
| 1832 | Cayetano de San Juan |
| 1833 | Antonio de San Pablo |
| 1834 | Francisco de Jesus |
| 1835 | Antonio Luis Martinez |
| 1836 | Agustin de San Juan |
| 1837 | Francisco Hilario |
| 1838 | Cayetano de San Juan |
| 1839 | Antonio Luis Martinez |
| 1840 | Juan de los Santos |
| 1841 | Joaquin de San Lorenzo |
| 1842 | Bernardino Asuncion |
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| 1843 | Antonio de los Santos |
| 1844 | Mateo Ambrocio |
| 1845 | Domingo Angeles |
| 1846 | Antonio Luis Martinez |
| 1847 | Gabriel Sto. Domingo |
| 1848 | Cayetano de San Juan |
| 1849 | Martin Matinez |
| 1850 | Francisco Concepcion |
| 1851 | Jose Portes |
| 1852 | Mateo Lustre |
| 1853 | Mariano Lusanta |
| 1854 | Pedro Merte |
| 1855 | Adriano Luce |
| 1857 | Juan Luna |
| 1858 | Melchor Catalla |
| 1859 | Jose Portes |
| 1860 | Melchor Catalla |
| 1861 | Francisco Pornelda |
| 1862 | Felipe Martinez |
| 1863–1864 | Regino Lustre |
| 1865–1866 | Tomas Mercurio |
| 1867–1868 | Melchor Catalla |
| 1869–1870 | Felipe Martinez |
| 1871–1872 | Francisco Pionilla |
| 1873–1874 | Santiago Glorioso |
| 1875–1876 | Felipe Martinez |
| 1877–1878 | Alejo Martinez |
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| 1879–1880 | Liborio Bermudez |
| 1881–1883 | Jose Mendoza |
| 1884–1888 | Benito Catalla |
| 1889 | Ludovico Tiña |
| 1890–1891 | Andres Luce |
| 1892–1893 | Liborio Bermudez |
| 1894–1897 | Segundo Gloria |
| 1898–1900 | Lino de Castro |
Presidentes
| 1901–1903 | Lino de Castro |
| 1904 | Segundo Martinez |
| 1905 | Gaudencio de Rama |
| 1906–1907 | Lino de Castro |
| 1908–1909 | Eduardo Martinez |
| 1910–1912 | Cipriano Mendoza |
| 1913–1916 | Jose Abastillas |
| 1917–1919 | Leoncio Seña |
| 1920–1927 | Severino Martinez |
| 1928–1929 | Epifanio Merto |
| 1930–1934 | Timoteo Bermudez |
| 1935 | Severino Martinez |
| 1936 | Elias Pornobi |
| 1937–1938 | Severino Martinez |
| 1939 | Elias Pornobi |
Mayors
| 1940 | Elias Pornobi |
| 1941 | Cecilio Martinez |
| 1942 | Aniceto Reyes |
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| 1940 | Elias Pornobi |
| 1941 | Cecilio Martinez |
| 1942 | Aniceto Reyes |
| 1943 | Cecilio Martinez |
| 1944–1945 | Vicente Medina |
| 1946 | Cecilio Martinez |
| 1947 (Jan.–Apr.) | Leoncio de Rama |
| 1947 (May–Dec.) | Estanislao Glorioso |
| 1948–1951 | Elias Pornobi |
| 1952 | Marcelino Batocabe |
IV - Data on historical sites, structures, buildings, old ruins etc.
- The building of a permanent church began in 1792, during the administration of Don Juan de los Santos. The church was finished seven years after, but not until 1847 was the convent construction ended. The town was constructed in 1877 when Alejo Martinez was captain.
- The creation of a parochial school for the natives in the same church was initiated by the parish priest in 1821, Rev. Fr. Domingo Claudio.
- A market, made of nipa and bamboo, was constructed at the southern section of the town in 1902.
- In the eastern part of the poblacion flows a river which is now called the Tambay River. This place near the river was the first site of early settlement. One early morning the natives were found all dead, lying on both banks of the river and many others floating in the river. This was a result of a bloody massacre made by moro pirates who invaded the place. That is why the river happened to be called “Tambac,” derived from the word “tambac” meaning pale (of dead bodies).
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- Between 1844–1867, an old concrete ruin called “Polvorista” remained at the end of Washington street. This was constructed for the storage of bullet powder and other ammunitions of the Spaniards.
- At the mouth of the Tambac river, another ruin remains visible even today. This was formerly a watch tower used by the natives for watching the arrival of Moro pirates in vintas who during those days were much feared by the people.
- Another old ruin could be seen at the side of the Tambac river at the end of the Municipal street. This was a trencher as fortification shaped like capital L, where cannons were placed facing the sea. The Spanish soldiers used this trencher as fortification against the Moros.
- In 1910, when Mr. Cipriano Mendoza was municipal president, an artisan well was constructed at the corner of Washington and Soliman streets to supply the people with good and clean water.
- Along the banks near the Daungan bridge remains of big ships could still be traced nowadays. During the Spanish time as there were no roads yet going to Manila, the Spaniards and prominent Filipinos of Pagbilao used these ships in traveling to Manila. Not only passengers but also merchandise or cargoes were carried in these ships.
- From 1924 to 1927, under the able administration of the late president Severino Martinez, the Quezon Water Works or system, permanent or concrete municipal building and the two‑story school building No. 2 were constructed.
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VIII - Important facts, incidents or events that took place.
A - Spanish Occupation
Pagbilao history dates back to 1765 although some years before that, the place had become peopled by settlers from Tayabas and Atimonan. It was only during that fateful year (1765) that a pioneering spirit in the person of Don Luis Felipe came to exercise influence over villagers. He belonged to be a bright scholar. This young gentleman soon came to be regarded as the leader of the struggling group and it was he who came to be its spokesman in matters which called for dealing with the Spanish authorities.
In 1767, through the enterprising efforts of Don Luis, Pagbilao attained the status of a town with Don Luis Felipe as its first capitan. The term of office was one year. Don Luis was succeeded by other capitanes.
In 1778, during the last year of his service, Don Luis petitioned the Spanish government for a priest and the building of a church. It was not until 1785 that the petitions were granted.
Señor Ventura Castillo, capitan at that time, initiated the construction of a “balong-balong” or temporary church in 1786. Santa Catalina, Virgin and Martyr, was chosen Patroness of the town.
The first mass which was officiated by a Spanish priest was held in April, 1786.
In 1800, four years after the first mass was said, the building of a permanent church began, under the administration.
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of Don Juan de los Santos. The church was finished some seven years after, but not until 1847 was the convent construction ended. The tower was constructed in 1877, when Alejo Martinez was captain.
In 1879 to 1880, installation of telephone wires from Manila to Pagbilao was made for telephone services of the Spanish government.
In 1886, the first Justice of Peace was created with Don Alejo Martinez as judge.
Three big fire could be noted during the Spanish rule. They were the fire of 1881, 1882, and 1884. In these conflagrations, almost all the houses in the town were burned, including the church and two school buildings. Damages to lives and properties were heavy due to the absence of modern fire extinguishers or apparatus during those days.
The greatest hardships so far recorded in the history of Pagbilao were experienced in the year 1887. Due to the scarcity of food, especially rice, the people were forced to travel to far places. The people ate once a day while some others did not eat at all. There was hunger. Then renderpest broke and among the hogs and farmers' occupations. Not long after these prevailing hardships, the worst calamity followed. This was the epidemic of cholera. Due to this dreadful disease, many people died. However the epidemic was finally checked after several weeks. Ignorance of the natives on health matters was the cause of the wide spread of the disease and high rate of mortality. During the dark period from 1898–1899, when the revolution initiated by Andres Bonifacio was its height, in Pagbilao the
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Pagbilao the movement was also intense. Its revolutionary movement was centered in neighboring town, Tayabas, in this province of Tayabas (Quezon). Several times have the leaders of the Katipunan organization of Tayabas recruited sympathizers in Pagbilao to help overthrow the Spanish government. Consequently, suspects were caught and punished by the Spaniards.
When the Americans arrived in the Philippines, the Fil-American War and Spanish-American War followed. The Filipinos later sided with the Americans. After many months of fighting, hostilities finally ended. Thus began the American occupation in Pagbilao.
B - American Occupation - up to World War II
In 1901, Don Lino de Castro, who was the former president of Pagbilao during the days of the short-lived Phil. Republic, was reappointed president by the American authorities.
After the restoration of peace, improvements began taking place. More houses were built, and unclaimed lands were distributed among the people. Schools were established with the English language as the medium of instruction.
A nipa and bamboo market was constructed in 1902; an artisan well dug in 1910 to supply the people with good, clean water. The latter lowered the mortality due to water-borne diseases.
During the administration of Don Jose Abastillas, these major projects were undertaken: the building of a permanent public market, the railroad, and the provincial road to Atimonan.
The strongest typhoon that had ever passed over Pagbilao was that of 1905. Damages to properties like houses, plantations,
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fish traps were heavy.
In 1907, some outlaws known as Colorum were captured by Cabesang Severino Tiay in the barrio of Malikboy by order of President Lino de Castro. Said outlaws were personally presented to the Late President Manuel Quezon, then governor of the province.
In 1918, a smallpox epidemic which lasted for several months broke out. Mr. Leoncio Sasa was the incumbent municipal president. Through the cooperation of Rev. Fr. Ricardo Catdula, the convent was converted into a temporary hospital to accommodate the sick. Lack of health personnels, coupled with the people's ignorance, caused the wide spread of the disease. However, through the combined efforts of health personnels of the province and the natives, the epidemic was successfully checked up.
During the administration of Mr. Severino Martinez from 1924 to 1927, much health and educational progress could be noted. A permanent municipal concrete building was constructed. The Quezon Water-Work system was installed and another big school building built. These three notable accomplishments were inaugurated on May 30, 1927, with Gov. Manuel Quezon as guest.
On June 7, 1933, at about 2 o'clock in the afternoon when Mr. Timoteo Bermudez was president, a big conflagration which burned about one fifth of the houses in the poblacion broke out. Damages were calculated to amount to 250,000 pesos. The fire originated from a Chinese store under the house of one Fernando Peña in Washington Street.
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Fernando Peña in Washington street.
On October 16, 1934, Mr. Severino Martinez was reelected municipal president. At that time Rev. Fr. Abdon Husana was parish priest of the Catholic church. A controversy arose between a prominent religious leader, Mr. Pedro Glodoviza, and the said priest. Out of this controversy, Mr. Glodoviza shifted to the Aglipayan church, thus marking the beginning of increased membership to said religious sect.
The most shocking earthquake ever experienced in this town was the earthquake of 1937, though no damages were ever recorded.
Upon the death of President S. Martinez, Dr. Elias Pornobi automatically became president. Upon his assumption of office in 1938, Dr. Pornobi renamed some streets and created new ones, numbered the houses and transferred the cemetery. It was also during his incumbency, 1940, when the executive head of the town was changed from president to mayor.
When the Second World War broke out the mayor of the town was Mr. Cecilio Martinez.
C - During and After World War II
When United States declared war against Japan on Dec. 8, 1941, and inasmuch as we were still a colony of United States, people (Filipinos) automatically became the enemies of Japan. The people in all parts of the archipelago prepared for emergency. Here in Pagbilao, Civilian Guards, Air Observers, and First Aiders were organized and trained for any eventuality. There was blackout every night.
The first encounter between the Phil. Army and the Japanese
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forces in the jurisdiction of Pagbilao was in the barrio of Malicboy. This was in the morning of Dec. 24, 1941. Due to the strong invading forces, the Filipino soldiers were forced to retreat toward the direction of the town passing the barrios of Binahaan, Palsabanon, and then Pinagbayanan. At ten o’clock of the same day, the news of said invasion reached the poblacion. The retreating Filipino forces upon reaching the town ordered the full evacuation of the people, through the ringing of church bells as signal. In the afternoon of the same date, after the civilian population had evacuated to other barrios near the sea, the Japanese forces occupied Pagbilao. Throughout the Japanese occupation, situations here were similar to those obtaining in other places.
On January 12, 1942, the Pagbilao Executive Commission was established by the Japanese Imperial forces, with Mr. Aniceto Reyes as chairman. This commission carried out the legislative, executive, and judicial functions. Later the position of chairman was changed to Mayor. On July 1, 1942, Mr. Aniceto Reyes was automatically made mayor of Pagbilao.
On January 9, 1943, by order of the Japanese Imperial forces, Mr. Cecilio Martinez was reappointed mayor of the town. When our country was proclaimed a Republic on October 14, 1943, Mr. Vicente Medina was appointed mayor. This time Filipino Guerillas were already rampant and their force strong. On October 14, 1943, a group of guerillas entered the town and disarmed the police force. One Mr. Francisco Pabellon was lone casualty.
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that followed the Japanese navy, stationed at Pagbilao, was finally destroyed.
On February 18, 1945, the Japanese burned the houses in the northern part of the town. One month later, another fire broke out in the same place. This time, the fire was caused by an incendiary bomb dropped by an American plane to drive away the remaining Japanese forces.
Pagbilao was liberated by the Americans with the aid of the Filipino guerrillas on April 8, 1945.
Immediately after the arrival of the Americans, the Philippine Civilian Administration Unit (PCAU) was organized, with Captain Snyder as head. People were given medicine and clothing, and food. Life, little by little, returned to normal.
When Rev. Fr. Deogracias Medrano was appointed Parish Priest, a temporary Catholic Church was constructed with the financial aid of the people.
On July 24, 1946, Mr. Leoncio de Rama was appointed Mayor of the town by President Manuel Roxas. A year later, on May 19, 1947, Mr. Estanislao Glorioso succeeded him.
On December 26, 1947, another strong typhoon visited the place. Around 50% of the houses in the town were damaged, aside from the food crops, like rice and coconut trees.
Dr. Elias Pornobi, Pagbilao Mayor since 1948, has the following to his credit:
- Installation of the irrigation system in the barrios of Talipan, Bigo, Alupaye, Bukal, and Bantigue for the rice fields.
- The repair of the wooden bamboo bridge at Angas point.
- Repair of the Elementary School building of Pagbilao.
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- Start of the construction of the Pagbilao Tennis Court.
In July, 1949, the Pagbilao Academy, a private high school was founded by Mr. del Rosario, a resident of Manila, to benefit students who cannot afford to acquire an education from other places.
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LEGEND OF BANAHAW
In the olden days there was a mountain in Luzon which was already inhabited. Including the group of people living in the mountain, was a couple, Lucban and Banahaw who had a son, named Limbas.
Among the youth living in the place Limbas had unusual strength and bravery which vary from others. In his hunting very few deers, wild pigs, birds and other animals could escape. Limbas became popular. The people admired his skills and strength. The news about him had reached even very far places.
One day his parents were worried about his absence. He had not come home for several days. After seven days of waiting, he came home with bundles of clothes and food. That was the first time his parents saw the good kind of clothes and food he brought home. His parents appreciated them and asked about his experiences. He told them this story.
There was a gentleman with a long beard, he introduced himself to me. He asked me to go with him and he took me to his magnificent palace in the wilderness. There all animals like chickens, ducks and deers were all in white suits. We traveled in the whole island of Luzon. Before we parted he gave me three bundles for you. The bundles were the first gifts of Limbas to his parents which the man had given. Before they parted he was instructed by the enchanted man to kiss first the hands of his parents before giving them the gifts. Not to do so will make the gifts change in form. Every now and then Limbas leaves and returns after seven days
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of absence with gifts given to him for his parents.
Once in his return, he was given balls of gold, Limbas was very happy upon the receipt of the gold. When he arrived home he opened at once the boxes and shouted to his parents, "here is our wealth, Balls of gold". He forgot to kiss the hands of his parents before giving them the boxes. And lo, his joy gave him sadness. The family was disappointed. When they looked into the boxes, there were no balls of gold. They found anahaw leaves instead, so his parents shouted, "Ba anahaw," "Ba anahaw". Since then the place was called Banahaw. The names of the town of Lucban and Tayabas came from the names of the couple.
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THE LEGEND OF RICE
During the olden days, rice was not known by the people. They ate food consisting of fruits, vegetables, fish and any other beast which they came across in the course of their wanderings. They did not know how to till the soil nor took care of any domestic animals. If in a certain place they could not look for something to eat, they transferred to another place to seek for food.
They first contented with this kind of livelihood. While the men searched for wild animals for food, the women were picking some fruits or catching some birds. Whatever they got they divided equally among each member of the family.
One day, a group of hunters reached the place known as Kordilyera, while running after a wild pig. They felt tired so they put down their belongings and rested under a shade. As they were eating they saw some people approaching them. They were frightened at first but to their surprise they were given foods. A young maid prepared these foods for them. She even tested some of the wild pigs they caught. She arranged some sliced meat along pointed bamboos and placed them over a glowing amber. They were given later a panel of bamboo full of cooked rice, which they refused to eat at first because they thought the grains were those that they believed to be worms.
A goddess explained what the grains were. She said the grains were boiled or cooked rice, that the grains were the fruits of crops they were raising, being the feast of gods. The goddess forced the hunters to taste the grains first before they suggested if the grains should or should not be eaten.
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The hunters consented and ate with strange people. The hunters became strong and fresh to their satisfaction. They liked the grains so they thanked the strange person whom they believed were gods. Before they left the place the goddess offered them a sack each full of gold grains. They were palay, said the goddess, and that they were to be cleaned or pounded to become grains called rice, that the grains be washed after they put into a panel of bamboo tube with enough water and cooked over fire to be served to themselves and their patient. They ultimately said that their patient will become strong and healthy. They suggested even that some grains left must be planted on cultivated land when raising season comes to harvest them during the dry season. The strange people bade the hunters good-bye with the concluding advice that they (the hunters) spread the nature of grains they had brought with them, planting them for a better and peaceful living doing away with wanderings and hunting for food.
With open hearts, the hunters obeyed the advices of the goddess. Since then rice grain have been known by our forefathers. They have learned to cultivate lands, to tend animals, and to establish their permanent homes.
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