MUNICIPALITY OF PITOGO, QUEZON, Historical Data of Part 1

PITOGO
HISTORICAL DATA
1953

Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Bureau of Public Schools
Division of Quezon
Pitogo

March 16, 1953

The DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Manila
(Through the Division Superintendent of Schools, Lucena, Quezon)

S I R :

We have the honor to transmit to you, through the Division Superintendent of Schools, Lucena, the historical data and local folkways for the Municipality of Pitogo.

Very respectfully,

MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL COMMITTEE
(Sgd.) Ildefonso Avilla - Chairman
(Sgd.) Luis E. Glinoga - Member
(Sgd.) Miss Presentacion Sumilang - Member
(Sgd.) Miss Brigida Glinoga - Member
(Sgd.) Miss Trinidad Francia - Member

(Sgd.) INOCENTES REQUESTO
District Supervisor

The collection of the historical data was done by the forty teachers of Pitogo Elementary School. Living reliable men were consulted. Several authentic records were found.

The compilation was done by the local committee. Necessary corrections were made.

These materials will surely help future history writers. When the children are properly taught the local history, they may develop that deep sense of love of native land.

It is hoped, that all the people will in due time benefit from this work.

(Sgd.) INOCENTES REQUESTO
District Supervisor

HISTORY OF PITOGO
By I. Avilla

Suggestions will be entertained to
correct, rectify, and improve present
edition.
Ref: Phil. Hist. and Gov’t - Zaide
Records in Office of the Principal

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Pitogo, Quezon
September 18, 1947

HISTORY OF PITOGO

The history of Pitogo may be divided roughly into three periods. The first may be the organization period; the second the early Spanish period under the Capitans; and the third the American and present period.

The first period was organization because Pitogo was tried in several other places before it found its present location.

Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines in 1521, but the history of Pitogo commenced in 1754. The Governor-General was Pedro de Arandia, 1755. It was a period of Moro troubles because Alimuddin, the sultan, and Bantilan, his brother, were quarreling about the throne in Jolo.

In the year of our Lord 1754, one Juan Mauricio founded the town up in the Mayubok River, now Pinagbayanan. It was the period when the Bantilan pirates could reach as far as Mindoro, and from there the Moros came along these coastal towns of Kalilayan (Tayabas). Mayubok, therefore, was first raided by the Moros, under Juan Mauricio.

The next ruler was Alejo Bautista in 1757. Again the Moros, remembering the place, visited Mayubok. Mayubok was set on fire and was burned. In the hurry of the people, the biggest church bell was placed in a banca, but the banca capsized at Asanan. Expert divers tried to recover the historic bell but all in vain.

In 1760, Bernabe Rafael established the town at Cawayanin. The small town was already well built when Moros destroyed it. Saint Paul (the patron saint) was lost. He was found in a nearby barrio. The people stayed for a short time in said barrio, naming it Adia, meaning safety.

Under the governorship of Rojo, 1759–1761, the British came and captured Manila in 1762. It was during this period that the founding of Pitogo took place.

The founder was Buenaventura Salvador. It was in 1766. Salvador selected a well-located hill, the Maaliw Hill. There were a few fishing huts at the place. The hill was selected because from a native watchtower (castillo), the approach of Moro vintas could at once be detected while far. There was a very big Pitogo tree at the promontory.

The founding of Pitogo became very sure when a strong ruler in the person of Geronimo Santiago took care of the poblacion.

He was known by the name Maniago. Moros feared Maniago. The patron saint became famous too. The belief was that St. Paul was miraculously protecting the new town. Maniago ruled the town for almost ten years, from 1771 to 1780. This was a period of Moro piracy, 1778–1793. Mamburao, Mindoro, was made the home of these Moro sea robbers. However, a period of progress came when the Governor-General was Jose Basco y Vargas, 1778. He appointed Alcaldes Mayores to help him.

1781 came and Juan Encarnacion was the ruler. This time St. Paul was found under the Pitogo tree on Maaliw Hill. This was taken to mean that St. Paul liked the place for the permanent location of the poblacion. On one occasion when the Moros were about to enter the town, the place became all darkness, and so the Moros went away.

In 1814 another Mauricio became the ruler. Through the carelessness of the inhabitants, the town was burned for the first time.

A very good ruler came. He was Geronimo de los Angeles. In 1817 during his time, the stone church was built where St. Paul was once found on Maaliw Hill.

PERIOD OF THE CAPITANS

Fernando Martinez continued the work of de los Angeles. He made the church stronger in 1823. Fernando Martinez was the first Capitan. This election of capitans or gobernadorcillos was the result of the brief representation of the Filipinos in the Spanish Cortes from 1810 to 1837. The gobernadorcillo was elected under the supervision of the parish priest. The election was by the outgoing gobernadorcillo and twelve prominent citizens. Prior to this, the town ruler was head of the barangay.

The following year, 1824, Lazaro Anselmo continued the good work started by his two predecessors. The cornerstone (Piedra Fundamental) for the church was put up and established.

Alfonso de la Madrid was the Capitan of Pitogo in 1825. Nothing was known about his rule.

During the rule of Nicolas de la Torre in 1841, the religious revolt of Apolinario de la Cruz took place. He wanted to become a priest but he was not admitted because he was a native. De la Cruz, therefore, led the rebellion in Tayabas, Laguna, and Batangas. The Governor of Tayabas named Ortega was captured and killed. However, Apolinario was finally defeated. He was caught at Sariaya, taken to Tayabas, and executed.

November 4, 1841. This Apolinario was known in Pitogo as Apolinario Alamiento who was killed in the hills of Tayabas according to historical records.

1845 was a red-letter year for Pitogo. The Capitan was Julian de San Francisco, and Governor-General Narciso Claveria, who was a man of “culture,” probity, and industry, visited Pitogo and prayed fervently to St. Paul upon landing. One of Claveria’s reforms was the giving of surnames, and in 1850 under Capitan Julian Parcarey the changing of family names was effected.

Cesario Huvalla was an energetic Capitan in 1853. He ordered the construction of the church without pay. Everybody, young and old, had to work. Beginning with the child “makabuhat lombó” helped in securing and carrying stones. The people had to eat corn (binañging mais). This church faced eastward. When the eastern sun rays passed the main door and fell upon the back of the officiating priest at the main altar, that was the day when in 1817 under Geronimo de los Angeles the church was originally begun. The façade of this church is similar to that of Malenay. One architect designed both.

When Atanacio Giana was the Capitan in 1855, the town was burned by some accident for the second time. By 1858, there were already a few coconut trees in Pitogo.

Calixto Oribiana was the Capitan in 1863. The town was burned by accident for the third time. It was during this year when the Educational Decree was promulgated. Every town in the Philippines was to have at least one public primary school for boys and one for girls.

Under Capitan Narciso Nocuenca in 1870, the Municipal Building was finished and painted. During his time there were many robbers, but the town was not troubled. In 1871, Capitan Narciso Nocuenca was planned to be assassinated, but nothing happened.

During Capitan Torcuato Etruiste in 1882, the people suffered very much. The comet was seen in that year; then, a cholera epidemic broke out. Many people died. The following year there was a terrible earthquake.

Capitan Vivencio Villarosa ruled Pitogo in 1886. Pitogo was burned for the fourth time. There was also a great famine. The people resorted to eating wild roots called “nami.” Before eating nami, they tried it first on dogs and cats. If the dogs and cats did not faint or vomit, then this nami was well prepared.

For the fifth time Pitogo was burned. The people did not know "Safety rules." Pedro Martinez was the Capitan in 1895. The following year, 1896, the Revolution broke out. War was declared against Spain.

In 1896, Eulalio Glinoga was the Capitan. He was the fourteenth and last of the Capitans under Spain. His rule was the beginning of the "taguan" now evacuation.

On January 23, 1899, the First Philippine Republic was inaugurated at Malolos. In 1899, therefore, we find Pedro Origeneza (Presidenteng Iroy) as ruler of Pitogo under the Philippine Government. Presidenteng Iroy went to Malolos and took oath of office. Aguinaldo's name was a terror in this locality. The Philippine flag was hoisted in Pitogo. You got to salute by bowing to the flag upon passing by it near the Presidencia, municipal building. In 1900, the revolution against the Americans took place. Pedro Origeneza, then, was the first and last ruler under Aguinaldo. The insurrectos like the guerillas to‑day were feared very much. The insurrectos were kidnapping suspected men favoring the Americans.

On July 4, 1901, William H. Taft was inaugurated first Civil Governor of the Islands. In the same year, 1901, Vivencio Loresto, became the first President of Pitogo under the American Government. In 1902, when cholera visited Pitogo, President Vivencio Loresto (Capitang Inciol) was still in the government.

The story was very interesting during the first arrival of the Americans here in Pitogo. The people tried to flee. A family was eating. There were big shrimps and fat crabs. Upon hearing of the approach of the Americans, all these nice food were abandoned and left behind, well set for the meal. The American soldiers, however, were very gentle and kind at the start. One man was caught. He was made the guide. He was given bread. The news spread. The people took courage. They came out from their hiding places, as swamps, calaanan (second growth forests) and remote libjo (lonely place).

A detachment of American soldiers were stationed here at the center of the town in the biggest Capitan Eulalio Glinoga's building (quartel). Pitogo became a town of importance. This became the center from Unisan with Agdangan as far as Catanauan with Mulanay. Treason and Criminal cases were tried here. There was "pañgao" in the Municipal building. Pañgao you know were two very heavy pieces of lumber with holes exact to hold your both legs or your neck when found guilty.

A public primary school in English was opened. The first teachers and Supervising Teachers were ‑ Mr. Bolis, Mr. Finnegan (substitute).

Mr. Macius, Mr. Skatable (substitute), Mr. Fred C. Kennedy (stayed long), Mr. Tanny (very religious), Mr. Sincle, Mr. Dumaling (supervising teacher, a Frenchman with very long beard), Mr. James H. Evans, Mr. Bush, Supervising Teacher, and Mr. Sheridan, Supervising Teacher.

Among the first native teachers were: Mr. Simeon Ondoy, Mr. Pedro Arellano, Miss Rosario Villarosa, Mr. Esteban Martinez, and Mr. Pedro Pastoral. The building was semi-permanent, first-class wood, where the 7th wing of Bldg. I now stands.

Among the early priests were: Padre Apolinario de Luna (Padre Poli), Padre Marcos Jose Tolentino (Lucban), Padre Emilio Merchan, Padre Estanislao Gran (Batangas), Padre Luis Saragosa (Tayabas), Padre Basilio Rabe, Padre Abdon Esana (Pagbilao), Padre Manuel Amarillo (Mauban), Padre Babino Caparras (Cabuyao), Hosana again, 28 Sept. 1946.

Don Julio Herrera became the town Presidente in 1904. Unisan, Macalelon, and Hiñgoso (Gen. Luna) came under Pitogo. Under Herrera, the streets were cleaned, trees were planted at the plaza, and vaccinators came. One week before town fiestas all men came to town, cleaning streets, and putting sand. The first street improved was Mabini in “balugbog baboy” style with stones and sand; then, the way to the new cemetery was also constructed. It was a nice little road. In 1906, Governor Quezon in mustache visited Pitogo. He visited the school. Some children declaimed in his honor.

Pitogo had a bad luck. It was in 1911. One Juan Carmona became President. The Macalelon brass band came in order to influence the voters during the election. President Carmona transferred the municipal government to Macalelon, he being from Macalelon. When the bandillo to this effect was read, the people were very sorry. The poblacion was placed under the charge of a municipal councilor, Concejal Vicente Palillo.

Under President Emiterio Parcarey in 1912, Pitogo was separated from Macalelon. Some of the municipal equipment, however, were not returned any more.

Petronilo Villaflor was President in 1913. Swarm of locusts visited the town. Town wells were dug up and cemented.

In 1916 the Jones Law was gotten by Commissioner Quezon from America. Librado Gilane was President in 1917. This was a period during the First World War. Influenza “trancaso” swept all over the islands and Pitogo was not excepted. Many people died. A school building was erected in 1918.

Vice President Leonino Mataragnon was elected President in 1920. October 30, the Philippine Flag was hoisted side by side with the American flag. Rizal monument was erected.

1923, the President was Petronilo Villaflor (second term). Locusts visited the barrios.

The first intermediate classes were under voluntary contributions. This was as early as 1914, grades V & VI, incomplete intermediate school. In 1930, there was grade VII. 1947 was the 17th graduating class. Among the principals and supervisors that served Pitogo were: Timoteo Valencia, Moises Baldovino, Jimena, Luarca, Calingasan, Borruel, Bautista, Avilla, Pealane, Borruel (again), Avilla (again). Devesa, Palacio, Magtibay, Sulatan, Levidez, Paulino, Azogue, Avilla, Estrada, Abracia, Amado, Julian Capiral, Paulino Capio, and Inocentes Requesto (incumbent–Aug., 1951–June, 1953.................).

In 1925, Leonino Mataragnon was elected President for the second time. The central school, Bldg. No. 1, was completed, Mar., 1926. The municipal water tank was also constructed, the wharf too.

Dulong Bayan was once a shipbuilding yard. Vapor Garcia and Maria-Luisa were built at that place. In former days, women used to weave sinamay and bayones.

During fiestas, there were always moro-moro (Comedia). Sometimes there were two entablados (stages). Brass bands, and globos were some attractions. Pitogo had once a brass band. Remember the "pakombo", the hair-do of yester-year. To-day hair science takes the place.

José Hutamares, 1926–1940, succeeded Mataragnon. Hutamares was Municipal President for several terms, and was finally elected Alcalde, serving as late as 1940. His administration was for cleaning streets, and adding public improvement; Rizal Day observance.

In August, 1935, room 3 of Bldg. II was constructed; room 4, 1937. Nov. 15, 1935, Inauguration of the Philippine Commonwealth. 1935, Opening of the Gumaca–Pitogo road. April 30, 1937, Woman Suffrage. March, 1936, tennis court. Feb., 1937, Eucharistic Congress with parochial congress preceding it. 1937, the yacht Casiana anchored and brought President Quezon and children in town. Secretary Quirino made an official visit to Pitogo, banquet at the Villarosa home, April, 1947.

1939, room 5, concrete Bldg. Cabulihan school building, and 1940, Dulong Bayan school building, constructed. Feb. 10, 1939, Pope Pius XI (261st) died.

Jan. 1, 1941, inauguration of new Municipal Council under elected Alcalde Vicente Martinez. Jan. 25, opening of new water works. Feb., Comet Paraskevopoulos (known also as Cunningham, McIntosh) seen. March 19, Rev. Father Angel E. Glinoga celebrated first mass in festive mood. Now Father Rector of Seminary in Sariaya.

There was much effort in food production. Dec. 8, 1941, people heard of World War II in the radio at the municipal building. There was general commotion. People evacuated to the barrios consuming much rice and viands, thinking the war would be about three or six months.

1942 and part of 1943, Jose Borruel. Jan. 17, 1945, hoisting of Filipino flag under Capitang Inong; Jan. 23, triumphant entry and mass celebrated for St. Paul under Gen. Vera, battalion and band, and program. April 13, shouts were heard, American jeeps mounted with rapid-firing machine guns, entered Pescadores. After a few weeks, canned fish, meat, and bread, tasted little by little by the longing people. July 4, 1945, program, PRRA came.

July 1, 1946, Celebration of Philippine Republic, under appointed Alcalde Emilio N. Glinoga; mass said at foot of Rizal monument. Jan. 1, 1946, extraordinarily cool, 69 to 71 degrees F., many coughing.

July 1, 1947, opening of New Tayabas High School. Jan. 25, entry of Rudy transportation. May, Provincial Carnival, Pitogo booth, prized (Alcalde Emilio N. Glinoga’s untiring effort.)

1947, July 29, 30, 31, Kongreso Mariano, Decima Vicaria, under the very Rev. Deogracias Medrano, V.F., Rev. Abdon Hosana, Parroco, Honorary President‑Exemo. y Revmo. Alfredo Obviar. Church illuminated, loud speaker, mission, holy communion, etc., etc.,

Talaan ng mga Naging Pari sa Pitogo
(1637‑Fundacion Parroquia desde Mayuboc.)

1. Pablo Enrique - 1800; hasta 1827...
2. Antonio Gomez - Teniente y Cura Absoluto - 1801 (Antonio B X me)
3. Manuel Esteban - Cura Int. de Pitogo, Macalelon, y Calilayan, 1826-1827
4. Tomas Torres, Parroco Int. Fraile Dominico, 1827
5. Eugenio de la Cruz, Parroco, Filipino 1843
6. Silvestre Villaseñor, Parroco, Filipino, desde 22 Dec. 1827 hasta 22 de Julio, 1843