MUNCIPALITY OF LILIO (LILIW), LAGUNA, Historical Data of

About these Historical Data

The transcription of this page was done using AI technology.

[p. Cover page]

[p. 2]

DIVISION OF LAGUNA
DISTRICT OF NAGCARLAN
LILIO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

HISTORICAL DATA ABOUT LILIO

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

(SGD) JESUS C. BORLAZA
Principal

CONTENTS NOTED:

DOMINGO B. NATOZA
District Supervisor

[p. 3]

DIVISION OF LAGUNA
DISTRICT OF NAGCARLAN
LILIO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

HISTORICAL DATA ABOUT LILIO

1. Present Official name of the town – Lilio
2. Former name – None
   Present name–

The town of Lilio was founded by Gat Tayaw in 1570. After the founding of the town, Tayaw and his men decided to erect a bamboo pole at the middle of the town and watched the bird that would be the first to alight at its top. On the seventh day of constant and patient watching and waiting, a beautiful bird alighted at its top and sang, “Iliw, Iliw, Iliw!” The eldest among them shouted, “That is Iliw-Iliw.” Hence, the town was named Liliw or Lilio, derived from the bird Iliw-Iliw, meaning “maaliw” or happy.

3. (a) Date of Establishment – 1570
   (b) Name and social position of the founder:

Gat Tayaw, the founder of Lilio, was one of the sons of Gat Tapiya. He ruled the town after its establishment for about 54 years. He was married and his eldest son, Masulong, was the first to be baptized and converted into Catholic. Masulong was baptized by Fr. Martin Herrada. His godfather was Don Juan Bariliol, a Spaniard, and the name given to him was Don Juan Masulong.

4. Name of persons who held leading official positions in the community:

To facilitate the administration of the government, Gat Tayaw divided the town into four Barangays namely: Ilaya or Suñgi under the leadership of Barsalan; Oples under the administration of Mandig; Liliw Pequeño under Bansala-Humanda and Liliw Grande under the leadership of Masulong, the oldest son of Gat Tayaw.

LIST OF “KAPITAN”

[p. 4]

[p. 5]

[p.6]

5. Data on historical sites, structures, buildings, old ruins, etc.

The Ecclesiastical administration of the town of Lilio belonged to Nagcarlan up to 1605. During the time of D. Lucas Pasakaw, son in law of D. Juan Masulong, an order from the king, to the effect that Lilio would have its own priest, was received. During the administration of D. Kalonton (1620) the first wooden church was built, while during the term of D. Kabaguit (1635) the foundation of the concrete church was laid. It was during the term of D. Pakla (1639) when the construction of the concrete convent was started. The priest during that time was Fr. Francisco Canora de Madre de Dios. During the term of D. Samong, the priest was Fr. Mariano Detolitano and it was during that time when the construction of the concrete walls of the church was started. In 1846, under the administration of D. Pulong, when Fr. Antonio Escas was the priest, the concrete church was completed.

In 1880 the Lilio Church was damaged by earthquake. One Holy Wednesday (April 8, 1898) the church was burned. The church was repaired in 1912 while the front part of the burned convent was reconstructed and inaugurated on August 29, 1947 under the leadership of Fr. Francisco Muñoz.

The Municipal building was constructed and completed in February 1929 during the administration of Pres. Francisco Arjona. It was constructed on the ruins of the old Casa Real.

6. Important facts, incidents, or events that took place:

[p. 7]

[p. 8]

[p. 9]

[p. 10]

[p. 11]

LIST OF MUNICIPAL TREASURERS
SINCE THE AMERICAN OCCUPATION

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

LIST OF MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS SINCE 1899

1899–1901 (Revolutionary Gov’t.)

1902–1904

1904–1905

1906–1907

1908–1909

[p. 12]

LIST OF MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS SINCE 1899 (Continued)

1910–1912

1913–1916

Oct. 16, 1916–Oct. 15, 1919

Oct. 16, 1919–Oct. 15, 1922

Oct. 16, 1922–Oct. 15, 1925

Oct. 16, 1925–Oct. 15, 1928

Oct. 16, 1928–Oct. 15, 1931

Oct. 16, 1931–Oct. 15, 1934

[p. 13]

LIST OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS

LIST OF DISTRICT SUPERVISOR

[p. 14]

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RETIRED TEACHERS OF LILIO

Public schools in this town were opened way back in 1903. During that time teachers were not available so students who were active and intelligent became student teachers.

The first student teachers in Lilio in 1903 were:

Mr. Quirino Lavarez, commonly called “Maestrong Quirino,” taught until 1918. During the later years of his service, he acted as principal teacher. His pupils learned much from him for he was the model of a well beloved and highly cultured gentleman.

Mr. Gonzalo Bronilla taught from 1903–1915 and he became principal from 1916–1918. He was an effective disciplinarian with the motto, “Spare the rod and spoil the child,” as his principal guide.

Mr. Mariano Arroyo taught only for a short time after which he became an internal revenue agent.

Mrs. Catalina de la Peña Familia and Miss Micaela Vergara were the teachers in the first bamboo schoolhouse erected in the place where Dr. Cordon’s house now stands.

Others had completed only Grade IV when they became teachers receiving a salary of fourteen pesos a month. Some of them were Mrs. Castora Montesines Viriña, Mrs. Isabel Noble Arjona, Mrs. Epifania Arrieta Cordero, and Mrs. Perfecta Almonte Ferrante. Mrs. Ferrante is now a successful arrowroot biscuit maker.

A great majority of teachers during that time were seventh grade graduates. In 1912 Miss Martina de la Peña was sent to the Philippine Normal School for one year to take up Domestic Science course, now called Home Economics course. She taught for many years until she retired in 1932 under the Osmeña Act and now receives a monthly pension of ₱24.00. Although a retired teacher she is an active member and treasurer of the P.T.A. in Lilio.

In 1912 many were added to the list of teachers. They were: Miss Prudencia Arvelo, after teaching for a few months was sent as a pensionada for six months to the Bureau of Education to take up embroidery. Miss Silvestra de la Peña followed. Mrs. Juliana Avelino de Luna, a patient and hardworking teacher resigned after years of efficient service to devote her full time in bringing up her children. Now some of her children are holders of different college degrees. Mr. Ananias Copon, although resting now in peace is still alive in the minds of his former pupils most of whom are now teachers. He long served as a classroom teacher and a property custodian at the same time. One thing which could not be forgotten about him was that whenever he wore khaki pants “beware of the iron rod” for he was never tolerant even to the slightest mischief. He retired under the Osmeña Act in 1932. He left behind him some children, one of them is Mr. Felizardo Copon, now a successful business man and owner of the Regal Bottling Factory in Lilio. Others who began teaching in 1912 were Mrs. Petra Pila Frasco, Mr. Jose Frorilla and Mr. Estanislao Estadilla. Mr. Estadilla was a bright little fellow who was the favorite of Mr. H. G. McLeod, then superintendent of schools in Laguna.

In 1914 Mrs. Martina Montesines Arabes and Mr. Severo Sanchez were added to the list of teachers. Mrs. Arabes was a model teacher and demonstrator during normal institutes. Mr. Sanchez is a native of Lumban but a son of Lilio by affinity. He taught in June, 1914. Many of his pupils are successful in life. Some of them are now teachers like Miss Candida Modales, Miss Benita Frasco and Mrs. Pacita M. Cordova. Many of their former pupils are now their co-teachers. Mrs. Soledad Quijano Arjona, a retired teacher is now a private tutor to children of some well-to-do parents in Manila. She has an inclination to politics. Other outstanding figures who had been the pupils of Mr. Sanchez are Mrs. Francisca A. Frasco, now a pharmacist and owner of Liberty Drug Store, Mrs. Caridad Fernandez Suarez, a pharmacist, too in Zamboanga. The late Mr. Engracio Arjona, who had been his pupil had been the mayor of Lilio for several terms and had done splendid improvements in this town. Mr. Sanchez was promoted principal and was transferred to San Pablo as such in 1922. He did not stay long as a principal for he transferred to another bureau. He became a municipal treasurer. It seemed as if he was not satisfied with this work so he again transferred to the Bureau of Internal Revenue where he is now employed as an agent. He will soon retire under the present Retirement Act.

In 1915 Mr. Domingo Borgonia and Mr. Juan Borlaza entered the teaching profession. Mr. Epifanio Dobla came next and served long as a property custodian. Mrs. Perpetua Sarmiento Nuestro, a modest and unassuming woman taught in 1916.

From 1918 to 1919 Mrs. Eugenia Noble Urlina, Mr. Irineo Torres, Mr. Jose Brosas, now a pharmacist and owner of a drug store, Mrs. Corazon Hombrebueno Claridad, Mr. Leonardo Himaguila, now Dr. Dimaguila, entered the teaching profession. They were oftentimes demonstration teachers during division institutes. Dr. Dimaguila was a seventh grade teacher and later became a principal teacher in Calauag. He quitted teaching and studied dentistry. He became registrar in the Philippine Dental College before World War II. After liberation he became a Red Cross supervisor. Now he is again in the revived Philippine Dental College as one of the professors. Mrs. Villanueva, formerly Miss Carmen Coligado taught for several years and resigned in 1928 when she married Mr. Gregorio Villanueva, a municipal employee. Now they have a daughter who is also a teacher in this school.

[p. 15]

Retired Teachers

In 1919 Mrs. Felisa Romulo Paguirigan was called to teach in Majayjay, Laguna.

In 1920 there was a Division Institute in San Pablo, Laguna. While the institute was in full swing, the supervisors found out that they were still in need of teachers so Mrs. Conchita Cordon Fernandez, Mr. Norberto Montesines, Mrs. Pacita M. Cordova, Mrs. Soledad Quijano Arjona, Miss Cristina Vergara, and Mr. Fausto Estonilo were called to attend the institute.

Another group of teachers came the following year from Centro Escolar de Señoritas. They were Mrs. Felicidad Orbeta Landicho, Mrs. Concepcion Mistica Cordon, Mrs. Presentacion Mistica Zulaybar, and Mrs. Victoria Collantes Polistico. As the number of pupils increased, naturally the number of teachers also increased, hence, Mrs. Asiscla Alcantara Arjona, a model Grade I teacher, Mrs. Rosario Placento Arriola, Miss Felisa Coligado, Mrs. Beatriz Parfan Navarro, Mr. Carmelo Arrieta, a pharmacist and an employee of Marshman & Co., Mr. Dioscoro Arrieta, Mrs. Irenea Arrieta Borlaza, the most jolly teacher and now an employee in the city of Manila, Mrs. Rosalia Noble Suiza, Mrs. Maria Quijano Brogante, Mr. Jose Brogante, Mrs. Maria Collantes Camello, Mr. Castor Hombrebueno, an intelligent and resourceful teacher and a brave guerrilla captain during the Japanese Occupation, with Mr. Amilio Cordova, now a principal of the Lilio Academy, Mrs. Irene de la Peña Aro, a pharmacist and owner of a drug store, Mr. Perfecto Aro who took Bachelor of Law degree in the United States, and Mrs. Esperanza Gavar Nuestro.

Year after year some teachers gave up teaching and looked for other work while others came in to replace those who left. The new comers from 1922 were Miss Salud Torres, a pretty teacher whom the pupils loved to watch, Miss Natalia Estadilla, Miss Maura Arroca Brion, Mrs. Coleta Coligado Arboleda, Miss Senen de Luna, Mr. Fausto Estonilo, Mr. Buenaventura Arrieta, Miss Constancia Arjona Dimaguila, Mrs. Mercedes Quijano, now Sor Angelos Maria de Jesus who due to faith in God, self perseverance and talent brought her to Marseilles, France where she became full pledged Sister. She is now serving in the Hospital. Mrs. Severina Hombrebueno Borlaza was a silent, modest, and model teacher of Grade IV. Mrs. Nestore Monfero Galabia, the youngest and talented pretty girl first taught in this school after which Mr. Galabia took her as a wife and accompanied her to the United States where he is working. They are now residing in Washington D.C. where Mrs. Galabia studied law. She is now a promising lawyer.

Miss Petra Arvela, the first P.N.S. & H. S. graduate was a model Home Economics Teacher and a singer. Her favorite song is “Ang Maya” the most popular song in the Philippines. Mrs. Eugenia Coligado Borlaza taught from 1923–1932 and from 1946–1947.

In 1925 Dr. Gregorio Borlaza became a member of the Lilio Teaching Force. Even at the early years of his teaching he showed his ability and talent as a writer. He wrote many dramas which were staged during benefit shows. This marked the beginning of his rise in the field of education. He became a principal teacher, then a district supervisor and lately an academic supervisor for Nueva Vizcaya. Due to his intense desire to continue his studies, he left the Bureau and completed his M. A. and Ph.D. Degree while serving at the Arellano University and M.L.Q. Institute of Education respectively. He has recently passed the Civil Service Examination for Division Superintendent and is at present a copartner of the Northwestern Colleges in Dagupan City.

Here now ends the role of the retired teachers of Lilio, Laguna. Any body missed in this list is not intentional but due to inability to recall.

LIST OF TEACHERS OF LILIO, LAGUNA

[p. 16]

LIST OF TEACHERS OF LILIO, LAGUNA

THE PRESENT TEACHING FORCE

[p. 17]

POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS

(Marriage)

Courtship is done either through letters or verbally, but most often, it is done verbally. Serenading takes place at night to hasten the woman’s acceptance of the man’s love. If the man’s love is accepted, serenading takes place just the same to show the man’s sincerity. Songs arousing pity, regret, or expressing apology are sung when misunderstanding occurs between the man and the woman. The woman peeps out of the window, then the man feels contented.

Burian – The parents of each party trace the ancestral or parental history of the other party. In case found cruel, gambler, or sickly, the engagement is often broken.

Sinsan – On a moonlight night, the man’s parents, godfather, and other influential persons go to the woman’s house and bring some drinks and eats to ask for the parent’s consent. Conditions preparatory to the marriage are discussed and agreed upon.

Pamiminan – Customarily, the young man is required to serve the parents of the woman for a certain length of time. This is done to test the sincerity of the man and his capacity to rear a family. Most often, the parents and relatives of the man help in some form of “bayanihan” as in repairing the woman’s house, plowing the field, planting rice, coconuts, or harvesting palay.

Pasabit – When the marriage ceremony is to take place after Christmas, it is customary for the parents of the man to offer one half of the pig already dressed, to the parents of the woman on the eve of Christmas.

Paying Bigay or Bigay Kaya – Before the marriage, the parents of the man gives the woman some gifts or a certain amount of money, jewels, or property in the form of ricefield or coconut grove. The godparents as well as their friends and relatives give gifts either before or during the wedding feast. Customarily, the man gives the woman ₱53.00 to be used as their starting capital after the marriage.

Tumbaan – If the parents of both parties are both well-to-do, each give equal amount to the prospective couple, either in the form of cash or real estate.

Selection of good date – Both parties select the best date for the marriage ceremony. Before the marriage, the prospective bride and bridegroom are never allowed to travel or go far from home.

Gawaan at Simpanan – A day before the wedding day, a temporary house or “bilik” is annexed to the house for there will be many visitors to attend. Food and desserts are prepared on this day. The parents of both parties never work but everything is done by their “kasuyo”. On the third day, that is, after the wedding, the removal of the “bilik”, the returning of the borrowed utensils and furniture take place.

Wedding – The godfather pays for the services of the priest besides giving gifts in the form of money, utensils, furniture, etc. Upon their arrival in the house from the church, they are offered water with sugar and the couple drinks from the same glass. Customarily, they eat on the same plate for the first time. Upon their arrival too, rice is scattered on their way as they go upstairs. During the day, nobody is allowed to sit on the chair used by the newly-wed couple. Upon reaching the house, the couple kneels to the parents of the woman and then, to the parents of the man to receive their blessings.

Partiduran – After lunch, the couple dances the “Fandango” and sings the song “Sa Pagilisang Dibdib”. With a cup of wine, the woman sings and dances in front of every relative of the man and the man sings and dances for every relative of the woman. Each one then takes or drinks a little of the wine and drops some money on the plate being carried in the course of the pandanggo. The money goes to the new couple.

Balik-Pag- Customarily, the couple never go down for four days after marriage except in going to church. During the four days, the new couple stays in the woman’s house. On the fourth day, they go to the house of the man’s parents. There, another simple feast is held for the relatives come to welcome the new member of the family. After the affair, the couple may choose where to reside, to stay with the woman’s parents or with the man’s, or to live independently.

Compiled and Recorded by:
J. C. Borlaza & P. C. Borlaza

Surveyed by: Lilio Central Teachers

[p. 18]

POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS– A. Customs and Traditions

1. Social – Baptism

When the child is being baptized, the godfather or godmother prays the “Sumasampalataya. At home, the mother prays also while or during the period the child is in the church. Customarily, when a child enters the church for the first time, the mother pinches the child’s rectum so as not to move the vowel in the church.

Pahinaw – After the baptism, a cup of water with some flowers is offered to the godfather or godmother for him or her to wash the hands. In reality, they do not wash the hands but drop some money on the plate or cup. The money goes to the one offering the water with flowers.

Pakimkim – The godfather or godmother gives gift called “pakimkim” to the child in the form of money or jewels or both. If money is given, this amount is invested under the management of the parents so that it may amount to a bigger sum before the child grows old. To whatever amount this may grow, the whole sum is given to the child when he grows old enough to manage his investment.

Customarily, each godfather or godmother tries to be the first in going out of the church after the baptism.

Customarily, the godparents are careful not to allow the veil of the child being baptized to fall or the light of the candle to be put out.

Character Patterns

The one requested to trim the child’s finger nails for the first time is one who has a good penmanship. When the child is bathed for the first time, gold and silver coins are placed in the basin with water. This is intended to make the child grow in abundance.

2. Customs and Traditions

Agriculture

1. After the procession on Good Friday, old folks collect dust on the streets and place it in flower pots or mixed with the seeds.
2. When palay or corn is to be planted, the farmer erects a cross in the middle of the farm. Before planting he would just encircle the farm early at dawn when nobody could see him. While doing this he utters holy prayers and whether his prayer is finished or not, upon reaching the spot where he started he would go straight to the cross and pray, “I believe in God” as he plants a handful of seedlings.
3. People collect water from which the fish is washed. This water is poured on flowering plants to insure growth.
4. Smoking plants kills insects and to be sure of good harvest.
5. To have a makapuno seedling a man to plant the seedling, must have his mouth full of gruel.
6. Planters have a long bamboo joint about a meter long with a hole where seeds pass through while planting. This is observed in planting corn, string beans, and upo, patola and sigadillas.
7. Holding some sort of celebrations as “Thanksgiving after the harvest. This is often termed as “Hugas-bulo”.
8. Hanging some objects as cans, pieces of wood or bamboo joints under the trellises of climbing plants as upo, patola, etc.
9. Farmers keep the flowers used in “Hosana” on Palm Sunday celebration and put them with the seeds.
10. People prepare rice cakes or fruits to be given away to those participating in “San Isidro Day procession.
11. Farmers choose the day following a clear and starry night for planting any vege–

Commerce

1. Business men or women keep amulet (mutya) as sampalok, dayap, bigas and sampagita to be sure of prosperous business.
2. Selling goods at a lower price than the usual price when selling to the first buyer. (Buena mano).
3. No borrowing of money or payment of debts is done at night.
4. While selling something sellers do not put their hands on their chins.
5. Sellers especially of cakes put sharp leaves under the things being sold.
6. No debt is allowed early in the morning when there is no sale yet.
7. Keeping of coconut shells with only two eyes is good for business.

Industry

1. A newly wed couple is showered with rice grains upon arrival in the house so that they will live in plenty.

Health Practices

1. Waking up early makes one strong, healthy and ready for work.
2. Avoid taking a bath on Fridays and Tuesdays.
3. In case of “binat” the person should not take a bath unless the fourth day has elapsed.
4. In case of recent death the members of the family and close relatives never go to a house where there is a deceased or attend a funeral.
5. It is not good to cut our finger nails on Fridays.

[p. 19]

(page 5)

3. In case of death the members of the family do not take a bath unless the fourth day has elapsed.
4. In case of recent death the members of the family and close relatives never go out to a house where there is a deceased or attend a funeral.
5. It is not good to cut our finger nails on Fridays.
6. Girls do not comb their hair in front of a mirror before sleeping.
7. People do not cut the fingernails on days having letter “r”.
8. A person who eats or drinks hot things do not drink cold water at once.
9. People never sweep the floor or yard at night.
10. When a person has a severe stomach ache it is cured by spreading the saliva of the person who has the disease.
11. Taking a bath on one’s birthday is not good.
12. Do not sweep at night because you are sweeping the beautiful fortune of your home.
13. When the sun is setting don’t sew or read because your eyes will be strained.
14. Do not sit at once after walking under the heat of the sun.
15. Apply tomato juice on parts of the body scalded or burned.

B. Religious – Celebrations and Practices

1. People do not eat meat on Christmas Eve not until the midnight mass is over and on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
2. People go to church on Fridays, Sundays and holidays. They take confession and communion on the first Friday of every month, on Fridays and holidays.
3. Rich people hire three or more priests to render burial services to dead sons and daughters.
4. Pious people make vows to solicit contributions for the mass or for the celebration of a certain feast. Religious people customarily give from twenty centavos to one peso.
5. In the selection of the succeeding “Hermanos and Hermanas” in connection with the celebration of a certain barrio feast, including the Mayflower celebrations, drawing by lots or lottery is done.
6. Religious people especially those possessing saints in their homes hold the so-called “Pabasa” in their homes during Holy Week most especially on Holy Thursday or Good Friday. “Pabasa” is the reading of the Pasion, a book about the life and sacrifices of Jesus Christ.
7. People celebrate the feast of the patron saint of every street with pomp and extravagance.
8. People pray at six o’clock in the afternoon “Vesper Hour” and at night o’clock. After praying at six o’clock and when young folks meet the old ones, the young kiss the hands of the elders and the elders give the blessings by touching the forehead of the young. This is accompanied by the expression “God bless you”.
9. Customarily, the people make the sign of the cross before going downstairs, before sleeping, upon getting up from bed in the morning or after waking up, then passing in front of the church and cemetery.
10. Pious people or not, they all say “Jesus, Maria y Jose” whenever thunder is heard, flash of lightning is seen or sudden firing or undetermined noise is heard.
11. Customarily, people collect holy water on Glorious Saturday, take a bath on that day, get the holy fire from the church and fumigate their homes and fruit trees on Glorious Saturday.
12. Nobody works on Holy Thursday and Good Friday but devote their time to the reading of the passion.
13. Church goers dip their hands into the pewter, wet their fingers with the holy water and make the sign of the cross upon entering the church and before leaving.
14. Young men and women do not dance or sing during holy week.
15. When the church bell strikes for the first time on Glorious Saturday, everyone jumps as high as he can, pull the hair, stretch the arms and legs and lift the young ones up in the air. Young men have their horses run as fast as they could.
16. Family gathering takes place on Christmas and members of the family and relatives feast on native food and Christmas pies. Young and old alike kneel and greet Merry Christmas, and receive gifts and blessings from their elders. Godparents are also visited on Christmas to receive gifts and blessings from their elders. Godparents are also visited on Christmas to receive gifts and blessings.
17. Devout people exercise penitence on Holy Thursday or on Good Friday.
18. Church bells are not rung on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
19. People bring palm leaves to church on Palm Sunday. (Bendita)
20. On All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, people decorate the tombs of their dead relatives with wreath and light electric light or candles. Nine days before this day each family holds a novena and offer some eats on the last day.
21. On All Saints’ Night, different groups of serenaders go around the town to serenade and pretend as souls begging for alms.
22. On Innocents’ Day, it is really a joke on one another.
23. On the last day, the old cars, calesas, horses are decorated and “Tiago de–”

[p. 20]

PAGDULOG SA INA

PAGDULOG SA KAPATID

PAGDULOG SA INA AT AMANG KASAL

[p. 21]

SAGOT NG MAGULANG

SAGOT NG AMA AT INANG KASAL