MUNICIPALITY OF NAIC, CAVITE, Historical Data of

About these Historical Data

The transcription of this page was done using AI technology.

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The form of government of the town of Naic in the past had its counterpart with the present form of our government, the Philippine Republic. In the year 1953, the present set of Municipal Officials elected by the people to govern the said community are the following – Municipal Mayor, Mr. Leon D. Nazareno; Vice–Mayor, Mr. Arturo R. Lopez; Secretary, Atty. Magno Toribio; Treasurer, Mr. Pedro Poblete; Justice of Peace, Atty. Nestorio Mojica; and the councilors, Mr. Gonzalo Abad, Mr. Exequiel de Guzman, Mr. Sofronio Saclolo, Mr. Sancho Valenzuela, Mr. Felipe Pilpil, Mr. Pablo Nazareno, Mrs. Aurea N. Arenas, and Mrs. Josefa A. Avendaño.

The name, Naic, of the town was derived from an incident which happened many years ago. At that time the place was only a barrio of Maragondon inhabited by very few people. Many Spaniards were residing in Maragondon during that time and so they used to visit this barrio for improvement. Once a group of Spaniards came to visit this place. They happened to meet an old man who was feeding his pigs. The visitors asked him of the name of the place in Spanish. The man thought that the visitors were asking of the pigs because they were pointing to them. So he just answered “na–igik”. The Spaniards concluded then that the name of the place was “na–ek” which had been developed later on into the word “Naik” or “Naic”. Thus, the place became to be known as Naic.

It has been said that this town was established later than the town of Maragondon, probably in the year 1758. It was sparsely populated and the place was a wilderness. It was founded by the Dominican Friars whom we believed to have introduced the Christian Religion in the place following their mission in spreading christianity in the Islands.

During the time, the church and the state were united and formed the governing body of the town. It was ruled by a Capitan with the help of the Cabezas under the leadership of the Spaniards. Those officials were appointed by the Gobernadorcillos upon the recommendation of the local officials and prominent people of the town. They hold their offices for a term of four years like that of the present. The leading officials during those time were the following– Capitan Marcial Vasquez, Capitan Blas Cena, Capitan Leoncio Velasco, Capitan Cristobal Bustamante, Capitan Andres Gonzales, Capitan Ciriaco Nazareno, and many others. They served the government without salary but they were very sincere and honest in the performance of their duties for the good of the people and the community.

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After some years of existence, the government opened a primary school under the Dominicans, where only a few of the people were educated. The most important part of the school curriculum was religion and since then the people became religious minded and God loving people. The pioneer teachers at that time were: Maestrong Periano Benedicto, Maestrong Blas Cayas, Maestrong Pedro Benedicto and others who through this school educated the people little by little and improved themselves in their living conditions. They began to think more of their lives and belongings.

After several years of continuous struggle under the regime of Spanish tyranny, discontentment developed in the minds and hearts of the people. A group of citizens organized themselves and worked for reforms. The people of Naic organized its own revolutionary forces against the Spanish government. The movement was headed by prominent people of Naic who were known as Capitang Cirilo Arenas, Capitang Yoyo Jocson, Capitang Benito Poblete and many others particularly our beloved Capitan Tobal Bustamante who was able to save a number of lives of our people. Since that time the town of Naic became the place for the meeting of the Cavite revolutionists headed by Don Emilio Aguinaldo.

In the year 1896, the local revolutionary forces in Naic rose up and revolted against the government. They succeeded in part but it only forced the government to become antagonistic with the natives. Coincident with the events was the Cry of Balintawak. The revolution spread throughout the Philippines which resulted to the freedom of the Filipinos from the hands of the cruel Spaniards. Naic was also freed from the hands of their enemies.

In the town of Naic during the Spanish regime, the Dominican Friars were able to own the best lands and have them cultivated under their own free will and accord. They gave them to the natives for cultivation under certain conditions and agreement between the two parties. Since then the friars became the hacenderos and the people were the kasama who were bound to obey and follow the orders of the Spaniards called the “ULDOG”.

Not long afterwards, the Spanish–American War broke out. The Americans were victorious. In the year 1898, the Americans began to rule the town of Naic under the military rule. The natives were satisfied of their conditions.

In 1900, they established public schools in the town of Naic under the American soldiers, Mr. Flint and Mr. Barry. Children were gathered by the army and turned over to their respective teachers. They were given free books and other school supplies. Later on the school was turned over to the hands of the Filipino teachers.

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As the years went on and changes were made, the Filipino American–Japanese War broke out. In the year 1942, the Japanese succeeded and defeated their enemies. They were driven out of the town and the people became the “guerrillas”. Other people stayed in town and turned to be the “Sakdalistas” or “Makapili” who worked side by side with the Japanese Army. The people suffered much from the Japanese administration during the time. Many people were killed and shot to death. Among the unfortunate victims of the Japanese abuses were Bernabe de los Santos and his companions. People were zonified several times and were made to starve for a week. During that time, the town of Naic was also shelled from the islands of Corregidor and Caballo in order to drive the Japanese out of the town but resulted to the great damage of the church, the school building and some homes. Three young ladies were also killed by shrapnels while crossing Lumbang River during the bombing of the town from Corregidor.

In the year 1945, the American Army returned and fought bravely until they succeeded in their mission. They came to Naic on or about February, 1945 to drive the Japanese soldiers from the garrison. It took several weeks before they were able to restore peace and order in the municipality. The Americans at once ordered the opening of the schools and the restoration of the government “The Commonwealth”. People were happy and thankful for the services rendered by the Americans in saving their lives from the hands of the cruel Japanese. Many people in this municipality were giving foods to the hungry American soldiers and the American soldiers in turn gave the natives canned food to relieve them from hunger they have suffered during the Japanese period.

Not long afterwards, the Commonwealth Government of the Philippines was found to be going on smoothly and to keep the promise of the United States Government to the Philippines that they will give us our independence on that year and also upon the interests of our government and the people as a whole, the Philippines was given its independence in the year 1945. At the same time the town of Naic became free and independent as other municipalities in the whole islands.

At present the people of Naic are working hard to restore the damages made during the Japanese occupations in this place. Roads were improved, buildings were repaired, the schools and the government were put into standard and industries were greatly improved through the help of our government.

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Part Two – Folkways

Traditions, customs, & practices in domestic/social life, birth, baptism, courtship, marriage, death, burial, visits, festivals, punishments, etc.

A. Birth – Since the Spanish regime the delivery of the people here was mostly administered by the quack doctors or “hilot.” During the pregnancy of the expectant mother, she is not allowed to wrap a turf [strange usage of word turf] around her neck because it was believed that in so doing her baby’s cord will also entangle her baby’s neck.

When the expectant mother is about to deliver, the husband or anyone is not allowed to stop and stay at the door for fear that the baby will not come out or be delivered easily.

After delivery, the mother is required to stay in bed for a period of at least two months. After thirty days from the time she delivered she is bathed with warm water from boiling leaves of several plants or herbs. During the period of confinement the mother is heated and smoked with live charcoal on which resin and kamangyan are put. Even at the present time quack doctors are in service, although they are being replaced by the midwives and doctors.

B. Baptism– A child is usually baptized after a month from birth. Names were usually taken from catholic calendars, sometimes babies are or were named after the godfather or god–mother; and still others were named after saints. Most of the folks now derive the names of the children from nature, heavenly bodies, heroes, and artists.

In the remote places where there are no available priest the baptism is performed by the elders who merely pour water over the baby’s head and utter some short prayers. In the poblacion and among the well–to–do families, baptism is celebrated pompously. Parents of the child usually invite many guests and a feast is celebrated, with funs and merry–makings. God–parents furnish the baptismal dresses, pay for the cost of the baptizing, and give gifts to the child, most often in the form of money, the amount depending upon resources of the god–parents. They are given some presents in the form of “lechon,” a quarter of a pig (raw) or some live chickens.

C. Courtship– During the early days courtship was not simple but complicated in nature. It was not made directly by the young men but usually a pre–arranged matter undertaken by the parents of both parties. Upon ar-

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Arriving at an agreement, the elders set the date for the marriage. Although this practice was good during the early days, it doesn’t hold true today for the simple reason that young people at present upon the coming of the Americans became modernistic, aggressive, and romantic. They patterned their modus–vivendi from the western ways usually seen from the American films.

D. Marriage – As it has been said during the early days the date for the marriage of the prospective bride and bridegroom was set by the parents of both parties. The date is usually set a year before the actual ceremony is held. During this whole period and before the term of the marriage will take place, the future Benedict was required to serve the parents of the bride. He has to fetch water, cut firewood, build fence, pound some rice, plow the field of the parents of the bride and undertake any or some other work required of a man during those days. Sometimes the parents of the bride ask their house to be repaired or a new one built for them. Others ask for a few heads of cow or carabaos. The parents during or after the marriage ceremony give a dowry or bigay–kaya. With the exception of people living in remote barrios this practice is no longer observed at present. Marriage ceremony is administered by priest, pastors, and justice of the peace.

E. Death – It is the usual practice that the dead is buried within twenty–four hours. Before burial, it must be brought to the church for blessings. The family of the deceased prepares small feast to the people who grieve with them. During the early days valuable personal properties of the deceased are buried with them. It had been always the practice to say the nine days prayer in behalf of the departed soul. Before the actual burial, close relatives (of the deceased) kiss the hands of the deceased. Children were also required to pass over the body of the dead because it is believed that in so doing they will not be haunted. The soul of the deceased is believed to return after four days from burial to visit their surviving relatives. With a very slight modification of the usual embalming of the deceased, interment takes three or five days later. During the period and while the body lies in state, the visitors celebrate little merry–making in order to console the immediate relatives. Friends and distant relatives give alms to the survivors of the deceased, they too bring wreaths or baskets of flowers.

F. Visits – The Filipino as a whole is generally known for their generosity and hospitality. The inhabitants of Naic, is no exception to this general concept. When relatives and friends come to visit each other, the

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visitor takes something for the host as “pasalubong” or gift. The host in turn prepares savory food. Those of the well–to–do even go to the extent of preparing a feast for the benefit of the visitors. When the visitors leave, they are also given something to carry with them. This practice is now becoming rare by virtue of the fact that the people nowadays are materialistic and morally loose which has been influenced or attributed to the recent World War.

G. Festivals – The town of Naic is predominantly a catholic community. Fiestas are therefore held in honor of saints. The patron saints are the Immaculate Conception whose feast day is celebrated on December eight of every year and the San Isidro de Labrador (patron saint of the farmers) which is celebrated on the fifteenth day of May every year before the planting season. The feast day of the Immaculate Conception being the principal patron saint is celebrated pompously. The celebration is usually a two–day affair. Every home is ready to welcome visitors and with all the necessary preparations. All kinds of delicious food, desserts, fruits, and drinks are prepared for the visitors. Like people of other countries, (Christians) the inhabitants of the community celebrate Christmas and New Year. Celebrations are also made in honor of heroes principally of Dr. Jose Rizal which is celebrated on the 30th of December. Family celebration are also held in occasions of marriage, baptism, birthdays, nine–days prayer for the faithful departed. Devout Catholics do not fail to observe the Holy Week, and on these days from Monday, Thursday, and Good Friday a procession of different saints is made. In case high government dignitaries visit the community, appropriate honors and celebrations are given in their honors. Social gatherings and school affairs are held also for the benefit of the children and the populace.

Myths, legends, beliefs, interpretations, superstitions, origin of the world, land, mountain, etc.

A. Myths – Stories have been told regarding a strong man named Bernardo Carpio who was punished by the gods, placed between two moving huge rocks to prevent them from crashing each other. It was feared that when these rocks collide, it may mean the end of the world. It was also a common belief that whenever Bernardo Carpio moved even to the top of his finger earthquake is caused.

The people of the olden times believed in a supernatural being the creator of heaven and earth, whom they called Bathala.

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B. Legends – The story about Mahinhin and her suitor which is told in the origin of Naic of this report may be classed as a legend.

C. Beliefs – Among the farmers the planting of a cross in a newly planted rice field drives away pests, and induces plentiful harvest. Fishermen believe that if they would release their first catch of fish, those released would induce others to come and thus, caused them to catch plenty. The breaking of a glass or mirror would mean seven years of bad luck.

The showing of rice to the newly married couple would bring them prosperity.

Prohibition to wear wedding gown before the day of actual wedding because it is a common belief that if it should be worn, there will be an impediment to the marriage.

Combing of hair at night may cause death to any immediate relative.

That children should not play with fire or light at night because it may cause them to urinate at bedtime unintentionally.

During thunder storm mirrors should be covered otherwise lightning will strike the house.

That the soul of the dead person comes back to visit his relative after the fourth day from death.

Sweeping at night will drive good luck and wealth.

It is not wise to give or lend money at night.

If any person would not remove his hat or umbrella while in the house it will cause centipede to fall on him.

Breaking of the eggs of house lizards will cause the breaking of plates or any chinaware.

Putting a sign of the cross in front of doors or gates will prevent bad spirits to enter the house.

Flickering of the fire is believed to be a sign that visitors are coming.

Bathing of cats will cause the rain to come even if the day is clear and sunny.

Howling of dogs at night when someone is ill is a sign that death is near.

Hooting of the owl near the house brings pestilence and sickness.

Sneezing of carabao is a sign that it will die.

During rainy days, if plenty of water vapors evaporate from the pot while cooking, it is said that the rain will continue. After a flood, if pebbles on the river beds are still slippery, more floods are still coming.

Seeing a shooting star may bring that person good luck.

Seeing a black butterfly when somebody is ill is a sign that such person is about to die.

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A stranger in a certain place pointing at uncommon things might be witched.

During Halloween night, foods are prepared on the tables because it is believed that the soul of the faithful departed visits the relatives and that the soul has to travel a long distance from heaven to earth causing it to be tired and hungry. Food are therefore, prepared for the departed.

Necklace of shark’s teeth are worn by babies in order to induce health and prevent sickness.

While planting coconuts, putting of the big fruits with the coconut seedlings would induce those coconuts to bear fruits abundantly like that of the tibig trees.

Headless shadow of a man is a sign of an impending accident or death.

While traveling, whenever a snake crosses your path is a sign of bad omen.

d. Superstitions – The town folks of Naic believed in many supernatural things such as asuwang, multo, duende, tig–balang, tiyanak, mangkukulam, manananggal, ike, capre, enkantado, nuno, etc.

1. Asuwang – This is believed to be human beings supposed to have eaten human flesh, blood, and liver. It is endowed with power to transform themselves into different kinds of animals especially to pigs or dogs.
2. Multo – A kind of spirit, usually like ghosts who haunts people whose appearance is usually white.
3. Duende– Tiny men or goblin, who may either be good or bad luck to one whoever happens to see it.
4. Tig–balang – This is believed to be half human being and half horse. It is also believed that if anyone could get the hairlock of the tig–balang, it will be under his power to command and he may wish anything from it. While traveling and one happen to meet this figure he might mislead you as the tig–balang has the power to assume the appearance of your friends, thus, he can mislead you even if you are familiar to the place.
5. Tiyanak or pati–anak – This form is believed as babies who died without having been baptized. On twilight and especially when showering, people believe that the tiyanak plays tricks on anyone who happens to pass by their places. They possess the power to convert themselves to birds or cats.
6. Mangkukulam or Witch – These are the human beings who can cause sickness to other people if they happen to dislike you. Usually they possess dolls and whenever they insert a pin to the doll it will cause pain corresponding to the part of the body of the person they wish to harm.

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7. Manananggal or Ike – Human beings who have the power to separate the lower parts of their bodies from the upper parts and that they could fly, steal babies from their mothers and eat them.
8. Capre or Genie – Usually they are big black man who may either be good or bad genie. These are pictured with a long big cigar, the habit of which is to stay under big balite trees.
9. Encantado – These are fairies in forms of beautiful women living in caves or under water. They play tricks on fishermen or any other person for that matter who comes near the place of their abode. Sometime there are stories told wherein it is said that whenever those encantados fall in love with the intended victim, they will promise wealth and richness. If they are refused the victim goes insane.
10. Nuno – There are small old men who live in termite’s hill who either be good or bad ones. Whenever you happen to step on them or destroy anything that belongs to them it may cause your insanity or any sickness.

People also believe in mermaids. It was said that in Painuman River, a tributary of the Balsahan River, there lived a mermaid who happened to fall in love with one Nicolas Guevara. He later became an insane.

In Sarhento, a part of Balsahan River, it was also believed that there lived the spirit of a Spanish sergeant who was killed there. Up to the present, he haunts the place and there are stories told that he is keeping a large fortune there.

In Balong Pare, which is also a part of the Balsahan River, many lives were lost. They believe that the keeper of that place ask human life to be given yearly for his benefit.

e. Supernatural powers – People also believe in supernatural powers like anting–anting. Examples of anting–anting are the medalla–luno, bungang kalog, buhok–anito, taga–bulag, etc. They believed that possession of these things could make possessors invincible against bullet or any other sharp pointed weapons. Others believed that more possession of them could bestow on the holder the power to cure illness or any other sickness.

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II. Popular Songs, games, and amusements–

a. Songs – During the Spanish regime Spanish songs were then in vogue, kundiman, lullabys. Some of the songs are Leron–leron Sinta, Ayaw Kong Ayaw kong Magtali ng Manok, Ramona, Sit–si–rit–sit, Ang Bayan Kong Pilipinas, Ang Maya, Ibong Sawi, O! Ilaw, and many others more.

When the Americans came the trends of music were patterned after the American songs.

b. Games and amusements – Before, during and even up to the present the most popular game is cock–fighting or “Sabong.” Some of the games are broquel or native fencing, sipa ng bola (rat–tan ball), huego de anillo, monte, etc. Among the children’s games the patintero, flying kites, trompo, supo or tatsing, hide and seek, tumbang preso, kalang–hoyo, and many other native games were common.

The games introduced by the Americans are basketball, baseball, softball, indoor base–ball, tennis, poker, mahjong, chess or dama, table tennis (pingpong), tag of war, day and night, skating, volleyball, etc.

Some of the amusements during the Spanish regime were the cenaculo, comedia, or Moro–moro, zarzuela or drama, ball room dancing, rigodon de honor, parlor games, playing musical instruments, etc. In small gatherings especially in the barrios, people dance the libad, lulay, and pandango.

Upon the coming of the Americans movies were introduced. Modern ball–room dancing were also taught to us. The radio system has brought to us amusement at our homes at very nominal cost and with little effort.

III. Puzzles and Riddles– Some of the puzzles and riddles are the following:

1. Ang baboy ko sa Polo, ang balahibo ay pako– Jackfruit
2. Eto–eto na hindi mo pa nakikita o makita. – Wind
3. Isda ko sa Mariveles nasa loob ang kaliskis. Sili
4. Mayroong isang señora naka–upo sa tasa. – kasoy
5. Nagsaing si Kapirit, kinain pati anglit. – guavas
6. Hinalo ko ang hilugaw, nagtatakbo ang inihaw.– banca
7. Isang bias ng kawayan, ang laman ay kamatayan.–gun
8. Kung araw ay bung–bong, kung gabi ay dagat.–mat
9. Ang baka ko sa Maynila, abot dito ang unga.–thunder
10. Dalawang bolang sinulid, abot sa langit. –eyes
11. Bahay ni goring–goring, butas–butas ang ding–ding–sleeves

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12. Dalawang magkaibigan, laging nagkakagatan.– teeth
13. Matay ko mang lingunin, hindi ko abu–abutin,–ears
14. Tinitigan ng tinitigan bago ko nginibitan. – corn
15. Hindi mahawi–hawi ng baston ng hari. – water
16. Hinila ko ang baging, nagkakara ang matsing–umbrella

Proverbs and sayings – Our forefathers had many sayings and have been brought to the generation. Among them were:

1. Ang lumakad ng marahan, matinik man ay mababaw.
2. Magpakataas–taas man ang lipad, sa lupa rin ang lagpak.
3. Ang pag–aasawa ay hindi gawang biro na katulad ng kanin na mailuluwa mo kung mapaso.
4. Ang may isinuksok ay may madudukot.
5. Ang palo sa kalabaw, ay sa kabayo ang latay.
6. Ang nakikinig sa sabisabi ay walang bait sa sarili.
7. Hindi karuwagan ang magpumanbin.
8. Ang laki sa layaw karaniwan ay hubad.
9. Hutukin mo ang kahoy habang bata pa sapagkat kung lumaki at tumigas ay mahirap na.
10. Kung saan ang hilig ng kahoy ay doon natutumba.
11. Walang pagod magtipon, walang hinayang magtapon.
12. Hindi baling matakaw, huwag lamang magnanakaw.
13. Ang kahoy mang babad sa tubig, pagnadarang sa init ay sapilitang nagdidikit.
14. Hindi dapat isalok ang palayok sa banga.
15. Nakikita ang butas ng karayom, hindi nakikita ang butas ng palakol.
16. Daig ng maagap ang masipag.
17. Ang naliligo nang maagap ay hindi inaabot ng tabsing sa dagat.
18. Hind ka dapat magpakalunod sa isang basong tubig.
19. Lumalaon ay bumubuti, sumasama pa kaysa dati.
20. Madali ang maging tao, mahirap ang magpakatao.
21. Kung ibig mong gumaling, sa katawan mo manggaling.
22. Bago gawin at isipin, makapitong mong isipin.
23. Ang marahang pangungusap, sa puso’y nakalulunas.
24. Ang sumama sa kalabaw na may putik, ay mapuputikan din.

Methods of measuring time – The people of the olden days tell the time by means of looking at the sun during the daytime; by looking at the stars, particularly the Southern cross the position of the deeper (diper), the timbangan, etc. They also tell the time by the crowing of the cocks or rooster at night. In the fields there is a king of bird who sings at the beginning of dawn.

oOo