MUNICIPALITY OF ROSARIO, CAVITE, Historical Data of Part 2

PART II

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About these Historical Data

The transcription of this page was done using AI technology.

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of the Japanese Occupation – when an arrest today might mean death tomorrow – he was in hiding, being suspected of guerrilla work. In September 1946, President Sergio Osmeña appointed him Mayor of Rosario, Cavite which lasted for six short months. During his incumbency, he was able to solicit aid from generous senators for the construction of a room in Sapa Barrio School and for the painting of the said building. In November 1947, he was elected Mayor with a plurality of 312 votes over his opponent, Lino Abueg. He was a prosecutor at the National War Crimes Office when he took his oath of office as mayor on October 11, 1948. The reconstruction of the municipal building of Rosario is fully accredited to him. The small bridges in the town plaza and in Ave Maria were repaired. Several artesian wells were constructed throughout the town to satisfy the needs of the people. Streets were repaired and the Real St., Sapa St., and the Evangelista St. going to Muzon were among those. While holding his position as mayor, a complaint of coercion was filed against him by Rolando Compuesto and Manuel Salazar, both residents of Rosario. He won this case by hiring his own self as defense attorney. In November 1951, he ran for reelection but was defeated by Antonio Guhit.

On August 15, 1952, he became Assistant Chief of the Wage Administration Service, Legal Division. While

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peacefully performing his duties in the Wage Administration Service, a political enemy approached the Secretary of Labor, Jose Figueras, and instigated that David Jimenez had a coercion case in the Court of First Instance in Cavite. The chief called David’s attention to this matter and the latter prepared a memorandum stating all accounts and incidents pertinent to the complaint defending himself before the Secretary. The matter was closed and he was cleared of the charges.

Everything went on peacefully, until a very sad and tragic event took place in the morning of November 25, 1952 when he was shot while on his way to work. The motive of the killing is still unknown. He died at the North General Hospital in the evening of the same day after receiving the Holy Sacraments. His body was brought to the City Morgue for autopsy and later to the Funeraria Nacional where his body was laid in state for one-half day, upon request of his friends in the City of Manila. His body was taken to his hometown the following day where hundreds of people waited for his remains. The interment took place on November 30th and was attended by thousands of people from different places. It was assisted by seven bands donated by the town people. Black flags were put along the streets, a sign of the town’s mourning for a beloved son. He was buried at the Rosario Municipal Cemetery

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and is survived by his widow, sons, daughters and sisters.

David P. Jimenez is no more, but his spirit will forever remain with us.

4. PETRONILO PUGEDA

Petronilo Pugeda is the fifth of a family of seven children. He was born in Rosario (Salinas), Cavite on January 4, 1879. His father is Cecilio Pugeda of the said town and his mother is Fausta Balan of Kawit, Cavite. Little Petronilo was reared and brought up in this town. Of age, he studied under Catalino Abueg also known as Maestro Catalino, at the time. Here he had his first lessons in Spanish. Then he was sent to Manila for further studies. He came under the tutelage of Catalino Sevilla, who gave more advanced lessons in the Castilian language. Later he went to the Ateneo de Manila. He was enrolled in the Clase Superior and had his taste of more Spanish and some Greek and Latin lessons. His schooling was interrupted by the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution of 1896. He was twenty one years old at the time. By the later part of the year, he decided to join the Revolutionary Forces. Carrying his intention into action, he went to Zambales and became a member of the Batallon de Infanteria Zambales, under General Luciano San Miguel, a native of Noveleta, Cavite. This troop was assigned

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to duty in Malolos, Bulacan. Petronilo was raised to the rank of second lieutenant.

When the American forces came to the Philippines, Petronilo’s battalion was assigned to guard the trenches in Sindolan, Angeles, Pampanga. Here they clashed with the invaders under Gen. Douglas MacArthur Sr. They met defeat in the enemy’s hands. Lieut. Pugeda and his companions retreated and in the course they were separated from one another.

Petronilo trekked his way home. He came to Rosario, worn out and battle weary. The Americans later came to Cavite and went after the members of the famous Batallon de Infanteria Zambales. Petronilo went in hiding. He went to General Mariano Trias’ headquarters in Panisan, Ternate.

Talks of surrender were in the air. Gen. Trias with his men including Petronilo, laid down their arms and settled amicably with the Americans. However, Gen. Mascardo was still in the mountain fastnesses, still reluctant to come down. Gen. Trias then ordered Moises Abueg and Petronilo to contact Gen. Mascardo and give him a full account of the terms of surrender. A conference was arranged between Gen. Mascardo and the American general. The peace talks were held in San Narciso, Zambales. While the conference was under way, American

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forces stood guard in Bagac, Bataan, while the Filipino troops were in Balanga. Everything came to a close.

Lieut. Petronilo Pugeda, now peacefully resides in Rosario, Cavite. He receives a small amount from the Philippine government regularly as a reward for his heroic services to his country.

Petronilo Pugeda’s name will go down in history as one of the many unsung heroes of the Philippine Revolution of 1896.

5. ANTONIO E. GUHIT

On the fifth day of May 1914, Antonio Guhit first saw the light of the world in the small fishing barrio of Ligtong, town of Rosario. His father, Canuto, was a fisherman while his mother, Sotera Enriquez, was a fish vendor.

At the age of five, he began his Cartilla lessons where he showed his talent by finishing his lessons ahead of the others. Later he entered a kindergarten school under the tutorship of Mrs. Marciana A. Ricafrente. This school was later transferred to Mr. Alejandro Loyba, due to the increasing number of pupils. In June 1922, he began the public school instruction in the Rosario Elementary School. He finished the elementary course in March 1930. In June of the same year, he entered the Cavite High School where he graduated from the four-year course in March 1934.

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During those days, he thought of continuing his studies, but his poor parents could not afford to send him to Manila to pursue a career. He then stopped schooling and led his life by fishing.

Fortunately, he was employed as one of the members of the vaccinating party destined in Central Luzon under the Bureau of Health. This was from the year 1934 to 1935. In 1937, he became an employee of the Manila Electric Company till the outbreak of the World War II. Living, once more became a difficult task for him for he could not find a better job. He began to take hold of the fishing nets once more to earn his livelihood. During these days, he had to support his wife, Marcelina Cortes, whom he married on November 30, 1941.

During the Japanese occupation, he rendered his services as a captain in the Pulson Phil–American Guerrilla Forces which was attached to Base X, Port Area, Manila.

On May 27, 1946, he worked in the U.S. Army as a labor foreman at Port Command and later became Claims Investigator of the second Major Port till April 1948. He was then transferred to the office of the Commanding General, United States Army.

In 1947, he ran his candidacy as vice mayor of Rosario and came out victoriously. From June 1948 to

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September of the same year he acted as Mayor of Rosario. The following month of the same year, he worked in the Office of the Comptroller of the Francisco Law School. After a year, he transferred to the Arrastre Division, Bureau of Customs as a clerk. Later he occupied the position of Chief Security Officer of the Philippines Ready Mix Company.

In August 1951, he was proclaimed candidate for Mayor and on November 13, 1951, he was elected Mayor of Rosario.

Now he is living happily with his wife and three children.

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1. FABIAN PUGEDA
   1. When and where was Fabian Pugeda born?
   2. Who were his parents?
   3. Tell something about his education.
   4. Describe his achievements as a public figure.
2. JULIO K. NATA
   1. How did Julio K. Nata’s political life begin?
   2. How many terms did he serve as municipal president of Rosario?
   3. Who was his father?
   4. What was interesting about the Nata family of Rosario?
3. DAVID P. JIMENEZ
   1. Tell something about David P. Jimenez’s education.
   2. Why was he in hiding during the Occupation?
   3. As mayor, what improvements did he make in Rosario?
   4. After his defeat in the election of 1951, what job did he hold?
   5. What tragic event took place in the morning of November 25, 1952?
4. PETRONILO PUGEDA
   1. Describe Petronilo’s schooling.
   2. Why was his schooling stopped?
   3. What did Petronilo do at the later part of 1896?
   4. To what troop did he belong?
   5. How did he rank among his comrades?
   6. How does the government reward Petronilo’s heroic deeds?
5. ANTONIO E. GUHIT
   1. Where did Antonio E. Guhit first see light?
   2. Tell something about his education.
   3. Describe his work after he stopped schooling.

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Rosario is a small town of Cavite yet many people come to visit it. There is not much to see, but what it has more than compensates for what it lacks. And the inhabitants are friendly people, easy to get along with.

Nature has been generous with this little place. The scenery is good. One has just to stand on the shores of Manila Bay and drink in the beauty before him. In the early morning hours, across the waters of the bay, outlined against a clear blue sky tower the majestic mountains of Zambales and Bataan. Some distance from the, at the mouth of Manila Bay, stands the famous Corregidor. As one gazes at this rock, he is reminded of the heroic stand it made with Bataan against the battery of enemy fire during the Japanese occupation.

More to the west are the mountains of Maragondon. Its gradual slope makes it a pleasant sight. A closer look will reveal that these mountains are in the likeness of a reclining beauty. Clearly silhouetted against the sky are the features of a woman lying with her hair trailing out into the sea. Many call this the Sleeping Beauty.

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As the sun rises, fishing boats out the whole night, begin to come in. Moving ashore from all directions, with speed and grace, the boats look like a flock of huge birds of various plumage coming home to roost. On the shore, eagerly waiting, their faces lighted with expectancy, were the fish dealers. As the fishermen bring in the day’s catch, these people make a rush and gather around the fish. Then begins the haggling for the fish. Prices are whispered into the proprietors’ ears. The highest bidder, of course, wins. The hubbub, the brisk movements, the laughter that rings through the air give an interesting amusement to the watchers.

The afternoons steeped in the multi-colors of the glowing and beautiful sunsets are incomparable. And what is more pleasant than a banca ride in such a lovely day? Boating parties are popular. People from other places come for these. Picnics to the fish corrals provide fun for the picnickers.

LANDMARKS

In the heart of the town is the town plaza, covered with green grass and shaded by sturdy banaba trees. When in bloom, the banaba adds to the beauty of the place it is shading. The plaza is also the playground for the townspeople. Bordering the plaza are town market, the

[p. 31]

municipal building, the Catholic church, the new puericulture center, and the public school buildings. Everyday is market day in Rosario. Many things may be bought by anyone who desires to market. The Catholic church has a new altar. It may not be the most beautiful in Cavite province, but it certainly is one of them. It is made of concrete and painted in an attractive monochromatic harmony of green. The two public school buildings are semi–concrete. The intermediate building was constructed in 1924. From the rooms of this, many of the children from Rosario and the nearby towns had their first education. The partitions of the primary building can be folded to allow space for big social affairs. At the back of the primary building is the tennis court. Here, too, are held many social gatherings. A cemented basketball court has been laid out on the western side of the town plaza. Local teams try their feet here. Other times, competing teams come for a game with the local boys.

In the barrio of [extremely blurred text, unreadable], there is a spot popular to picnic–loving folks. It is on an elevation and enjoys a cool fresh breeze throughout the day. The barrio folks call this “Little Baguio”.

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HISTORICAL PLACE

Tejero is a name found in history. This is a barrio, part of which belongs to General Trias and part to Rosario. It was in Tejero, that belongs to Rosario, that the famous Tejeros Convention was held. A marker to that effect stands in one of the spots of the little barrio. It was also here, in what the people call the Hacienda, that many friars were beheaded during the Philippine Revolution of 1896.

THE TOWN EXECUTIVES

During the Spanish time, the town was administered by the “capitan municipal”. Some of Rosario’s [extremely blurred text, unreadable] were:

When the Americans came, the town heads were called presidents. Those who have been presidents of the municipality are:

The Japanese appointed Lino Abueg as president during the occupation days.

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Independent Philippines call the head of the town administrators, town mayors. Rosario’s mayor are as follows:

David Jimenez
Antonio Guhit – present mayor of the municipality

EDUCATION IN ROSARIO

During the Spanish regime there were no schools. The children learned how to read and write from a designated “maestro”, who held his classes in his own house. There was one recognized “maestro” for the whole town at a time. This “maestro” taught with the aid of the rod. Learning was plain memory work. The children memorized their A, B, C’s. Besides the alphabet the children were taught the Spanish language. Religion was a part of the course. The “cartillas” and the “catons” were committed to memory. The young folks learned to pray. These prayers were usually in Latin or Spanish. A child who could recite without a mistake was considered excellent and was set as a model for the whole class.

Those who could not be accommodated in the maestro’s class went to a private one, if they could afford to.

Some of those who had been “maestros” in Rosario were:

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There were “maestras” too like Maestra Yayang and Maestra Osang.

The private maestros and maestras were Maestro Olet, Maestra Marcelina Baza, Maestra Juana.

Sometime in 1900, the first school under the Americans was established. The first schoolhouse was a small nipa building, which accommodated a few children. The first American teachers had a hard time going after the children who refused to attend regular classes. Patience and perseverance on the part of these teachers were rewarded. In due time, more and more children entered school. Bigger schools were built. In 1914, a concrete school building was put up. This is, at present, the Intermediate Building in the Rosario Elementary School. Years later another, with more rooms, was erected to house all the children seeking admittance to the school.

The first American teachers were Mr. Whiting, Mr. Durborough, Mr. Flint and Mrs. Flint.

Later the Americans were replaced by Filipino teachers. Among the first were:

This time the children of Rosario learned the English language and had their first taste of the three R’s.

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1. What beautiful scenes may one see in Rosario?

2. What provisions does the town have for games and sports?

3. How was Rosario governed during the Spanish time? American occupation? present time?

4. Tell something about the education given to the children during the Spanish time? American regime?

5. When was the first school under the Americans established?

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A very long time ago there lived in Madrid, Spain a very popular couple. The man was Bibiano and his wife was Ursula. For a living, they chopped woods. This earned for them the name “labrador.” In spite of their poverty, the couple were happy. Childless as they were, they never forgot to say the Rosary and pray the Lord to give them one. Their prayer was answered and on a certain May 15th, Ursula gave birth to a healthy baby boy which was named Isidro.

Isidro grew up a good boy with his heart close to God. Like his parents, he always prayed the Rosary. When he was old enough, his father took him along with him to learn how to chop wood and till the soil. After Isidro learned his father's trade, his father died. The work was too heavy for the young boy but he did not complain. He sacrificed for his mother's sake. He asked God to help him in whatever he did and gave Him his thanks for all the graces he received.

Isidro became a man and worked as a farmer under Don Baldominar. His fellow workers ridiculed him for they thought that he knew nothing of the work and made trouble for him. But Isidro paid no attention to them.

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He went on with his work. God, upon seeing Isidro’s plight, gave him His help. And the workers were amazed to see angels helping Isidro plow the fields. They planted and watered the seedlings for him.

Harvest time came. Isidro had the most and the best produce, yet the greedy landlord gave him the poorest share. Don Baldominar did not like his giving away of the palay, although Isidro told him that it was his own that he disposed off. Nevertheless, Isidro felt no resentment against his master. He asked God to forgive his landlord’s act. God rewarded his humility. His share increased and the grains developed fully. Isidro never finished measuring his palay.

One day Isidro’s rich master came and took him to the forest. After a while, the landlord felt thirsty. There was no water around and he was at a loss as to what he would do. His thirst grew intense. Isidro, sensing his Master’s suffering, pointed his cane towards the “palo terbiente,” a tree. Water spouted from it and a glass appeared. Don Baldominar had his drink. Then he knelt and kissed the hand of Isidro. He saw a miracle performed.

More wonders, more miracles were done by Isidro. When he died an angel came to Pope Urbano and instructed him to pronounce Isidro Labrador a saint.

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1. Why were the couple Bibiano and Ursula called “labrador”?
2. Describe the life of this couple.
3. What kind of a boy was Isidro?
4. Tell something about Don Baldominar.
5. Give instances which showed that God favored Isidro.
6. What miracle did Isidro perform?
7. How was he pronounced a saint?

There was once a couple named Aling Nana and Mang Pepe, who lived in a barrio near the sea. Mang Pepe was a fisherman. Every morning Aling Nana, with a big “bilao” on her head went to the seashore to sell the fish caught by her husband. This couple was noted for their kindness. Almost everyday some persons would go to them and ask for everything to eat. Aling Nana used to say in a gently-voiced way, “Eat enough, my son. You must be very hungry.” “Thank you, my dear mother,” would be the simple answer.

Every evening, the people in the neighborhood could see the couple kneeling in front of the altar, praying. They prayed for the safety of the people. They prayed for a child for they were childless.

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After many years of endless prayers, God finally rewarded them with a baby girl who was lovely and beautiful. Everybody suggested numerous names for the baby but finally the name Salinas was agreed upon by all. So the baby was christened Salinas. The couple took good care of the child and even played with her. As she grew older people became more fond of her. She had grown so very lovely, a loveliness that cheered their hearts.

One afternoon, Mang Pepe was busy mending his nets and Aling Nana was washing clothes. Salinas was in the house taking a nap. When Salinas woke up she found nobody in the house. She ran to the sea and rode in the banca of her father and paddled for a long while that at last she was out in the middle of the sea. Salinas was frightened and grew restless. The banca capsized and she was drowned. Help came too late. Mang Pepe and some men went out to sea to look for Salinas but they never found her.

A week after, the folks noticed a small piece of land rising on the very spot where Salinas fell. This grew bigger and bigger until it was joined to the seashore. They also found out that salt had formed on the land. The people later learned how to produce salt, and soon it was a flourishing industry and people became prosperous hence they named their town “Salinas.”

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1. How did Mang Pepe and Aling Nana show their kindness?
2. Why did the people love Salinas?
3. What happened to her?
4. How did the town get its name?

The dwarf is called “duwende” in Tagalog. It is a tiny man, about a foot tall. He sports a beard and wears a pointed cap. It is this cap that is the dwarf’s most prized possession. He must always have it on his head, so he is very careful not to lose it. Anybody, it is said, who can steal the dwarf’s cap has a good chance of becoming rich. The tiny man will do anything in his power to get it back. So the holder of the cap can ask for anything — money, jewels, clothes, or anything he fancies, and the “duwende” will give all of them.

Sometimes the dwarf falls in love with a girl. The girl will be courted by the small man by appearing to her very often, pleading his cause. He will be visible to the girl concerned only. During the courtship, the girl will be somewhat mentally unbalanced. If the girl rejects the love of the dwarf, she will become sick and languish in sickness till she changes her mind. She may die if she persists in her refusal or she may get well

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