THE LAND CALLED BATAAN
The province known as Vatan during the Madjapahit Empire, was already a progressive settlement long before 1571. The Spaniards who first set foot on the land reportedly came upon a population of about 2,000. The province of Bataan lies on the western coast of the island of Luzon, with an area of over 137,297 square hectares or a total of 1,243 square kilometers. It is bounded on the north by the province of Zambales; on the northeast, by the province of Pampanga; on the east, by Manila Bay; on the west, where its coastline forms a semicircle, by the China Sea; and on the South, by the canal between the verdant mountains of Mariveles and the historical fort-island of Corregidor called Boca-Chica.
In its northern part are the towns of Dinalupihan and Hermosa; in its eastern part, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Balanga, Pilar, Orion and Cabcaben; in its southern tip, facing Corregidor, the town of Mariveles; and in its south-western part, Bagac and Morong.
Bataan is blessed with more mountains than plains with a mountain found in each town of the province. It is ringed by a mountain chain called the Zambales mountains because they are located in that province, beginning from the highlands above Subic. A series of uplands stretches from Bataan’s southern tip, the highest of which is a peak called Mariveles. Mariveles is about 5,118 feet high or 13,390 meters above sea level, broken only between Balanga and bagac by a more or less extensive flat valley. A second range of uplands and plateaus rises above Orani forming the Butilao peak, with an altitude of approximately 4,751 feet. Other mountains are the Morro de Orion, Samal, Balanga, Dinalupihan and Mt. Samat in Pilar.
There is a notable difference between the eastern section of the province, which faces the bay, and the western section towards the China Sea. The first is, to a great extent, flat with gentle slopes of rising lands which present a beautiful view; while the second is very irregular.
Having some 20 leagues of coastline, Bataan keeps within its bosom, in the town of Orion, two-cabalitas of quagmire called lupang puti (white soil) by the natives; and a smaller one in Ogon, Balanga.
In Mariveles, Saysain, Bagac and Morong, there are small bays good for fishing. In Mt. Malasimbo, north of Dinalupihan, there are wells of water with gallionella ferrugia.
There are two deep and long rivers in this province, namely, Talisay and the Almacenes. Talisay, originating from the Samal and Orani mountains and branching out into Pilar and Balanga, forms the dividing line between these two latter towns. The Almacenes, welling from the mountains of Hermosa and coursing through the plains stretching to Subic, a part of Zambales, runs through the town of Dinalupihan and ends in the town of Lubao in the province of Pampanga.
This river also branches out to form the Cola and Lumaen rivers in Hermosa, and the sweet-watered Orani River which has a depth of about two to three arm-lengths and which passes through Lalawigan to the sea. It is named Almacenes because it is found in the place where, in olden times, timber and palms were brought together after being gathered from surrounding areas, and made to form launches which carried different commodities to the capital.
Other rivers are the Ogong in Balanga; Palivas, Balayang and Salinas in Abucay; and the river Calaguiman which passes through the town proper of Samal and the barrio of Mabatang where there was a big canal.
The average temperature in the province at midday through the months of November until February is 27° and 30° from March through June. The rest of the year has the same temperature due to the continued rains during these months. The atmospheric pressure, according to the reduced barometer, is usually 76,100 and in times of storms, reads as low as 71,500. Relative humidity during the rainy season is 80.0 to 90.0 and during the dry season, 60 to 70. Thunderstorms are frequent. And it is observed that atmospheric changes correspond to the two periodical monsoons of the year which are often not in any manner intense. Though sometimes the southwest monsoon caused cholera and the northwest monsoon coupled with intermittent heat could lead to pneumonia.
As a whole, however, the climate is temperature and the air is widely reputed to be pure and healthy.
The soil of the province presents different aspects and characteristics. In Mariveles and Abucay, it is sandy, clayish and plain, while in Hermosa it is plain. The soil of Orion is plain and sandy, and in Morong it is clayish; in Mabatang it is rocky, sandy, hilly and clayish; in Dinalupihan, plain and hilly; and in Bagac, clayish and plain.
The two highest mountains – Mariveles and Butilao – are not volcanic. They have neither lave nor slag, which proves that when the water appeared on top of the soil, it penetrated to where matter was boiling in a confused mixture, and the peaks of these two mountains rose to their present form.
This theory, according to Señor Azaola and as recorded by Father Vicente Fernandez, who kept extensive writings on Bataan, is proven by an examination of these same mountains. In their upper levels are found successive arches or basins (catanques) of water from the highest summit to the plains. This is a clear sign that when the mountains rose because of the liquefaction of igneous substances, depressions in the mountain tops were created when they cooled off, and, filled with water from the atmosphere, they broke the dikes which held them, because of their own weight and their descent to the plains, they formed others which, in their turn, were dug up, either by earthquakes or by the pressure of the water which had accumulated there.
That the soil is pyrogenic and of igneous eruption is proven by the fact that no signs or traces of any mineral have ever been found and only sulphates of iron, pirita marcial which they call guslagusla, are seen in certain rocks. The deposits of iron, titanite or sand, which are found in certain streams in Limay where there is a layer two felt deep, corroborate this hypothesis. For it is known that this mineral is most plentiful in all volcanic countries and is an element in the formation of the rocks in lands of igneous origin.
Notwithtstanding this, however, there are, in the break between Bagac and Morong, spheres or balls of greenish and black basalt, covered with a crust of marly siliceous layers which the people used as grinders, as well as basalt tabulanes doubtless underlying the rocks, which is not unusual in these formations.
This theory establishes the sufficient fertility of the soil of this province for agriculture. Actually, the lowlands from the north to the south are good for farming. Agustin Cavada records that by the year 1876, the land already cultivated over the whole province was about 3,768 hectares which was clayish-siliceous (siliceo-arcilloso) and with a muddy siliceous sub-soil.
Apart from the fertility of the soil, irrigation was never much of a problem. Because the mountain chains, which span an area of 125,000 hectares and where the soil is clayish-siliceous with a calcarious clayish-siliceous sub-soil, are provided with slopes on the east and west due to which the rivers follow a short course falling almost perpendicularly from the mountains into Manila Bay on the east and into China Sea on the west. With little effort, these streams and rivulets that empty into the sea from the mountains, were exploited for irrigation and the production of sugar by means of hydraulic machines.
Floods, a constant threat to agriculture-based provinces, were not frequent here due to the permeability of the soil and the regularity with which the forests conserve and distribute the rainfall.
Aside from its suitability to agriculture, Bataan is also rich in other natural resources. Abundant in lumber, it grows several varieties of trees which are useful for both civil and naval constructions. It also abounds in deer, wild boar, wild cats, alligators and sawa which is a delicacy of the Negritoes. Birds like doves, bato-bato, kingfishers, balores, calaos, white and green parrots and the balinsasayaw nest in its forests.
Between Orani and Hermosa, there is a place called la mina where bolinas pequeñas were found. These were said to be actually hierro hydratado de hierro pisiforme which were used by the natives for painting carriages and which can be properly studied and tapped for purposes of progress and development.
In Orani itself, there was a lagoon descending to a plain of clay used for making earthen jars (pilones) for the manufacture of sugar. In Samal, there is a deposit of dead shells (capiz) which is hitherto scientifically unexplained.
At the mouth of Morong River in Mariveles, there are hot spring called Balong-Anito with alcalinic water. It is also from here that the famous marmoles blancos de Mariveles come. Out of these, the statue of King Charles IV in one of the main thoroughfares of Manila and the pavement of the old Santo Domingo Church were made.
In a barrio of this town called San Miguel, there was a quarry. From the rocks taken there were constructed the Manila railway, the monument of Magellan in the isthmus of Santo Domingo and the baptismal fount of Balanga. In a cave at Pantogan, Orion, there are stones as brilliant as gold, which are classified as antimonio. Also, here can be found jade, which is very precious for the Chinese. Father Morales records that history refers to a Portuguese adventurer who found diamonds in the bosoms of its mountains in about the year 1620.
In its northern part are the towns of Dinalupihan and Hermosa; in its eastern part, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Balanga, Pilar, Orion and Cabcaben; in its southern tip, facing Corregidor, the town of Mariveles; and in its south-western part, Bagac and Morong.
Bataan is blessed with more mountains than plains with a mountain found in each town of the province. It is ringed by a mountain chain called the Zambales mountains because they are located in that province, beginning from the highlands above Subic. A series of uplands stretches from Bataan’s southern tip, the highest of which is a peak called Mariveles. Mariveles is about 5,118 feet high or 13,390 meters above sea level, broken only between Balanga and bagac by a more or less extensive flat valley. A second range of uplands and plateaus rises above Orani forming the Butilao peak, with an altitude of approximately 4,751 feet. Other mountains are the Morro de Orion, Samal, Balanga, Dinalupihan and Mt. Samat in Pilar.
There is a notable difference between the eastern section of the province, which faces the bay, and the western section towards the China Sea. The first is, to a great extent, flat with gentle slopes of rising lands which present a beautiful view; while the second is very irregular.
Having some 20 leagues of coastline, Bataan keeps within its bosom, in the town of Orion, two-cabalitas of quagmire called lupang puti (white soil) by the natives; and a smaller one in Ogon, Balanga.
In Mariveles, Saysain, Bagac and Morong, there are small bays good for fishing. In Mt. Malasimbo, north of Dinalupihan, there are wells of water with gallionella ferrugia.
There are two deep and long rivers in this province, namely, Talisay and the Almacenes. Talisay, originating from the Samal and Orani mountains and branching out into Pilar and Balanga, forms the dividing line between these two latter towns. The Almacenes, welling from the mountains of Hermosa and coursing through the plains stretching to Subic, a part of Zambales, runs through the town of Dinalupihan and ends in the town of Lubao in the province of Pampanga.
This river also branches out to form the Cola and Lumaen rivers in Hermosa, and the sweet-watered Orani River which has a depth of about two to three arm-lengths and which passes through Lalawigan to the sea. It is named Almacenes because it is found in the place where, in olden times, timber and palms were brought together after being gathered from surrounding areas, and made to form launches which carried different commodities to the capital.
Other rivers are the Ogong in Balanga; Palivas, Balayang and Salinas in Abucay; and the river Calaguiman which passes through the town proper of Samal and the barrio of Mabatang where there was a big canal.
The average temperature in the province at midday through the months of November until February is 27° and 30° from March through June. The rest of the year has the same temperature due to the continued rains during these months. The atmospheric pressure, according to the reduced barometer, is usually 76,100 and in times of storms, reads as low as 71,500. Relative humidity during the rainy season is 80.0 to 90.0 and during the dry season, 60 to 70. Thunderstorms are frequent. And it is observed that atmospheric changes correspond to the two periodical monsoons of the year which are often not in any manner intense. Though sometimes the southwest monsoon caused cholera and the northwest monsoon coupled with intermittent heat could lead to pneumonia.
As a whole, however, the climate is temperature and the air is widely reputed to be pure and healthy.
The soil of the province presents different aspects and characteristics. In Mariveles and Abucay, it is sandy, clayish and plain, while in Hermosa it is plain. The soil of Orion is plain and sandy, and in Morong it is clayish; in Mabatang it is rocky, sandy, hilly and clayish; in Dinalupihan, plain and hilly; and in Bagac, clayish and plain.
The two highest mountains – Mariveles and Butilao – are not volcanic. They have neither lave nor slag, which proves that when the water appeared on top of the soil, it penetrated to where matter was boiling in a confused mixture, and the peaks of these two mountains rose to their present form.
This theory, according to Señor Azaola and as recorded by Father Vicente Fernandez, who kept extensive writings on Bataan, is proven by an examination of these same mountains. In their upper levels are found successive arches or basins (catanques) of water from the highest summit to the plains. This is a clear sign that when the mountains rose because of the liquefaction of igneous substances, depressions in the mountain tops were created when they cooled off, and, filled with water from the atmosphere, they broke the dikes which held them, because of their own weight and their descent to the plains, they formed others which, in their turn, were dug up, either by earthquakes or by the pressure of the water which had accumulated there.
That the soil is pyrogenic and of igneous eruption is proven by the fact that no signs or traces of any mineral have ever been found and only sulphates of iron, pirita marcial which they call guslagusla, are seen in certain rocks. The deposits of iron, titanite or sand, which are found in certain streams in Limay where there is a layer two felt deep, corroborate this hypothesis. For it is known that this mineral is most plentiful in all volcanic countries and is an element in the formation of the rocks in lands of igneous origin.
Notwithtstanding this, however, there are, in the break between Bagac and Morong, spheres or balls of greenish and black basalt, covered with a crust of marly siliceous layers which the people used as grinders, as well as basalt tabulanes doubtless underlying the rocks, which is not unusual in these formations.
This theory establishes the sufficient fertility of the soil of this province for agriculture. Actually, the lowlands from the north to the south are good for farming. Agustin Cavada records that by the year 1876, the land already cultivated over the whole province was about 3,768 hectares which was clayish-siliceous (siliceo-arcilloso) and with a muddy siliceous sub-soil.
Apart from the fertility of the soil, irrigation was never much of a problem. Because the mountain chains, which span an area of 125,000 hectares and where the soil is clayish-siliceous with a calcarious clayish-siliceous sub-soil, are provided with slopes on the east and west due to which the rivers follow a short course falling almost perpendicularly from the mountains into Manila Bay on the east and into China Sea on the west. With little effort, these streams and rivulets that empty into the sea from the mountains, were exploited for irrigation and the production of sugar by means of hydraulic machines.
Floods, a constant threat to agriculture-based provinces, were not frequent here due to the permeability of the soil and the regularity with which the forests conserve and distribute the rainfall.
Aside from its suitability to agriculture, Bataan is also rich in other natural resources. Abundant in lumber, it grows several varieties of trees which are useful for both civil and naval constructions. It also abounds in deer, wild boar, wild cats, alligators and sawa which is a delicacy of the Negritoes. Birds like doves, bato-bato, kingfishers, balores, calaos, white and green parrots and the balinsasayaw nest in its forests.
Between Orani and Hermosa, there is a place called la mina where bolinas pequeñas were found. These were said to be actually hierro hydratado de hierro pisiforme which were used by the natives for painting carriages and which can be properly studied and tapped for purposes of progress and development.
In Orani itself, there was a lagoon descending to a plain of clay used for making earthen jars (pilones) for the manufacture of sugar. In Samal, there is a deposit of dead shells (capiz) which is hitherto scientifically unexplained.
At the mouth of Morong River in Mariveles, there are hot spring called Balong-Anito with alcalinic water. It is also from here that the famous marmoles blancos de Mariveles come. Out of these, the statue of King Charles IV in one of the main thoroughfares of Manila and the pavement of the old Santo Domingo Church were made.
In a barrio of this town called San Miguel, there was a quarry. From the rocks taken there were constructed the Manila railway, the monument of Magellan in the isthmus of Santo Domingo and the baptismal fount of Balanga. In a cave at Pantogan, Orion, there are stones as brilliant as gold, which are classified as antimonio. Also, here can be found jade, which is very precious for the Chinese. Father Morales records that history refers to a Portuguese adventurer who found diamonds in the bosoms of its mountains in about the year 1620.
The people
The first Spanish missionaries who arrived in the province came upon two main races of people living in Bataan – the inhabitants of the mountains and those settled on the plains. The mountain people were the Negritoes or Aetas and the inhabitants of the plains were the natives.
Aside from these two main groups, however, there came the peninsular Spaniards, the Chinese, and the mestizos who were either Spaniards or Chinese born to parents married to native women.
The Aetas
The Negritoes or Aetas, at the time they were written about by Father Vicente Fernandez in 1886, numbered around 1,300 to 1,500 with the population tending to decrease rather than increase. They were described then as a miserable race with kinky hair and dark skin. Their origin, descent and language were not too well known, although others of their kin lived in Malacca, Sumatra, Java, Formosa, New Guinea and in a majority of the Philippine islands. Their language was similar to those in the towns and ranches near the mountains where they lived.
Father Vicente Fernandez reported that until his time, all the efforts to confine the Negritoes to life in community had been fruitless. Both threats and blandishments had been used. Houses had been built for them on sites near the mountains, but they always returned to their mountainous abode the moment they knew they were out of sight or the resources for their upkeep had been used up.
The Candidate The greatest bulk of the lowlanders were the natives. They belonged to the pure Malay race, were of regular build, oval-faced, and with large eyes. However, although they are of Malay race, one could observe in their physiognomy some resemblances to the people of Ternate, perhaps because they had merged with or intermarried with the Mardicas of the opposite coast.
Most of them spoke Tagalog, but a considerable number of the population, especially in the beginning, spoke Pampango, which is no surprise since Bataan was fomerly a part of Pampanga province.
By the turn of the century, the following style of dress was in vogue. Men wore pantalones, camisa de coco which was either black or blue, a buri hat or salacot and a panuelo around their necks. Women sported short black camisa de coco which was usually de sinamay con rayas, a saya of black or of any other color, a tapiz over the saya, a pair of chinelas on their feet, a panuelo around the neck or head, plus a rosary or scapular hanging from their neck and resting on their breast. Special attires, as those of the Spaniards, were worn by ministers of justice and the principales of the town on special occasions.
To pass their time, men and women played panguingue. Men usually enjoyed monte and sabong. The old folk spent their time chewing tobacco and buyo while conversing on their staircases, windows, stores, plazas or streets. Among the young, carabao races were also popular. And the nights were passed with haranas or serenades.
They especially celebrated town fiestas, attended zarzuelas in which the people of Mabatang were experts and enjoyed the galleras.
The low-landers were easily satisfied. They were content with having just the necessities of life for the present, without care for the future. For cultivation, they preferred swampy farms which were easy to cultivate but were always productive. They had a characteristic aversion to holding public office and paying taxes. And as the angelus tolled the setting of the sun, they ended their days with prayers and a manifestation of respect for the old while closing their windows and locking their doors.
The Peninsular
Peninsular Spaniards were those who came from Spain to live in the Philippines. Those who had stayed long in the Philippines were called camagones at the end of the nineteenth century.
It is noted that in the second half of the last century, the number of peninsular Spaniards in Bataan was strangely small, and all of them were either employees in civil, economic and military administration or parish. Around that period, too, there were nine towns in which the pastors were the pastors were the only Spaniards.
It is likewise of interest that in the entire province, there was not a single peninsular Spaniard or foreigner, aside from the Chinese, who were involved in agriculture, commerce or industry.
The Chinese residents of the province were few in number, compared to those in the other provinces of the archipelago. They were estimated to have been only about 160 to 180, according to the census taken by the Government and Administration in the year 1885.
Almost all engaged in commerce. Some engaged in the alcohol industry and in the drying of fish for shipment to Manila and Pampanga. Only a small number was engaged in agriculture.
There were no rich Chinese. Due to the big number of mestizos who sought to emulate their parents and due to the proximity of the Manila markets to which they themselves brought their products, the Chinese had never been able to control commerce – not even retail stores.
Being thriftier, more active and more industrious, the Chinese of the last century in Bataan were not too well liked by the natives. Occasionally, an aggrieved native took revenge on a Chinese who had done him an injustice. In such occurrences, it difficult to uncover the perpetrators of the crimes for the natives did not volunteer information to investigate the deeds perpetrated on the Chinese.
Some of the Chinese married and settled permanently in the province to live with their families. But the majority were transients who came to try their fortune and traveled on from one province to the next.
The Mestizos
There were two main divisions of mestizos in Bataan --the Spanish-native mestizos and the Chinese-native mestizos.
The Spanish-native mestizos were greater in number than the peninsular Spaniards. However, they were of little influence and importance as majority of them belonged to the poorer class. But they had always tried to preserve their lineage in census lists due to privileges of exemption from tribute and due to the municipal services which they enjoyed as provided for by the law.
The Chinese-native mestizos were also of considerable number. As a matter of fact, their number ranked second to that of the natives. They were actually more than what appeared in parish lists, for the son or daughter of a native father and a Chinese mestiza mother was classified in records as a native. They were, in fact, very careful in having this noted in their baptismal records in order not to pay the higher rate of tribute imposed on Chinese mestizos, according to the ancient laws of the tribute.
This race was astonishingly prolific and it has left permanent traces of its characteristic traits both physical as well as moral. This is especially noticeable in the town of Balanga, where inhabitants strangely have white complexion and slanted eyes. Even most of their family names reflect a Chinese ancestry.
They were generally serious, generous, thrifty, clean and shrewd. They dedicated themselves to agriculture, commerce and industry. They were the truly powerful people in the province. They gave out money advances or loans to natives, with regular interests collectible at harvest time. Their women were usually more active then the men and possessed great talent in managing their business and making it grow. However, they had the vice of gambling, where they risked their fortune many times.
In general, the people of the province were docile, religious and loving to their superiors.
Aside from these two main groups, however, there came the peninsular Spaniards, the Chinese, and the mestizos who were either Spaniards or Chinese born to parents married to native women.
The Aetas
The Negritoes or Aetas, at the time they were written about by Father Vicente Fernandez in 1886, numbered around 1,300 to 1,500 with the population tending to decrease rather than increase. They were described then as a miserable race with kinky hair and dark skin. Their origin, descent and language were not too well known, although others of their kin lived in Malacca, Sumatra, Java, Formosa, New Guinea and in a majority of the Philippine islands. Their language was similar to those in the towns and ranches near the mountains where they lived.
Father Vicente Fernandez reported that until his time, all the efforts to confine the Negritoes to life in community had been fruitless. Both threats and blandishments had been used. Houses had been built for them on sites near the mountains, but they always returned to their mountainous abode the moment they knew they were out of sight or the resources for their upkeep had been used up.
The Candidate The greatest bulk of the lowlanders were the natives. They belonged to the pure Malay race, were of regular build, oval-faced, and with large eyes. However, although they are of Malay race, one could observe in their physiognomy some resemblances to the people of Ternate, perhaps because they had merged with or intermarried with the Mardicas of the opposite coast.
Most of them spoke Tagalog, but a considerable number of the population, especially in the beginning, spoke Pampango, which is no surprise since Bataan was fomerly a part of Pampanga province.
By the turn of the century, the following style of dress was in vogue. Men wore pantalones, camisa de coco which was either black or blue, a buri hat or salacot and a panuelo around their necks. Women sported short black camisa de coco which was usually de sinamay con rayas, a saya of black or of any other color, a tapiz over the saya, a pair of chinelas on their feet, a panuelo around the neck or head, plus a rosary or scapular hanging from their neck and resting on their breast. Special attires, as those of the Spaniards, were worn by ministers of justice and the principales of the town on special occasions.
To pass their time, men and women played panguingue. Men usually enjoyed monte and sabong. The old folk spent their time chewing tobacco and buyo while conversing on their staircases, windows, stores, plazas or streets. Among the young, carabao races were also popular. And the nights were passed with haranas or serenades.
They especially celebrated town fiestas, attended zarzuelas in which the people of Mabatang were experts and enjoyed the galleras.
The low-landers were easily satisfied. They were content with having just the necessities of life for the present, without care for the future. For cultivation, they preferred swampy farms which were easy to cultivate but were always productive. They had a characteristic aversion to holding public office and paying taxes. And as the angelus tolled the setting of the sun, they ended their days with prayers and a manifestation of respect for the old while closing their windows and locking their doors.
The Peninsular
Peninsular Spaniards were those who came from Spain to live in the Philippines. Those who had stayed long in the Philippines were called camagones at the end of the nineteenth century.
It is noted that in the second half of the last century, the number of peninsular Spaniards in Bataan was strangely small, and all of them were either employees in civil, economic and military administration or parish. Around that period, too, there were nine towns in which the pastors were the pastors were the only Spaniards.
It is likewise of interest that in the entire province, there was not a single peninsular Spaniard or foreigner, aside from the Chinese, who were involved in agriculture, commerce or industry.
The Chinese residents of the province were few in number, compared to those in the other provinces of the archipelago. They were estimated to have been only about 160 to 180, according to the census taken by the Government and Administration in the year 1885.
Almost all engaged in commerce. Some engaged in the alcohol industry and in the drying of fish for shipment to Manila and Pampanga. Only a small number was engaged in agriculture.
There were no rich Chinese. Due to the big number of mestizos who sought to emulate their parents and due to the proximity of the Manila markets to which they themselves brought their products, the Chinese had never been able to control commerce – not even retail stores.
Being thriftier, more active and more industrious, the Chinese of the last century in Bataan were not too well liked by the natives. Occasionally, an aggrieved native took revenge on a Chinese who had done him an injustice. In such occurrences, it difficult to uncover the perpetrators of the crimes for the natives did not volunteer information to investigate the deeds perpetrated on the Chinese.
Some of the Chinese married and settled permanently in the province to live with their families. But the majority were transients who came to try their fortune and traveled on from one province to the next.
The Mestizos
There were two main divisions of mestizos in Bataan --the Spanish-native mestizos and the Chinese-native mestizos.
The Spanish-native mestizos were greater in number than the peninsular Spaniards. However, they were of little influence and importance as majority of them belonged to the poorer class. But they had always tried to preserve their lineage in census lists due to privileges of exemption from tribute and due to the municipal services which they enjoyed as provided for by the law.
The Chinese-native mestizos were also of considerable number. As a matter of fact, their number ranked second to that of the natives. They were actually more than what appeared in parish lists, for the son or daughter of a native father and a Chinese mestiza mother was classified in records as a native. They were, in fact, very careful in having this noted in their baptismal records in order not to pay the higher rate of tribute imposed on Chinese mestizos, according to the ancient laws of the tribute.
This race was astonishingly prolific and it has left permanent traces of its characteristic traits both physical as well as moral. This is especially noticeable in the town of Balanga, where inhabitants strangely have white complexion and slanted eyes. Even most of their family names reflect a Chinese ancestry.
They were generally serious, generous, thrifty, clean and shrewd. They dedicated themselves to agriculture, commerce and industry. They were the truly powerful people in the province. They gave out money advances or loans to natives, with regular interests collectible at harvest time. Their women were usually more active then the men and possessed great talent in managing their business and making it grow. However, they had the vice of gambling, where they risked their fortune many times.
In general, the people of the province were docile, religious and loving to their superiors.
bataan is a made a province
After two centuries of Progress and development, Bataan was made a province in 1754, during the incumbency of governor General Don Pedro Manuel Arandia.
The new province included the towns of Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Abucay, Samal, Orani and Hermosa, which were under the administration of the Dominicans. Dinalupihan was also included. These towns were the parts of the province of Pampanga. Mariveles, with its barrios of Bagac and Morong, was also included in the province, thus abolishing the old district (corregimiento) of Mariveles. And Maragondon which originally belonged to this district, was incorporated into the province of Cavite.
As a province, Bataan was placed under its own Alcalde Mayor, assisted by a number of personnel. The economy of the province was taken over by its own Administrador de Hacienda Publica and its military defense units were placed in the hands of two units of Guardia Civil—one in Balanga and one in Dinalupihan under the command of two officers—and a station in Orion with its Cabo.
Source:Bataan Land of Valor, People of Peace by Fr. Wilfredo C. Paguio
The new province included the towns of Orion, Pilar, Balanga, Abucay, Samal, Orani and Hermosa, which were under the administration of the Dominicans. Dinalupihan was also included. These towns were the parts of the province of Pampanga. Mariveles, with its barrios of Bagac and Morong, was also included in the province, thus abolishing the old district (corregimiento) of Mariveles. And Maragondon which originally belonged to this district, was incorporated into the province of Cavite.
As a province, Bataan was placed under its own Alcalde Mayor, assisted by a number of personnel. The economy of the province was taken over by its own Administrador de Hacienda Publica and its military defense units were placed in the hands of two units of Guardia Civil—one in Balanga and one in Dinalupihan under the command of two officers—and a station in Orion with its Cabo.
Source:Bataan Land of Valor, People of Peace by Fr. Wilfredo C. Paguio
1898 revolution
It was the first of May 1898, at around five to six o’clock in the morning when thunders of cannon volleys interrupted the tranquil sleep of the people of Bataan. American forces were bombing Corregidor, just off the coast of Mariveles. In less than an hour, Spanish defenses on the island were destroyed and by the afternoon of that same day, six American officials, including a captain, landed on the island from their vessel, Zafiro. The island was surrended.
THE FALL OF MARIVELES
By the end of the month, everything was ready for the conquest of Bataan by the insrurrectos, who had no choice but to raise a rebellion. Otherwise, it was known later, the American forces threatened to bombard the whole province.
Mariveles, therefore, was taken on May 30. Protected by eight regiments under Lieutenant Pavon, the town was attacked at noon when the soldiers were taking lunch. Though unprepared, the soldiers fought bravely – fifty to one. The battle left 16 young Spanish soldiers dead or gravely wounded.
THE FALL OF ORION
Orion was also taken on the 30th. Around 6 o’clock in the morning of the 29th, the infantry stationed in the town split up to survey the town. One division under the Señor Guerra, went northwards in the direction of Pilar. The other, under First Lieutenant Gomez, went southwards towards Limay. Only seven soldiers, under Sgt. Navarro, were left in town.
Soon after the two columns of soldiers left, cannon shots were heard – Balanga came under fire. And in a moment, from the forest of Orion itself, appeared troops of insurrectos. However, they could not approach the church and convent because of the armed soldiers who had taken refuge there.
Organizing themselves, the insurrectos marched towards Limay where they encountered the troops of Lieutenant Gomez – 20 infantry men with two guardias civiles against no less than four thousand rebels. The battle lasted for five hours, until two in the afternoon when the soldiers had used up their ammunition.
Victoriously, the rebels hastened to town where they kept vigil through the night, asking the priests of the parish, Fathers Ulpiano Herrero and Julian Misol, to surrender. In the morning of the next day, May 30, moved by the threats of the rebels to burn down the church and convent, the priests came down from the tower of the church and with them descended the Spanish flag in the town.
THE FALL OF PILAR
In Pilar, trouble also began on May 29. Ten infantry men who sought shelter in the convent found themselves surrounded by men armed with bolos – mostly Aetas who had connived with the few insurrectos in the town to occupy it. Prepared for battle, the soldiers stayed on the first floor of the convent for it was of concrete materials while the second floor was only of wood. Here, they were attacked by a native who had taken his subo, thinking that with it he could kill all the Spaniards in the convent, without getting himself killed. But before he could even reach the convent door, he was felled with a gunshot.
However, the insurrectos were able to set the convent aflame, and the soldiers had to flee to the church located at the other side of the road. In the process, the parish priest, Fr. Francisco Garcia, was wounded in the nose and left arm. And, after having been attacked by another superstitious fanatic, they were able to close the church and climb to the tower. From there, they heard the sound of trumpets from the direction of Orion. Thinking that it was help, they were overjoyed. Later, however, from the tower, they understood and saw that it was but a cry for help from the troops of Sergeant Guerra in Orion, being massacred by the insurrectos.
Hungry and thirsty, Father Garcia and his companions waited for any aid from Balanga or from any other place until the next day, May 30, when, convinced that no help was coming and assured by Gregorio Paguio, the captain of the insurrectos, that they would be treated with respect, they ended Spanish sovereignty in Pilar by surrendering themselves.
THE FALL OF BAGAC AND MORONG
On a Monday, June 7, a surprise attack was made on the 25 infantrymen of Bagac, and all were killed. The same was planned for Morong but the infantrymen of the town readily perceived their plan. They defended the quarters of the town for several days until they ran out of food and ammunitions. They retreated to Subic where, after a heroic defense, they surrendered to the Americans on Isla Grande where they had taken refuge. Admiral Dewey, however, later handed them over to the government of Aguinaldo.
THE FALL OF BALANGA
By May 26, rumors of revolution already permeated the town of Balanga. The day after, a certain Pantaleon, a former capitan of the town, asked for a sung Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin for the failure of the plot of the Katipunan to kill all Spaniards. By the 28th, revolution already started in the town under the leadership of a certain Jaen, a strong though uneducated man. Later, afraid of the anger of his fellow rebels for having advanced the date of the revolution from May 31 to May 28, Jaen committed suicide. His troops tried unsuccessfully to occupy the military quarters of the town.
The Spaniards, who took refuge inside the convent, lasted till the 30th, when their food began to run out. By May 31, they realized that no help was coming from Orani. So Baquero, the military chief in Balanga, negotiated the terms of surrender with the head of the rebels of the town, a man named Cardenas.
THE FALL OF SAMAL
On May 29, Lieutenant Salazar of the Guardia Civil gave instructions for the parish priest of Samal to leave town. Early the next day, the same lieutenant, with 50 men under him, proceeded to Balanga to provide support, passing by Abucay to ask Father Govea to leave. Meanwhile, Don Lucas Francia, the commander of the Bataan-Zambales zone, awaited help from General Monet who was assigned in Pampanga.
Two days, later, 150 Macabebes came. Together with 70 other infantrymen and guardias civiles, they tried to proceed to Balanga. But like the troops of Lieutenant Salazar, they did not enter the town for fear of being trapped inside. Instead, they retreated to Samal. The next day, Francia was informed of the surrender of Balanga. Sending a small troop to Samal, which also later returned, Francia retreated to Pampanga together with the priests of Abucay, Samal, Orani and Hermosa. So that when Lt. Salazar sent him a messenger to ask for instructions, he had already left.
That night, the revolutionaries attacked the town of Samal with arms taken from the Peace of Biak-na-Bato, from the infantrymen of Pilar, Abucay and Balanga which had surrendered, and from the Americans. Lieutenant Salazar wanted to surrender but the Macabebes, hoping for help from Pampanga which had been promised by Francia, refused.
Meanwhile, the insurrectos, having surrounded the Church, were able to dig a hole on the left side of the church, into which they poured petroleum which they later set aflame, burning the main altar. This led the defenders of the town to agree to the surrender provided their lives be spared.
But, afterwards, the rebels decreed that the Macabebes were not included in the agreement since they were Filipinos who turned traitor to their motherland by fighting under the Spanish flag. To regain their freedom, the Macabebes were required to shout, “Muera España, viva Filipinas!” Refusing to do this, the Macabebes answered: “Pensais que vamos a ser como vosotros que ayer jurabais ser eternamente fieles a España para hoy matar a sus hijos u pisotear su bandera?...” Because of this, they were all massacred.
In their honor, Father Ulpiano Herrero wrote:
“Descanded en paz magnanimos hijos de Macabebe! Con vuestro glorioso sacrificio cerrasteis brillantissimamente el libro de la fidelidad de Filipinas a España; y en ese asqueroso monton de traiciones y bellanquerias contra la Patria que dio a los Filipinos religion y cultura, constituis el unico oasis en que, contemplando los sucesos del perfido levantamiento, se recrea la mente del observador, a quien enthusiasman los sublimes cuadros de historia.”
Source:Bataan Land of Valor, People of Peace by Fr. Wilfredo C. Paguio
THE FALL OF MARIVELES
By the end of the month, everything was ready for the conquest of Bataan by the insrurrectos, who had no choice but to raise a rebellion. Otherwise, it was known later, the American forces threatened to bombard the whole province.
Mariveles, therefore, was taken on May 30. Protected by eight regiments under Lieutenant Pavon, the town was attacked at noon when the soldiers were taking lunch. Though unprepared, the soldiers fought bravely – fifty to one. The battle left 16 young Spanish soldiers dead or gravely wounded.
THE FALL OF ORION
Orion was also taken on the 30th. Around 6 o’clock in the morning of the 29th, the infantry stationed in the town split up to survey the town. One division under the Señor Guerra, went northwards in the direction of Pilar. The other, under First Lieutenant Gomez, went southwards towards Limay. Only seven soldiers, under Sgt. Navarro, were left in town.
Soon after the two columns of soldiers left, cannon shots were heard – Balanga came under fire. And in a moment, from the forest of Orion itself, appeared troops of insurrectos. However, they could not approach the church and convent because of the armed soldiers who had taken refuge there.
Organizing themselves, the insurrectos marched towards Limay where they encountered the troops of Lieutenant Gomez – 20 infantry men with two guardias civiles against no less than four thousand rebels. The battle lasted for five hours, until two in the afternoon when the soldiers had used up their ammunition.
Victoriously, the rebels hastened to town where they kept vigil through the night, asking the priests of the parish, Fathers Ulpiano Herrero and Julian Misol, to surrender. In the morning of the next day, May 30, moved by the threats of the rebels to burn down the church and convent, the priests came down from the tower of the church and with them descended the Spanish flag in the town.
THE FALL OF PILAR
In Pilar, trouble also began on May 29. Ten infantry men who sought shelter in the convent found themselves surrounded by men armed with bolos – mostly Aetas who had connived with the few insurrectos in the town to occupy it. Prepared for battle, the soldiers stayed on the first floor of the convent for it was of concrete materials while the second floor was only of wood. Here, they were attacked by a native who had taken his subo, thinking that with it he could kill all the Spaniards in the convent, without getting himself killed. But before he could even reach the convent door, he was felled with a gunshot.
However, the insurrectos were able to set the convent aflame, and the soldiers had to flee to the church located at the other side of the road. In the process, the parish priest, Fr. Francisco Garcia, was wounded in the nose and left arm. And, after having been attacked by another superstitious fanatic, they were able to close the church and climb to the tower. From there, they heard the sound of trumpets from the direction of Orion. Thinking that it was help, they were overjoyed. Later, however, from the tower, they understood and saw that it was but a cry for help from the troops of Sergeant Guerra in Orion, being massacred by the insurrectos.
Hungry and thirsty, Father Garcia and his companions waited for any aid from Balanga or from any other place until the next day, May 30, when, convinced that no help was coming and assured by Gregorio Paguio, the captain of the insurrectos, that they would be treated with respect, they ended Spanish sovereignty in Pilar by surrendering themselves.
THE FALL OF BAGAC AND MORONG
On a Monday, June 7, a surprise attack was made on the 25 infantrymen of Bagac, and all were killed. The same was planned for Morong but the infantrymen of the town readily perceived their plan. They defended the quarters of the town for several days until they ran out of food and ammunitions. They retreated to Subic where, after a heroic defense, they surrendered to the Americans on Isla Grande where they had taken refuge. Admiral Dewey, however, later handed them over to the government of Aguinaldo.
THE FALL OF BALANGA
By May 26, rumors of revolution already permeated the town of Balanga. The day after, a certain Pantaleon, a former capitan of the town, asked for a sung Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin for the failure of the plot of the Katipunan to kill all Spaniards. By the 28th, revolution already started in the town under the leadership of a certain Jaen, a strong though uneducated man. Later, afraid of the anger of his fellow rebels for having advanced the date of the revolution from May 31 to May 28, Jaen committed suicide. His troops tried unsuccessfully to occupy the military quarters of the town.
The Spaniards, who took refuge inside the convent, lasted till the 30th, when their food began to run out. By May 31, they realized that no help was coming from Orani. So Baquero, the military chief in Balanga, negotiated the terms of surrender with the head of the rebels of the town, a man named Cardenas.
THE FALL OF SAMAL
On May 29, Lieutenant Salazar of the Guardia Civil gave instructions for the parish priest of Samal to leave town. Early the next day, the same lieutenant, with 50 men under him, proceeded to Balanga to provide support, passing by Abucay to ask Father Govea to leave. Meanwhile, Don Lucas Francia, the commander of the Bataan-Zambales zone, awaited help from General Monet who was assigned in Pampanga.
Two days, later, 150 Macabebes came. Together with 70 other infantrymen and guardias civiles, they tried to proceed to Balanga. But like the troops of Lieutenant Salazar, they did not enter the town for fear of being trapped inside. Instead, they retreated to Samal. The next day, Francia was informed of the surrender of Balanga. Sending a small troop to Samal, which also later returned, Francia retreated to Pampanga together with the priests of Abucay, Samal, Orani and Hermosa. So that when Lt. Salazar sent him a messenger to ask for instructions, he had already left.
That night, the revolutionaries attacked the town of Samal with arms taken from the Peace of Biak-na-Bato, from the infantrymen of Pilar, Abucay and Balanga which had surrendered, and from the Americans. Lieutenant Salazar wanted to surrender but the Macabebes, hoping for help from Pampanga which had been promised by Francia, refused.
Meanwhile, the insurrectos, having surrounded the Church, were able to dig a hole on the left side of the church, into which they poured petroleum which they later set aflame, burning the main altar. This led the defenders of the town to agree to the surrender provided their lives be spared.
But, afterwards, the rebels decreed that the Macabebes were not included in the agreement since they were Filipinos who turned traitor to their motherland by fighting under the Spanish flag. To regain their freedom, the Macabebes were required to shout, “Muera España, viva Filipinas!” Refusing to do this, the Macabebes answered: “Pensais que vamos a ser como vosotros que ayer jurabais ser eternamente fieles a España para hoy matar a sus hijos u pisotear su bandera?...” Because of this, they were all massacred.
In their honor, Father Ulpiano Herrero wrote:
“Descanded en paz magnanimos hijos de Macabebe! Con vuestro glorioso sacrificio cerrasteis brillantissimamente el libro de la fidelidad de Filipinas a España; y en ese asqueroso monton de traiciones y bellanquerias contra la Patria que dio a los Filipinos religion y cultura, constituis el unico oasis en que, contemplando los sucesos del perfido levantamiento, se recrea la mente del observador, a quien enthusiasman los sublimes cuadros de historia.”
Source:Bataan Land of Valor, People of Peace by Fr. Wilfredo C. Paguio
THE AMERICAN PERIOD (1898-1946)
The revolt of the Filipinos against Spain at the close of the 19th century, after more than 300 years of subjugation, did not mean the end of foreign dominion over the Islands. The ousting of Castillian conquerors and administrators by the local insurrectos only meant turning over control to another fair-skinned race. On May 1, 1898, Corregidor fell into the hands of the Americans. By the first days of the second week of the following month, Bataan was already taken for them by the insurrectos. Soon, on June 12, 1898, Philippine independence from Spain was proclaimed in Kawit, Cavite. But it was only on August 14, 1898, after the Battle of Manila, that Spain surrendered to the United States. On December 10, 1898, the Treaty of Paris was signed.
The first Philippine Republic (1899-1901) was inaugurated under the presidency of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. A son of Bataan, Tomas G. del Rosario, was the vice-president of those who framed its constitution at the Malolos Congress. It did not take long, however, for Filipinos to realize that they had another master – the Americans.
Still aflame with the heat of battle against the Spaniards, the same insurrectos who dared to challenge their foreign colonizers and won, launched the Philippine-American War.
The Filipinos put up a courageous fight. But only July 4, 1901. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo was apprehended in Palanan, Isabela. This led US President Theodore Roosevelt to declare the rebellion ended.
An American governor was appointed for Bataan – Harry Gouldman (1901-1903). The first Filipino governor was Tomas G. del Rosario of Balanga (1903-1905). He was followed by: Lorenzo Zialcita of Orani (1905-1907); Pedro J. Rich of Samal (1907-1909); Mariano Rosauro of Balanga (1909-1912); and Maximino R. de los Reyes of Balanga (1912-1916).
The line of congressmen from the province is compared of the following: Jose Ma. Lerma of Pilar (1907-1909); Tomas G. del Rosario of Balanga (1909-1912); Pablo Tecson of Balanga (1912-1916); and Maximino de los Reyes of Balanga (1916-1922).
It was during the incumbency of Maximino R. de los Reyes that Limay, on January 1, 1917, became a town separated from Orion, due to a petition led by Domingo de Ocampo, Francisco Villafranca, Emilio Ambrocio, Jose del Rosario, Mariano de San Pedro and Victorino Calma. It was also de los Reyes who worked hard to stabilize the economy of the province so that it would not be reabsorbed by the province of Pampanga.
Other provincial governors were: Conrado Lerma of Pilar (1916-1918); Pedro J. Rich of Samal (1918-1919); Alberto Aquino of Samal (1919-1922); Manuel Aguinaldo of Pilar (1922-1925); Gregorio Quicho of Orion (1925-1931); and Sabino de Leon of Pilar (1931-1934). The representatives were: Antonio Llamas of Mariveles (1922-1925); Manuel Banzon of Balanga (1925-1928); Teodoro Camacho, Sr. of Balanga (1928-1931); and Fortunado de Leon of Orion (1931-1934).
The Philippine Commonwealth under President Manuel L. Quezon lasted from 1935 to 1946. This was, however, interrupted by the Japanese occupation of the country. Before the coming of the Japanes, the governors were: Alberto Aquino of Samal (1934-1937); Joaquin J. Linao of Morong (1937-1940); and Jose Manahan of Balanga (1940-1941). The congressmen were Teodoro Camacho, Sr. of Balanga (1934-1941) and Antonio G. Llamas of Mariveles (1941).
The Second Republic of the Philippines (1942-1945) refers to the puppet government headed by President Jose P. Laurel during the Japanese occupation of the Islands. The governors of Bataan then were Simeon Salonga (1942-1945) and Teodoro Camacho (1945-1946). The Japanese bowed out of the Islands with rumors of Yamashita’s treasure even as they left without even multering arigato or sayonara.
MacArthur returned and the United States granted independence to the Philippines on July 4, 1946. Among the many legacies of the Americans to Filipinos are democracy, press freedom, the English language, health care and the public school system.
To expand the public school system in the Philippines, the United States sent teachers, who came to be known as Thomasites, because they arrived on board the ship Thomas, which left San Franscisco on July 1901 and arrived on August 23, 1901.
Three Thomasites were assigned in Bataan: Frank A. Butts, in Abucay; C.H. Goddarch, in Mariveles; and Bessie Taylor, in Balanga.
Soon, native teachers were being trained. Night schools were established and provincial schools offered English courses. Summer institutes were opened from February 15 to March 30 of each year either in San Fernando (Pampanga) or Balanga. Scholars were sent to the United States to study, among whom was Pedro Tuazon of Balanga.
Orani opened its first American school on February 27, 1902, when Benito Pangilinan was superintendent of schools in the province. On June 1904, Balanga had a complete elementary school up to grades five and six. By 1916, Limay had a primary school. The establishment of schools was a priority project of Governor Alberto Aquino, especially in Morong, Dinalupihan, Orani and Mariveles.
Private schools were also founded. In 1925, Felisa Baens was said to have started a high school in Orani with Arcangel de la Fuente as its first teacher. In 1926, the Jose Rizal Institute was put up in Orion, and Later in Orani, by Francisco de la Rosa, Florentino Simeon and Alfredo Angeles.
In general, the American regime also greatly influenced the people. Instead of just eating pesang pating, lugaw na butete, ginisang pindangga or pinais na page, people began to develop a taste for oatmeal, hamburger and hot dog. In addition to the usual suka, patis and toyo, they began to use catsup, chew gums instead of buyo and smoke American cigarettes. Instead of just using higot, men started to use suspenders and belts. They began wearing polo shirts and sporting tennis shoes. Women shortened their dresses.
Poker and bridge took the place of monte and panguingue. Bowling, basketball, baseball and volleyball were introduced in lieu of sabong. The carnival became a part of every town fiesta. Zarzuelas and the moro-moro or comedias were presented with vaudeville. Movies were popularized. The old Chinese restaurants were glamorized into soda fountains. Cabarets with bellas, which later became synonimous with women of ill repute, sprouted in almost every municipality. The sounds of Charleston, boogie-woogie and fox trot predominated in these places, though always with due respect to the pabasa and cenaculo of Lent.
The byword of the time was, of course, “Victory Joe!”
Source:Bataan Land of Valor, People of Peace by Fr. Wilfredo C. Paguio
The first Philippine Republic (1899-1901) was inaugurated under the presidency of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. A son of Bataan, Tomas G. del Rosario, was the vice-president of those who framed its constitution at the Malolos Congress. It did not take long, however, for Filipinos to realize that they had another master – the Americans.
Still aflame with the heat of battle against the Spaniards, the same insurrectos who dared to challenge their foreign colonizers and won, launched the Philippine-American War.
The Filipinos put up a courageous fight. But only July 4, 1901. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo was apprehended in Palanan, Isabela. This led US President Theodore Roosevelt to declare the rebellion ended.
An American governor was appointed for Bataan – Harry Gouldman (1901-1903). The first Filipino governor was Tomas G. del Rosario of Balanga (1903-1905). He was followed by: Lorenzo Zialcita of Orani (1905-1907); Pedro J. Rich of Samal (1907-1909); Mariano Rosauro of Balanga (1909-1912); and Maximino R. de los Reyes of Balanga (1912-1916).
The line of congressmen from the province is compared of the following: Jose Ma. Lerma of Pilar (1907-1909); Tomas G. del Rosario of Balanga (1909-1912); Pablo Tecson of Balanga (1912-1916); and Maximino de los Reyes of Balanga (1916-1922).
It was during the incumbency of Maximino R. de los Reyes that Limay, on January 1, 1917, became a town separated from Orion, due to a petition led by Domingo de Ocampo, Francisco Villafranca, Emilio Ambrocio, Jose del Rosario, Mariano de San Pedro and Victorino Calma. It was also de los Reyes who worked hard to stabilize the economy of the province so that it would not be reabsorbed by the province of Pampanga.
Other provincial governors were: Conrado Lerma of Pilar (1916-1918); Pedro J. Rich of Samal (1918-1919); Alberto Aquino of Samal (1919-1922); Manuel Aguinaldo of Pilar (1922-1925); Gregorio Quicho of Orion (1925-1931); and Sabino de Leon of Pilar (1931-1934). The representatives were: Antonio Llamas of Mariveles (1922-1925); Manuel Banzon of Balanga (1925-1928); Teodoro Camacho, Sr. of Balanga (1928-1931); and Fortunado de Leon of Orion (1931-1934).
The Philippine Commonwealth under President Manuel L. Quezon lasted from 1935 to 1946. This was, however, interrupted by the Japanese occupation of the country. Before the coming of the Japanes, the governors were: Alberto Aquino of Samal (1934-1937); Joaquin J. Linao of Morong (1937-1940); and Jose Manahan of Balanga (1940-1941). The congressmen were Teodoro Camacho, Sr. of Balanga (1934-1941) and Antonio G. Llamas of Mariveles (1941).
The Second Republic of the Philippines (1942-1945) refers to the puppet government headed by President Jose P. Laurel during the Japanese occupation of the Islands. The governors of Bataan then were Simeon Salonga (1942-1945) and Teodoro Camacho (1945-1946). The Japanese bowed out of the Islands with rumors of Yamashita’s treasure even as they left without even multering arigato or sayonara.
MacArthur returned and the United States granted independence to the Philippines on July 4, 1946. Among the many legacies of the Americans to Filipinos are democracy, press freedom, the English language, health care and the public school system.
To expand the public school system in the Philippines, the United States sent teachers, who came to be known as Thomasites, because they arrived on board the ship Thomas, which left San Franscisco on July 1901 and arrived on August 23, 1901.
Three Thomasites were assigned in Bataan: Frank A. Butts, in Abucay; C.H. Goddarch, in Mariveles; and Bessie Taylor, in Balanga.
Soon, native teachers were being trained. Night schools were established and provincial schools offered English courses. Summer institutes were opened from February 15 to March 30 of each year either in San Fernando (Pampanga) or Balanga. Scholars were sent to the United States to study, among whom was Pedro Tuazon of Balanga.
Orani opened its first American school on February 27, 1902, when Benito Pangilinan was superintendent of schools in the province. On June 1904, Balanga had a complete elementary school up to grades five and six. By 1916, Limay had a primary school. The establishment of schools was a priority project of Governor Alberto Aquino, especially in Morong, Dinalupihan, Orani and Mariveles.
Private schools were also founded. In 1925, Felisa Baens was said to have started a high school in Orani with Arcangel de la Fuente as its first teacher. In 1926, the Jose Rizal Institute was put up in Orion, and Later in Orani, by Francisco de la Rosa, Florentino Simeon and Alfredo Angeles.
In general, the American regime also greatly influenced the people. Instead of just eating pesang pating, lugaw na butete, ginisang pindangga or pinais na page, people began to develop a taste for oatmeal, hamburger and hot dog. In addition to the usual suka, patis and toyo, they began to use catsup, chew gums instead of buyo and smoke American cigarettes. Instead of just using higot, men started to use suspenders and belts. They began wearing polo shirts and sporting tennis shoes. Women shortened their dresses.
Poker and bridge took the place of monte and panguingue. Bowling, basketball, baseball and volleyball were introduced in lieu of sabong. The carnival became a part of every town fiesta. Zarzuelas and the moro-moro or comedias were presented with vaudeville. Movies were popularized. The old Chinese restaurants were glamorized into soda fountains. Cabarets with bellas, which later became synonimous with women of ill repute, sprouted in almost every municipality. The sounds of Charleston, boogie-woogie and fox trot predominated in these places, though always with due respect to the pabasa and cenaculo of Lent.
The byword of the time was, of course, “Victory Joe!”
Source:Bataan Land of Valor, People of Peace by Fr. Wilfredo C. Paguio