Version from: the Mindoro Yearbook (1955)

Version from: Oriental Mindoro: From the Dawn of Civilization

Version from: History of St. John the Baptist Parish

Fr. Joel Maribao, SVD

Version from: the Second Bahaghari Commemorative Issue (2001

Source: Mindoro Yearbook (1955)

A group of adventurous immigrants left Marinduque for an unknown destination. After many days of voyage, the “Council of Elders” of the group gazed at the rainbow on their westward bound. One of the crews shouted, “ipinamalay”; the voyagers decided to charter the sailing vessel towards the rainbow proceeding to “Lumang-bayan”, what is now called Pinamalayan. The town of Ipinamalay (now Pinamalayan) is close to the shore on the river of the same name about 2-3/4 miles- southwestward of Bugot Point. The Pinamalayan River whose source originates from the mountains north of the town empties at the mouth of the old Lumang-Bayan River. Stretching from Mount Dumali in the northeastern part of the island (751 miles) high and prominent, the coastal trends southward with a succession of sweeping curves towards Pinamalayan Bay to Duyagan Point.

The town is bounded on the north by Babahurin Hill and extends towards the northwest which meets the town of Pola. Towards the south and north, the town lies on an extensive plain and is low and flat towards the south direction to Balete and up to the boundary of Bongabon. About 90% of its area is located on its level plain which extends into the interior. It is intersected by three rivers, namely; the Lumangbayan, the Balete and the Pula Rivers which are short and never navigable. The town is exposed to the northeast monsoon, but with the mountain facing north, it is safe from that direction.

The history of the town has its ancient beginning antedating far back with the advent of the Marinduque settlers in the early part of the 18^th century who landed on the shores of the old settlement at Lumang-bayan. The first village was implanted there by the newcomers pushing back the pagans into the interior. In the course of time and subjected by the ravages of Moro piracy, the natives had to fight back the buccaneers as well as the tulisanes at the end of the 19^th century. The old Lumang-bayan was the town up to its transfer to the present site on or about 1914. The Recollect Order first established a part of the second ecclesiastic district of Naujan and extend as far as Bongabon,, assigning St. Agustine as its titular (Patron Saint).

The pattern of this town’s territorial expansion dated back during the Spanish time when the villagers of Pinamalayan, Pola, Sumagui, Anilao and Bongabon belonged to one ministry district. That pattern was closely adhered to in the later part of the Spanish regime from 1888-1890. It was organized as a permanent settlement with Juan Morente, Sr. as gobernadorcillo and succeeded by his son, Juan Morente, Jr., as Captain (Mayor) in 1890-1894. When the revolution broke out against Spain, Pinamalayan took up arms and underwent some government changes under the provisional Malolos government headed by Juan Medina in 1898. In the Filipino-American War, the American forces took possession of the town, placed it under a military regime from 1901 to 1902; appointed Cornelio Nable as its first President under the new civil government.

Reorganized on April 28, 1904 under Act No. 1135 of the Philippine Commission, the municipalities of Bongabon and Pola were annexed to Pinamalayan as barrios. In the following year, on January 4, 1905, under Act No. 1280, the municipality of Pola was annexed to Pinamalayan as a barrio. In 1914, Pinamalayan was organized as a regular municipality. Since then, a new town site has been proposed, selected and surveyed for expansion. This new town site was planned by Governor Juan Morente, Jr. and Mr. Thomas I. Weeks.

In 1914 to 1916, during these years under review, the national high way to Pinamalayan has also been proposed and completed in 1931.

In January 1912, Pola was separated from Pinamalayan as township and in 1920, Bongabon was separated from Pinamalayan as a municipal district under Act No. 2824 of March 15, 1919. Agriculture and business developments gradually increased with opening of roads. More people immigrated since then; this position of publics land has hastened; homesteading increased and greater areas of uncultivated lands were turned to production.

On or about January 20, 1942, the Japanese Army from Calapan occupied the town and appointed Carlos Aguilocho and M. Medina as occupation Mayors. On or about January 15, 1945, the American Army from San Jose landed at Pinamalayan and liberated it from the enemy. Substantial progress has been made in the rehabilitation of the town since 1946. Municipal roads were repaired and extended, three big bridges were constructed (Balete, Nabuslot, and Lumambayan), a water system and a new market were constructed, a puericulture center and the beautification of the town plaza were undertaken. In 1948, Quinabigan was declared a national sub-port. The town is composed of six big barrios, namely; Lumang-bayan, Quinabigan, Nabuslot, Panggulayan, Maligaya, and Balete.

As presently constituted after the separation of Pola and Bongabon, the present area is 556 sq. km. or 55, 600 hectares. The population which was 2, 437 in 1903 increased to 8,606 in 1918. By 1939, the population increased to 16, 086 or 46% between the two census periods. By 1948, it jumped to 21,754 or an increase of 5,668 between 1939 and 1948 or 22%. This abrupt rise has been due mainly to the facilities of good transportation system. The population is mostly Tagalog who came from Batangas and Marinduque, Pinamalayan, one of the ranking producers of coconuts, exported 850 pounds of copra valued at P2, 000,000 in 1950. These fertile plains are devoted to yearly rice production making it a source of supply for Marinduque, Tablas and neighboring localities. The municipality is one of the premier producers of bananas, a variety of forest products are gathered; a diversification of crops, vegetables and fruit trees are being accomplished.

It accounts for a variety of fish products from the sea; some fish ponds are now being developed; ranked second to none in the manufacture of wooden shoes, a distributing center of retail and wholesale trade for Sibaly and Bongabon, it has a busy market in the poblacion and a barrio market at Nabuslot. It is not only a coconut region, but it is also a retail and wholesale trade center. It stands with 5 drug stores, 74 dry goods stores, 2 jewelry and repair shops, 4 bars, and refreshment parlors, 4 barber shops, 3 furniture houses, 5 restaurants, 2 gasoline stations, 4 tailor shops, 4 bakeries, 4 photographers, 20 Chinese stores, 5 lumber and hardware dealers, 5 cockpits, 2 contractors, a PRISCO store, 16 copra dealers, 3 wooden shoe factories, 1 theatre, 36 public market stall holders, 17 fishermen, and 46 tuba dealers.

In the field of education, it ranks first in the number of private high schools (three) and one collegiate level. It boasts of 26 barrio and 8 elementary schools with 114 teachers in 1950; it has a puericulture, an electric and ice plant; it has a Catholic church, one Iglesia Ni Cristo chapel; it has several religious organizations and a beautiful park.

Source: Mindoro Yearbook (1955)

Pinamalayan’s semi-circular waterfront affords excellent anchorage for vessels of inter-island type and visited weekly by steamers direct from Manila via Marinduque. It also affords an anchorage for ocean-going vessels in the sub-port of Quinabigan where copra is shipped every three months. It stands mid-way in the national high way to Bongabon and to Calapan. The Borbon and Halcon buses make this town a terminal and transport system. In the field of communication service, it has postal and telegraphic services, serving a wide area of 21,000 souls. It boasts also of its 2 light houses, one at Punta Dumali and other in town proper.

The assessed value of private property was P361, 317.75 in 1916 to P791, 622.00 in 1920. The coconut industry is responsible for its increase in valuation which by 1928, it grows to P2,055,410.00. In 1950, as a result of the high price of coconuts, palay and the number of people owing lands, together with increase turnover of business, the revised valuation amounted to P3,428,720.00, exempt P221,670. The total budget for 1950 amounted to P73,585.12 of which P35,228.64 came from revenue from taxation; P5,067.72 from incidental revenue; P12,963.75 from market collection; property tax amounted P9,718.30; municipal license P12,809.00; fisheries, P1,600.45. The total current expenses in 1950 amounted to P30,909.99, of which the biggest item went to salaries and wages representing 57% of the total current expenses; maintenance, P2,743.62; capital outlays roads, bridges; waterworks and others P52,127.12.

Former presidents: Cornelio Nable (1901-1902), Juan Aguilocho (1902-1903), Vicente Dominguez (1903-1904), Florencio Morente (1905-1906), Juan Morente (1907-1912), Jesus Dominuez (1913-1915), Jose Benitez (1915-1916), Elias Semilla (1916-1919), Carlos Aguilocho, Francisco Laurea (1925-1928), Anacleto Villamin (1928-1929), Conrado M. Morente (1929-1930, 1931-1934), Felipe Venturanza (1934-1938), (1938-1940), Dr. Abelardo Bunag (1941-1942), Carlos Aguilocho (1942-1943), Manuel Medina (1943-1945), Thomas B. Villamin (1946-1947).Dominador Madrid (1948-1951), Dr. Pio Baldos (1952-1955).

Area: 556 sq. km. or 55,600 hectares

Population: 1903 - 2,437; 1948 – 21,754

Patron Saint: San Agustin, April 25.

Classification: Third Class

Source: Oriental Mindoro: From the Dawn of Civilization to the Year 2000 A.D.

By: Florante D. Villarica

The town of Pinamalayan is close to the shore at the mouth of the river of the same name. The town’s name was said to be taken from the word “ipinamalay” which means to make aware or to show the way. According to an old story, the early settlers of this town came from Marinduque. While they were on their way to Mindoro in their big bancas, they encountered turbulent weather and lost their way. They prayed to God Almighty for deliverance and guidance, whereupon, the weather cleared and a rainbow appeared on the horizon. The crew shouted “ipinamalayan” (it was made known).

They followed the direction of the rainbow believing that at its en lies a pot of gold and good fortune. They finally landed at what is now Barangay Lumambayan and established the first settlement which they named Pinamalayan. They found good fortune in the new land which brought them prosperity because of the good soil and abundant resources.

Some other sources attribute the name Pinamalayan simply to the fact that the area was once a vast area planted to rice, hence the name “pinagpalayan” or “Pinamalayan”. Since then the place grew and became a town. However during the entire 18th century, Pinamalayan was one of the coastal areas frequently attacked by Moro Pirates. People were decimated and many field to the interior for safety. In spite of all these, the town site remained in that place until 1916 when it was transferred by the Americans to its present site.

In the year 1888 the territory of Pinamalayan included the settlements of Pola, Sumagui, and Anilao. At that time, the gobernadorcillo was Juan Morente, Jr., who assumed position until 1898 when the uprising against the Spanish government broke out. Morente Jr. joined the revolutionary forces as a captain. Juan Medina replaced him as the town head. When the Spaniards surrendered, Morente Jr. became governor of the province of Mindoro while Cornelio Nable was appointed as the municipal president.

In April 28, 1904 under the American government, the towns of Pola and Bongabon were consolidated with Pinamalayan by Virtue of Act 1155. It was only in January 12, 1912 when Pola regained its status as a regular town. Bongabon likewise regained its township status in March 1919 under Act 2824.

During the American period, the town was transferred to its present site. The American planners made sure that this new town will be laid out properly according to a planning system of wide symmetrical vertical and horizontal roads with proper drainage facilities. A big plaza was further constructed in front of the municipal building. Pinamalayan still stands as a model in town planning to all the municipalities in Oriental Mindoro.

When the Japanese occupied Mindoro in 1942, Dr. Abelardo Bunag, the mayor, joined the underground movement. The Japanese appointed Carlos Aguilucho followed by Manuel Medina until the Americans returned in January 15, 1945.

The town steadily grew from 1947 to 1990 under various administrations. There are now two private colleges and three secondary schools and several Barangay high schools. A private sports complex may be found in Zone I. Interesting tourist destinations include the beaches of Pili, Banilad and Ranzo. At the peak of Mount Longos, one can see the paranomic vista of the stretch of sea that separates eastern Mindoro from Marinduque and the Tres Reyes islands. Other areas that would interest mountaineers are the towering ranges of Mt. Dumali, Mt. Beyer, Mt. Worcester, the Agus Hill and Bongol Point.

Source: History of St. John the Baptist Parish

Fr. Joel Maribao, SVD

The middle of 17^th and 18^th century was the height of Spanish-Moro Wars that during this century, Moro raids broke loose in Mindoro. Many residents were killed or captured and sold in the slave markets in the south. Others more fortunate ones fled for their lives to other provinces. In fact, its history throughout the 17^th and 18^th century (1600 – 1800) about 200 years was practically a story of constant struggle between the native and the Moro pirates.

Pola, because of the strategic location of the Pola Bay, became a convenient stop over and launching area of the Moro’s sporadic attacks against the larger settlements of Naujan and Calapan. From the coast of Pola, they can see the approaching enemies either on the northern or the southern side. Consequently, Pola’s population never grew up because many inhabitants were dispersed deeper into the hills to avoid the hostilities and being captured by the Muslims.

The Moros established two strongholds: in Mamburao and in Balete, Calapan. From these two bases, the Moros sailed forth to attack the defenseless villages, destroying properties and subjecting the natives into slavery. As a result of these depredations, the whole villages in the eastern part of the island including Pola were destroyed and as such, abandoned by some of the inhabitants. Thus, a gloomy picture is presented: the villages were wiped out from the Mindoro map. A document from Mexico revealed that in 1754 alone, 21 Pola residents representing 18% of the population were captured by the Moro raiders. At the height of the Moro raids, the Recollect Missionaries gave up the island of Mindoro in 1776 for several reasons: one of which was the lack of personnel brought about by the raiders who either kill or capture for ransom the helpless missionaries.

Pola was well on its way while its neighboring village of Pinamalayan was doomed to its end when the Provincial Government requested Manila to force the Pinamalayan settlers to move to Pola in 1843. This was particularly recommended by the Naujan parish priest, a Tagalog secular priest Baltazar Narvaez. It was because Pinamalayan and Mansalay were totally deserted by the natives for fear of Moro attacks.

This was primarily due to the 1836 Moro raid, where Pinamalayan was left in disarray with a very few survivors: 19 adults, 7 dependents and about 5 houses. These few survivors rallied behind their Cavesa de Barangay Teniente Agapito dela Cruz, a young man from Aklan and petitioned the authorities for a grace period of just one year to increase the number of houses and settlers in Pinamalayan. The promised increase did not come in one year, but the settlers’ decisive move, led by Teniente Dela Cruz, saved Pinamalayan from extinction.

For a long time, the Spanish authority was unable to put to an end the Moro depredations. The successful expeditions of Governor General Simon de Anda in 1762 – 1764 and 1770 – 1776 served to put an end to the piracy, but no sooner had the Spanish forces been withdrawn, piracy was resumed.

By: Edgar C. Genabe

Municipal Tourism Coordinator - Pola

Source: Second Bahaghari Commemorative Issue (2001)

The Conception

During the transmigration era and man’s search for fortune and self-fulfillment, a group of migrants from the shores of Marinduqe sailed to sea aboard big bancas. Along their journey, they encountered a turbulent weather and lost their way. With the horizon filled with fog, they continued their course to an unknown destination. They prayed to God for deliverance and guidance, whereupon, the haze cleared out and a rainbow appeared in the skyline. Beneath it is a green and abundant land with wide plains and slight terrain. The crew shouted “Ipinamalay na!” Superstitiously, they believed that it was a sign of luck and they would find good fortune. They chartered towards the rainbow and anchored at the beach south of Pili Point in Lumambayan.

These people afterwards found prosperity in the place and decided to stay permanently. They cultivated vast plantation of rice. However, during the larger parts of the 17^th and 18^th century, Moro Pirates from Panay, Romblon and Tablas frequently attacked the area to loot residents’ valuables. People were decimated and many were forced to flee into the interior for safety. When the bandits had no more to seize, they left and acclaimed the place “Pinagpalayan”.

As a permanent settlement, the place was organized by Juan Morente, Sr., who was then the Gobernadorcillo (1888 – 1890). The territory of Pinamalayan covered Pola, Sumagui (Bansud), and Anilao (Bongabong) during that time. He was ascended by his son, Juan Morente, Jr., who assumed position until 1894. When the uprising against the Spanish broke out in 1898, Juan Morente, Jr. joined the revolutionary forces as a captain. Juan Medina replaced him as town head. The municipality further contributed its part on the history by taking up arms against the Spaniards, led by Medina.

Immediately upon signing of the Treaty of Paris, which ceded the Philippines to the United States, the American Government placed Pinamalayan in military rule and the civil government that followed under the Philippine Commission of 1902. Cornelio Nable (1901 – 1902) was appointed the first Municipal President, followed by Juan Aguilucho (1902 – 1903). It was administered under a special grant, as there was no sufficient fund available for the establishment of a regular organized municipality. Bongabong and Pola were sheltered as its barangays by virtue of Act 1155 in April 28, 1904 under the administration of Vicente Dominguez (1903 – 1904).

Florencio Morente then seated from 1905 to 1906. First election was conducted in 1907, and Juan Morente, Jr. became the first elected municipal president. It was in 1914 when the town was made a typical municipality, Pola in 1912, Bongabong in 1920 and so was Sibale. He (Morente Jr.) then was appointed as the first Filipino Governor replacing Carl L. Stone (1913 – 1914) under the Filipinization Policy of Governor General Francis Button Harrison.

Source: Second Bahaghari Commemorative Issue (2001)

The Founding

The old town site, the present Barangay Lumambayan, is situated between two rivers (Pinamalayan and Macanlig), one of which is too close to the seashore. This accounts for the impossibility of the expanding of the town proper. For the fast growing influx of population, a move was set forth to transfer the town to a better location. The fact was brought off by Governor Juan Morente, Jr. and Thomas Weeks, the Provincial Treasurer. The Municipal Council, under the leadership of President Jesus Dominguez, also in 1914, acted on the selection of the town site – one that will be the choice of the great majority of the inhabitants. In one of the regular meetings, prominent citizens of the towns as far as Balete (Gloria) were invited. People flocked in front of the municipal building in Lumambayan to witness and vote for the place they want. Barangays Quinabigan and Panggulayan were placed for consideration. The method of selection was through “viva voce” voting. The council set a place of assembly for all those favoring Quinabigan and another for Panggulayan. Majority of the people gathered for Panggulayan, so thus chosen.

One more administration passed before the formal founding occurred –Jose Benitez took office from 1915 to1916. It was in the year 1916, during the term of Municipal President Elias Semilla, when the transfer took effect. The Municipal Council led by Florencio Morente as committee chairman bought lots form the constituents. Few of those who were willing were: Esteban Miciano, Diego Mangante, Jose Lucero, Gregorio Justiniano, Euberto Llave, Juan Francisco and Jose Nieva. The latter donated land for the roads.

The American planners made sure that this new town would be built properly. Thus, they introduced a grid of network of wide roads with proper drainage system. A big plaza was constructed in front of the municipal building. The town of Pinamalayan still stands as a model in town planning among all the municipalities of Oriental Mindoro.

On the same year, the National Highway connecting Pinamalayan to Calapan and southern municipalities was proposed. Two seats, by Carlos Aguilucho and Francisco Luarca (1925 – 1928) and Anacleto Villamin (1928 – 1929) transcended before the main road was completed. In 1931, at the time of Conrado Morente (1929 – 1934), the National Highway was finally opened publicly, thus improving mobility, communication and commerce. Other thoroughfares, such as those connecting Pola and Naujan were made accessible in 1932, while that interstate towards Bongabong in 1939.

Felipe Venturanza took office in 1934 up to 1938, followed by Carlos Aguilucho in 1938. When the Japanese occupied Mindoro in 1942, Dr. Abelardo Buñag, the Mayor (1941 – 1942), joined the underground movement. The Japanese appointed Carlos Aguilucho, followed by Manuel Medina until the Americans returned in January 15, 1945.

World War II greatly hampered the construction of the roads and even destroyed projects on the way. Bridges were bombed by dynamites; schools and buildings were used as firewood by Japanese soldiers; houses were dilapidated; and municipal buildings were burned.

The town suffered multifarious losses from the immense fire set in 1944. Many lives were lost— either killed in guerilla warfare, died of hunger and sickness due to lack of medicine. Not a few were punished inhumanly.

After the war, restoration was given priority. The town steadily grew from 1947 to 1990 under various administrations. Among which were: Tomas Villamin (1946 – 1947); Dominador Madrid (1948 – 1951, 1956 - 1967); Remegio Pio Baldos (1952 – 1955); Santos Frane, OIC (1967 – 1968); Jose Reynaldo Morente, Jr. (1968 – 1972); Crispulo La Rosa ( 1973 – 1979); Emilina Baldos (1980 – 1986); Reynaldo Mambil (1986 – 1987); Lydia Olea, OIC (1988); Manuel Morente (1988 – 1995); Aristeo Baldos (2004 – 2007); and Hon. Wilfredo L. Hernandez, Sr. (1995 – 2004, 2007 – Present).

to the Year 2000 A.D. By: Florante D. Villarica