Balanga City Encyclopedia

192 Pages·2011·14.59 MB·English

DEDICATION
This
ENCYCLOPEDIA
Is
dedicated to you
People of the City of Balanga.
as an affirmation of
our commitment
to preserve
the legacy of our forebears
City of Balanga Historical Committee
FOREWORD
In the past five decades, there are at least three books about Bataan and Balanga that
had already been written. Commonly, these books contain real facts and very useful information
about the province and what was once its capital town. Likewise include urban legends and
hearsay – a typical format, perhaps, purposely meant to inject life and color to some interesting
characters, places and events.
With this in mind, City of Balanga Historical Committee, in its intention to be more
accurate and circumspect on some important subjects has come up with a new book, an
encyclopedia that tells all about Balanga – its people, demography, history, culture and its
gradual transformation into a well – developed and progressive community. Stories about the
great sons and daughters of Balanga are well – written in this book.
There were quite a few things with the publisher and historical committee borrowed.
Most notable among these is the publisher’s use of Victor de Leon’s book entitled History of
Bataan (1953), the Department of Education’s Balik -Tanaw (1990) and Fr. Wilfredo C. Paguio’s
Bataan : Land of Valor, People of Peace (1997). There were other books that also provided
historical hindsight of the past five centuries, from the Spanish period to present
The undertaking took more than a year for the Historical Committee to come up with a
readable sourcebook of general information about Balanga. The publisher would like to assure
the readers that the BALANGA ENCYCLOPEDIA was written with fidelity as to historical dates,
periods, people, places and events. It is hoped to bcome a part of Philippine history.
BALANGA ENCYCLOPEDIA is a gem of achievement that will serve as legacy to the next
generation of Balangueños . This is the real story of Balanga and its people as an achiever. It is
our hope that you will enjoy reading it.
City of Balanga Historical Committee
Republic of the Philippines
Province of Bataan
City of Balanga
OffiCe Of tHe MayOR
Message
in behalf of the city government of Balanga, i would like to extend my sincerest appreciation and
gratitude to the great Balangueños , past and present, who have made us proud by giving us the honor and
distinction that we know we are now entitled to.
inspired by mounting calls from our kababayans for character renewal and genuine awareness of
everything that is Balangueño, the City of Balanga Historical Committee is proud to present the Balanga
encyclopedia, a new book i shall consider as a repository of vast knowledge about our colorful history,
the fine heritage and the legacy it had bequeathed upon the present generation. Never before had there
been a such a very informative resource material that saw print which vividly captures the images, set in
motion by interesting events describing the struggles and triumphs of Balanga’s great achievers.
But while turning the pages of this awe-inspiring book, i urge our beloved readers to feel their
own presence in a dramatic setting of our historical past and indulge themselves in a way we travel down
memory lane. this will get us to take a closer look and bear witness to the times past as they slowly unfold
and, perhaps, even answer some questions and doubts lingering in our midst on the otherwise obscured
images of some significant events in our history.
Having perused this very informative material which had given me much enlightenment about our
origins, i therefore suggest that we start thinking about the future of our city – the course we have to take,
the tools we need to wield, and the strength that is required of us to muster.
at this point, please allow me to congratulate the members of the City of Balanga Historical
Committee who had invested their precious time and effort to ensure the integrity of the texts contained in
this wonderful treasure trove of valuable information. truth to tell, the enormity of the task that weighed
on their shoulders while conducting research is immeasurable.
Likewise, to the colorful and gentle people of City of Balanga who never cease to be part of our
quest to stake-claim to the great legacy we all share.
Our good forefathers had a great beginning. Let us continue what they had begun and finish it with
a flourish. That’s the spirit of a genuine Balangueño!
Hon. Jose Enrique S. Garcia III
Mayor
Republic of the Philippines
Province of Bataan
BATAAN
Office of the Governor
Message
it is indeed my pleasure to congratulate the City Government of Balanga as they
launch the Balanga encyclopedia.
By law, local government units are tasked to preserve and develop its tradition,
history and culture. this task has often been neglected in the past that is why this initiative
is a welcome addition to the already stellar achievements of the people of the City of
Balanga. this compilation of vital information pertaining to your city is truly a labor of
love and a testament to your tireless commitment to good governance.
Once again, City Mayor Joet Garcia together with all the officials and employees
of the City Government of Balanga proved that they are at the forefront of trailblazing
programs and projects which have become the envy of other LGUs in the country. this
encyclopedia proves this fact.
i encourage all Balangueños to read this work so that you will all learn lessons of
our glorious past and have a glimpse of the promising future that this city can offer. it is my
personal wish that the Balanga Encyclopedia will not only let its citizens get reacquainted
with its city but will spark a new wave of pride and commitment to this land.
Mabuhay ang Lungsod ng Balanga!
Mabuhay ang Bataan!
Hon. Enrique T. Garcia, Jr.
Governor
Republic of the Philippines
House of Representative
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Message
Greetings to my beloved Balangueños !
the launching of this book “Balanga encyclopedia” gives us a rare and wonderful
opportunity to showcase the colorful history, prominent personalities and breathtaking
sceneries of our city. this publication serves as our small but notable contribution in
documenting the uniqueness of Balanga.
With the able stewardship of our Sangguniang Panglunsod in realizing this project,
the future generation will be able to discover more about the important events, historic
places and distinguished leaders of their very own hometown. in line with promoting eco-
tourism of the Province of Bataan, this encyclopedia will give locals and foreigners alike
the privilege of sharing of rich cultural heritage of Balanga City.
again, congratulations to all the research staff and editors of Balanga encyclopedia.
indeed, i am very happy to share your pride for the success of this project.
Mabuhay Tayong Lahat!
Albert S. Garcia
Republic of the philippines
pRovince of bataan
city of balanga
office of the vice MayoR
Message
foremost, my warmest congratulation to the City of Balanga’s Historical Committee. for this
singular accomplishment of publishing the Balanga encyclopedia alone, the Historical Committee deserves,
to say, a round of applause. Getting the rich history of Balanga, the pertinent data of historical places herein,
prominent people, and beautiful spots, and afterwards, presenting the same in one book is a great feat. for
as you know, it takes meticulous research and tremendous amount of time to consolidate these information
into one book; one Encyclopedia, and publish the same without sacrificing its quality.
for that hard work, i am therefore inviting the reader’s attention to feast upon the pages of this
book. for, other than wanting the readers to see the artistic craftsmanship of his encyclopedia, i also want to
share to our dear readers the treasures that the City of Balanga keeps - treasures which consist of the city’s
priceless history, valuable people, and precious heritage.
Balanga City has so many rich-tales-pasts, which, through time had been buried by the changing
interest of the people. thus, tend to be forgotten. this encyclopedia comes in handy in this time. and i am
hopeful that it will put upon the readers, who may grasp upon it, a certain level of astonishment. and to
deliver upon our adored readers certain degree of appreciation for our City. to be fascinated on each and
every turn of this page, until, alas, a great deal of knowledge comes before them.
Let me end my brief message with an expression of a problem, and a solution to solve it. Lack of
awareness is a problem. Specifically, ignorance of what is the City of Balanga is a problem. However,
unfamiliarity of her is not an irresolvable dilemma, it can be fixed. We can start by turning a page of this
encyclopedia. But we should do more – as our commitment to learn from the past, and from the story of
other people sketched by history are very much needed to understand our present time, and ultimately, for
the solution of tomorrows problem.
in behalf of the Sangguniang Panglungsod of Balanga City, i extend God Bless and Mabuhay.
NOEL JOSEPH L. VALDECAÑAS
City Vice Mayor
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region iii
DIVISION OF CITY OF BALANGA
City of Balanga
gReeTINgs
i wish to convey my warmest greetings and felicitations to those who made this book, the
“BALANGA ENCYCLOPEDIA” possible.
i believe this is one important legacy that the City Government of Balanga can pass on to its
people, for it will help them reminisce their glorious past/golden memories and have a glimpse of
their humble beginnings and remarkable achievements.
I am confident that the Balanga Encyclopedia will greatly inspire our youth to conceptualize
the past, nature the present and intensify their knowledge, values, attitudes, and skills and thereby
contribute in the attainment of a world class city in the future.
ten years after, i hope to see the emergence of a new breed of Balangueños sharing the
vision of excellence in their respective field/profession.
i would like to commend the administration and staff, the historical committee and the other
partners involved in this collaborative effort for providing this greatest gift to our constituents. the
results of your labor will be appreciated and cherished by our fellow Balangueños for many years.
indeed, it truly gives me genuine pleasure to be a part of his great endeavor.
again, Congratulations to all of you.
JESSIE D. FERRER
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Officer-in-charge
Republic of the philippines
pRovince of bataan
city of balanga
Message
taking lessons from history means a lot to people who like to revisit the past in order
to chart their own destiny. Whether or not certain subjects are debatable or rewritten, there
still lurks an impelling urge that drives them to seek the ultimate truth.
for most part of Balanga City’s past, researchers, historians and scholars have sifted
through volumes of research materials – valuable information that had provided a rare glimpse
of our origins and the legacy they had left behind.
yet, in deciding to print the Balanga encyclopedia the members of the Balanga City
Historical Committee all agree that this book not only would share and enlighten readers
about its history, culture and the people who carved Balanga’s political landscape, but also to
inform them of the numerous distinctions it had garnered through the years.
Now provided with such knowledge, let us try not to forget the lessons learned because
this can be an indispensable guide toward a more meaningful life ahead.
all said, it is hoped that this wonderful piece of work will inspire the present generation
to continue to nurture and preserve Balanga City’s heritage.
To this, I’m proud to declare, “Mabuhay ang Sambayanang Balangueño!”
MRS. iSaBeL f. GaRCia
Chairperson, BCtCf
DIOCESE OF BALANGA
Message
“i thank my God every time i remember you” (Philippines 1,3)
With grateful heart and appreciative spirit i joyfully acknowledge the praiseworthy and noble
initiative of the Balanga City Historical Committee through the projector directorship of Rodolfo De Mesa
to come up with Balanga Encyclopedia in order to collate and commemorate historic events, significant
personalities and beautiful places of Balanga.
Life is a journey. and along the road of life we encounter unforgettable persons, we reach
interesting places, and we experience memorable events. all of these and all of them are worth retelling.
Much more must be put into writing for prosperity sake.
Life is a continuous learning. With those illustrious persons and meaningful relationships, they
are lessons to remember, experiences to keep and exemplary deeds worth repeating. With this Balanga
encyclopedia we chronicle important and inspiring events, best and beautiful episodes. We also remember
the sacrifices and success, hardships and heroism, trials and triumphs of these commendable persons
whom in one way or another have contributed or will have a major impact to our human formation and
advancement.
and so to turn these pages is to learn more about them and to resolve to apply into our very own
life what we learn. to enjoy the pages of these breathtaking and scenic spots of Balanga is to praise and
thank our almighty God for His goodness and the wonders of His creation.
With my appreciation for this enlightening and inspiring Balanga encyclopedia please accept my
paternal blessings and prayers as i remain
Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus,
+Ruperto Cruz Santos
Bishop of Balanga