Happy New Year!

I wish you all Peace, Prosperity and Happiness in the New Year!

JJ

Christmas Is A Time For Love

Christmas is a time for love, a time for Joy and Peace;
A time to trim the Christmas tree and a time to stuff the geese.
It's a time when we can come together, however far or near
To shed a little hope into a world of sorrow and fear.

Yet Christmas can be all year round, if only we would try,
To gently wipe an old man's brow or sooth a baby's cry.
If we could smile throughout the year as we do on Christmas day
Just think what happiness we shed along life's weary way.

To give a gift of Hope to one who otherwise has none
To be a friend to somebody whom everyone else has shun.
To be forgiving of our faults, and of our sistrs and our brothers
To live in Peace and Harmony with ourselves and with each other.

Ah, Don't you see that Christmans is more than just opening gifts?
It's more than singing Christmas Carols and rolling in big snow drifts.
It's a feeling that can stay throughout each day, all year;
And all it takes is a loving Heart...and a sensitive little tear...

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU!

El Muralla
6:06 PM, December 18, 2008

Christmas Greetings

To Everyone:

Since it began, I have been following the various posts on our hometown blog. I must say that many of the posts are very helpful, with many thought-provoking comments and almost all are very interesting. We have to thank Annie for coming up with the idea of a Bacon blog and putting it into effect.

We have no doubt that all those who participate in this blog are sincere in their desire to help improve our hometown. However, everyone approaches matters, situations or issues in a different manner and, usually, not with the same viewpoint, which generates some of the more passionate discussions. That is all good for as long as the discussions, while expressing frank and honest views, are conducted with due respect and courtesy to all participants. In such a manner, discussions would, hopefully, be more productive and generate ideas that, if given effect, could redound to the benefit of Bacon and its people.

At the advent of the Christmas Holidays, however, let us pause for a few moments and remember the Season for Giving, for friendships, and for wishing our friends, relatives and all who are dear to us the joys of the Season. While we enjoy the Holidays, let us always remember the reason and meaning of Christmas - to celebrate His birth and the peace and goodwill that it brings to all.

Merry Christmas to all. Happy Holidays.

Tony Figueroa, DTM
Past District 46 Governor, 2005-2006
Metropolitan New York & New Jersey
Toastmasters International
"EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE"
www.toastmasters83.org
http://jersey.freetoasthost.us
"TOASTMASTERS - The Road to Success"

Flash!

This weeks incident in our beloved (beautiful...sabi ni Lorna Figueroa) Bacon.

A male teacher who check in at Dino's Resort in Tolonggapo with a male companion was stabbed to death. The victim was allegedly a gay and the suspect was his student lover.

Last Tuesday, November 25 at about 7:00PM, a male resident at Cabarbuhan was gunned down to death by alleged members of the NPA.

Illegal logging,tupada, robbery hold up and akyat bahay are rampant and the OIC of Bacon Police has done nothing to solve the problem nor did not give a damn to apprehend the perpetrators.

Lorna Figueroa, Amado MAnduriao and Maning Eco, could you help or initiate actions to make our former town a peaceful place to visit? A city, huh?

Anonymous
1:05 AM, November 27, 2008

Mr. Amado J. Manduriao, Jr.

Notable Bacongnon

The 2006 Achievement award for Religious & Public Service was awarded to a man who came from a family of teachers & selfless volunteers for civic & religious services for the community.
Mr. Amado Manduriao Jr. is the third child of Amado, Sr. and Paula Jarilla-Manduriao. He was born in Manila on May 26, 1933.He finished his elementary studies from Bacon Central School in 1949, high school from Sorsogon Provincial High School and a two-year Normal Course in teaching at Albay Normal School. He graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Bicol State University from where he also took masteral units.

His first assignment was at Calpi, Bulan, Sorsogon then at Bogna, in Bacon where he was designated TIC after only one and a half years. His effort & leadership came to force when he was assigned to a very depressed school, Salvacion Elementary School. He exerted all his effort and used his talents and expertise to develop and improve the school.

After 3 years Mr. Manduriao as well as the people in of Barangay Salvacion reaped the fruits of Mr. Manduriao’s untiring and dedicated service. The school became an entry to various school competitions and earned several awards and commendations, prominent among them, the 1988 Division’s Most Effective School (Non-Central category), with 31 districts competing. On the same year, the school also garnered a plaque for having won 3rd place in the Regional Search for Most Effective School (Non-Central category). Other awards for the school followed. Mr. Manduriao himself won almost 20 awards during his incumbency as head teacher of Salvacion Elementary School. One of these is the Plaque of Commendation by Samahan Nuestra Senora de Salvacion (Bacon) Inc. Manila residents in recognition of his meritorious and dedicated service to the community contributing to the progress of the school. This was in April, 1990. He was promoted as principal when he was transferred to Sugod Elementary School. Once again, under his leadership, the school was tremendously improved both physically and academically and even became a pilot school in the Health Guardian Program.

Upon his retirement from the public schools, he was offered an administrative position in private schools. He became the principal of Sorsogon Chiang Kai Shek School for 3 years and the VIP Learning Center. However, he had to give up his work to in the private schools because he gave priority to his voluntary civic and religious services.

He was installed as Lay Minister of the Holy Eucharist in 1977 and designated Parish Coordinator of the Lay Ministers. He became one of the more sought after member of the Speakers Bureau, being a member of the Parish Pastoral Moderators. In 1999 he was elected Vice-Executive Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council. During this time the big project was the construction and renovation of the Parish Convent. Presently he is very active with religious services as Chairman of the Commission on service of the PPC, Coordinator of the extra Ordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist, parish Coordinator of the Servants of the Divine Mercy and still as member of the Speaker’s Bureau.

He is a favorite of every municipal and city head of our community as committee member or consultant to various community affairs. He is the coordinator & implementor of the Dellosa Clan Foundation USA for indigent children in Bacon East Central School. And the Vice-President of the Senior Citizen’s Association in Poblacion, Bacon.

Soft spoken and unassuming, Amado Manduriao, Jr. has done so much for the community. There are countless people he has counseled, so many projects he has pioneered and helped succeed. He has encouraged civic spirited Bacongnons to donate to worthy community projects. Using his God –given gifts of talent and ability and with his untiring dedication he has contributed so much to Bacon.

By Lorna N. Figueroa

Sandataan 2008-2009 - By Senen Dollison

The Officers of the Bacon Sandataan Association(Metro Manila) Inc., would like to invite all Bacongnons residing here in Metro Manila and abroad as well, who are planning to spend their Christmas here in the Philippines, for its yearly grand celebration.
The 74th anniversary celebration will be held on December 30, 2008 at Quezon City Sports Club, E. Rodriguez Ave., Quezon City. The venue is between Divine Word Seminary and Trinity University.
A live Band will be assisting the Ballroom Dancing. Amount of the ticket is P300.00.
Likewise, the association is accepting ads for its 74th Souvenir Program.

For the information of everybody, the association continue to function and has never ceased its activity. Although the association is operating on a very limited resources,it has brought visible projects in Bacon.
The Welcome Arch at the boundary of Bacon, Sorsogon in Gabao, the Public Library at Poblacion, Medals during Elementary Graduation and on August 17, 2008, the association conducted a medical mission at Brgy San Roque, Bacon District.

For further inquiries on the December 30, 2008 74th Anniversary Celebration pls feel free to contact the following:Cherry Latosa-Mendenilla (President) LTO, East Avenue, Q.C.Senen Dollison (Board Chairman) 951-50-23Gloria L Deyto - 475-25-01
Pls attend this yearly Grand Anniversary Celebration on December 30, 2008 and meet fellow Bacongnons, old time friends and relatives as well.

WHAT: 74TH BACON SANDATAAN ASSOCIATION (MM) INC., ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

WHERE: QUEZON CITY SPORTS CLUB, E. RODRIGUEZ AVE., QUEZON CITY

WHEN: DECEMBER 30, 20087:30 PM - 12:00 MN

ENTRANCE TICKET: PhP 300.00

LIVE BAND WILL BE ASSITING THE BALLROOM DANCING!

Proceeds of the affair will be for the on-going medical mission to all Barangays of Bacon District. Last August 17, 2008, the association has already conducted a Medical mission at barangay San Roque, Bacon District, Sorsogon City.For further details/inquiries pls contact:Cherry Latosa-Mendenilla- President (LTO, East Ave., Q.C.) Senen C. Dollison - Board Chairman 951-50-23Gloria L Deyto - 475-25-01

Bacon Sandataan Association (Metro Manila) Inc..Executive Officers 2008-2009

Pres - Cherry Latosa-Mendenilla

1st VPres- Victor D Valcarcel

2nd VPres- Alejandro D Espinola

Secretary- Joy Fortes-Dollison

Asst Sec - Yoly Trapani

Treasurer- Letecia A. Posadas

Asst Treas- Nena Guemo-Atienza

Auditor - Resurreccion A. Alanes

Asst Auditor- Rolando Corral

PRO - Cresencia A. ArnistoIday Ayo

Exec Asst - Reynaldo Detera

Merle Tinay-Atutubo

Coordinator-Arnold Trapani

Board of Directors 2008-2009

Chairman - Senen C. Dollison

Vice Chairman- Reynaldo Detera

Members:Cherry L Mendenilla

Romulo Borromeo

Victor Valcarcel

Vicky Prianes

Nannette B Lapuz

Irma Dellosa-Halili

Augusto D ayo

Glenn Duka

Miguel Ayo

Josephine F Dollison

Letecia A POsadas

Rolando Corral

Estrella Doringo-Delos Santos

Advisers:

Cong. Sonny H Escudero III

Nilo D Duka

Nelson D. Ebio

Atty Romeo Morato

Hermingildo D Echano

Cleofe Diño

Monthly meeting held every 2nd Sunday of the Month.

Further Information:December 30, 2008 - 74th Anniversary Celebration at Quezon City Sports Club, located at E. Rodriguez Avenue, Quezon City.( Between Divine Word Seminary and Trinity University)Entrance Ticket - PhP 300.00Live Band will be assiting the Ballroom Dancing!

Report from Bacon

SERIES #2

The Catholic Order of Franciscan Sisters established a small hospital in Bacon, more than 2 years ago called St. Therese Hospital. The Sisters recently added a secondary school called Immaculate Heart of Mary School. The small hospital appears neat and its in-house skeleton medical staff highly competent. Standby doctors and specialists are also on call. The report gave special emphasis in the great service the hospital is giving to Bacongnons which accepts charity, indigent patients with some assistance from the Dept. of Social Welfare.

The strong typhoons which hit Bacon in the past years and the current economic downturn globally seem to aggravate the local economy. Prices of commodities seem almost beyond the reach of ordinary Bacongnons. One can see a lot of worried and confused faces in the public market.

The old unrepaired, roof leaking public market in Pigsabunan is still being used. It is so crowded and too outdated and sufficient only to the town's population of about 40 years ago when it was built.

There is a present surge of crimes reported in Bacon. Burglaries and thieveries are occuring more often. There was even a hold up of a delivery truck in Caricaran, Bacon. No one was apprehended. All the crimes reported remain unsolved.Inspite of the amazing 2 Philippine senators (Escudero & Honasan)beloved sons of Sorsogon,there seem to be no visible assistance or benefit received for Sorsogon City. (It must also be noted that the congressman representing Sorsogon is the father of Senator Francis Escudero.)

The Community Development Fund which is supposed to assist Sorsogon City is allegely being used for the personal benefits of politicians in power.Bacongnons are again extremely frustrated for the utter lack of assistance in the construction of the Bacon Airport and the Banao Port. Those 2 great Bacon projects have been languishing in wanton abandonment for decades.

The church marble flooring project as well as the painting of the church edifice were all completed already. However the church still owes the contractor about P280,000 pesos of unpaid balance.

Report is dated Sept.9,2008. Received here in New York Sept.26,2008.
New Yorker

More Reports From Bacon:

While the limelights are focused on those Bacongnons in political positions such as Sorsogon City Mayor Dioneda and and City Administrator Lorna Figueroa, there are also many outstanding Bacongnons in the private sector who are very active in community service. Stalwarts in civic and religious services mentioned are the following: Jun Patria, Ofelia Reyes Azas, Manuel V.Eco, Amado Manduriao, Jr., Myrna M.Dimaano, Melchor Atutubo, Norma Atutubo, Charito, Elsa & Eden Ayo, Gloria Serrano, Atty. R. Morato. Also, many retired and active teachers, senior citizens donate their services in communityorganizations such as the school projects of the Central School Alumni, serving in committees for the town fiesta, fund raising campaigns for church projects, etc.They are the uncelebrated heroes of Bacon.
4:05 PM, September 29, 2008
New Yorker

Mea Culpa. I forgot to include among the names of Bacongnons who are active in Bacon in community services: Raming Botial. He is among those who quietly serves the community unsung and uncelebrated. He lives in Basud.My apology.
4:52 PM, October 01, 2008

New Yorker

Additional Report From Bacon:

1. Direct from an independent source in Bacon confirmed the highly positive report regarding the achievements by Lorna Figueroa, the City Administrator. The source likewise confirmed that people are impressed with the integrity and efficiency of Ms. Figueroa. However, the reports of the non-accomplishments and other negative aspects of the administration as reported by New Yorker are likewise factuals.

2. The same Source also informed me that the controversial structure constructed in the front door (facing Canda/Pigsabunan)of the church by the former parish priest(now deceased) had already been demolished, as ordered by the new parish priest Father Buenaobra who is by the way here in the U.S. for a 3-month vacation.

3.The disassembling of the controversial structure was headed by Jun Patria who was one of the strong advocates together with Manuel V. Eco and Lorna Figueroa in the preservation of many of the Bacon legacies. This matter if you recall was featured in the very first article of this website titled "Heritage" on Nov.4, 2006.3. There is now a separate parish independent from Our Lady of Annunciation parish in Poblacion, Bacon in Buenavista. The Parish Priest is Father Terwel.

4. There is persistent talk in Sorsogon City about alleged feud between Vice Mayor Edmundo Atutubo (whose father is also from Bacon) and the City Mayor Dioneda.

5. Unreported Footnotes: New Events Introduced during the dual celebration of the Town Fiesta and Alumni Homecoming last May 17 to 21, 2008: Folk dancing contest winner (first prize)won by a group of aging dancers(ranging from 75 to 91 years old, school batch 1929-1949) headed by retired school principal Amado Manduriao, Jr.;A Bikini contest held at the Tolong Gapo sponsored by Coca-Cola. It was the most attended event; A Disco Dance held at the town's Bacia auditorium;The Ball Room Dancing netted P14,000pesos donated to the church painting fund.My report, ladies and gentlemen, and more news from Bacon will be coming the moment I receive them, I promise.
9:19 PM, October 05, 2008
Rene from California

In addition to the parish in Buenavista that Rene of California reported on, there is also a new parish centered in San Roque. The two were made into parishes at the same time.
10:18 PM, October 05, 2008

Bacongnon man sa NY

Memories of Bacon

The fragrance of the tropical flowers that adorned the altar is something I could not forget to this day. I do love the whole altar, the old walls and carved names, and of course the pulpit (I hope I did really see it then (charge the uncertainty to a very tender age) and if I am right, if only for the young to have an idea of how it used to be, I hope it still stands).
It is in this same church that I had the formal blessing and the short, but meaningful ceremony of wearing the “habito” of the Lady of Miraculous Medal. This is my strongest attachment to this church.

And in much later, still young year, though short-lived, I felt so proud being able to light a Petromax. Some German power of a light they invented! Wow! And I handled it well! And only in Bacon!
Jenny

I remember that church when I am in secondary at Annunciation College. I always amazed of the scenery of the altar, the grotto, the sculptors during our everyday holy rosary and once a week holy mass.

When we were playing with my classmates in front of the church and noticed the crumbled KAMPANARYO, I make a promise that if God gave me a chance to have a fortune I will someday restore the original structure, but unfortunately I'm just an ordinary worker here in Manila now...

2:44 AM, October 05, 2008

Inaki sa Bacon

I remember the time when I was still a kid playing around on top of the wall of the "Intramuros". We used to pick some "fruits" of a wild plant called dulce kuyumot. Being a nasty kid at that time, I don't mind the warnings of my aunt regarding engkanto living in that place, and the snakes that roam. All I want to do is to explore and play inside Intaramuros. Before going home, I drop by the pandayan and watch how the sundang are made. At night, when petromax are all lighted, when the moon is at its peak, we play patubigan (patentero, if I'm not mistaken) or hide and seek beside the old municipal building or at the corner house of the Atutubos.

El Muralla

How can I forget Bacon, on my high school days almost everyday I walked everyday from my alma mater Annunciation College of Bacon to the barrio I lived & grew up, passing by three barangays before I arrived at my house?

How can I forget Bacon, my classmates invited me for the “binyagan session” in an outskirt area of kalye Paalam & perform the classical procedure of soaking ourselves in “patubig” chewing guava leaves & slicing it using a “labaha?”

How can I forget Bacon when my first kiss happened in front of my beloved grandmother grave in Bacon Cemetery, when my girlfriend & I visited her?

Tony

If the smell of newly baked apple pie with cinnamon gives warmth to an American home, so does the “cocido” with the soothing scent of “suwa” in a Bacon home.Days would come & go, there’s “maya-maya”, there’s “turingan”, there’s “lapu-lapu” and who could forget the mild tasting “sap-sap”, and most of all “turos” its fins capable of inflicting swelling pains.Accompany any of these with mahumukon na pinakul-aw na langka and you could kiss delicately prepared Foie Gras good-bye.

Jenny

“Semana Santa” ini an dakulang okasyon masunod sa Navidad na nauruli an mga taga-Bacon.An mga pabasa sa mga balay, an mga handa nan an mga bisita na nakibasa.An mga prosesyon kan mga santo, an mga handa pagkatapos kan prosesyon. Ini an mga naroromdoman kong maogmahon sa Bacon.

An Viernes santo na dae dapat magribok, dai magkanta, dai magpasuhay, diit an pagkaunon, nan sira sana ta gadan si Jesus.

An Dominggong pagkabuhay, an paglukso ta baad daa humalangkaw. An mga lauya sa mga balay.An Sinaklot, na minaw-ot kong ako an maging anghel na dai man ako kinua ta siguro magub-at ako para mag sinaklot na dai ko man ikinamundo ta may bag-o akong bado na pansimba.

Saro sana ini sa mga magayonong kultura kan Bacon.

Annie

It was during the Second World War that I, as a budding teen had my 1st dance during an "Aurora Katapusan" at Kanda, Bacon. My partner, Pilar Latosa was a pretty young girl in the neighborhood who became one of my best friends. I still remember her as she was then. I wonder where she is now.

JJ

I was alone in my room when from somewhere, I heard the distant tune of a well remembered melody, and instantly I was transported back in time.
I was thirteen years old again & it was the 1st week of December 1941 at the Bacon Municipal building...
War had become a certainty.
Wives & parents of young men called up for training and service congregate every morning at the Municipal building for information. Between news flashes came the tune of " Come back to Sorrento" and in the background I could hear the faint sounds of sobbing. I turned & I could see the anguish & tears on their faces.
Since then, there never was a time I hear that song that I don't remember the wives & orphans that war has made.
JJ

Of Planting Trees and The Root Of All Evil - Jenny

There is a Greek proverb which states that “a society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in”. Parsing this with all syntactic rules compromises the significance of its inner meaning, and the romanticism that lie beneath the metaphorical use of words. Proverbs invite acuity and suggest values, often touching life-changing sensitivities that are worth musing about. Clearly, they are products of creative minds provoked or inspired by keen observations, riveting experiences and events.

There was a close-up shot of a Zimbabwean fleeing across the border into South Africa. The barbed wire was nothing but what separates him from death and hope. He has no luggage, no belongings, except the dirty clothes that cover most of his parched skin and a pair of tattered shoes obligated to extend its service in this one unforgiving moment. Others follow; all of them no better than animals in a prey/predator chase. They are engulfed with the fear of Operation Murambatsvina (Operation Getting Rid of, or Drive Out the Filth) or perhaps, the extension of the supposedly forgone Gukurahundi, the approved militant process of consolidating political power and suppressing opposition. Both unconscionable exercises equal Pol Pot’s and Ceausescu’s grip on power. Perhaps, money would have had possibly afforded the poor inhabitants of a better balance of hope in less challenging circumstances. They could have left the country by plane much earlier with appropriate preparations before an erratic conceptualization of a victorious election had gone berserk. Ironically, what could have helped them is more likely the same reason behind the perpetrator’s brutal understanding of authority and power. From this, a Zimbabwe in turmoil has emerged.

In lighter circumstances, a female “kababayan” has caused childhood best friends to separate with unexpected bitterness. The heartbroken sought the publicized advice of an expert. The bride, with the blessing of her love-struck groom, unabashedly announced in their invitations, that no less than $100-cash nuptial gift is requested. Since she was in a foreign country, marrying into a dissimilar race, she thought it best to cite such specification as inherent to the Filipino culture. The groom’s best friend thought that it was his duty to express the impropriety of the gesture; after all, they were like brothers. It was truly embarrassing and he would not want his friend to be at its core. But best intentions do not always work, true love is often blind, and opportunists have compound eyes. This incident is of course tame compared to other numerous, distinct cases, unfavourably discerned as characteristic of a certain society.

Moving into the culture of labour and management, the work environment of the 21st century is colourful with remarkable labour laws, ultramodern technology, and enviable benefits. Yet, with serpentine scheming, workers are deprived of fair employment agreements and/or can be conveniently terminated for reasons other than misdemeanor, authentic restructuring or declining revenues. Engineered excuses eclipse any of these duplicities and shameless prejudices : nepotism, a facial structure that deviates from the beauty-driven sensibilities of management, ageism, refusal to surrender integrity in support of unethical, sometimes criminal work practices, and racism. These are callously dismissed and quite disturbingly accepted as plain vicissitudes of life. Good performance is not always valuable anymore. Neither is a good reputation. Termination is assuaged by an equalizer : money, a separation pay; but, even this has a hint of insidiousness. More often than not, it is still open for negotiation because they never intentionally give the right amount instantly, should one be hard-pressed to just accept.

And going further into the business sector, it is difficult to follow the adroitness of those silently embroiled in derivatives or options or futures, equities, commodities, etc. Some of them seemed able to shroud their questionable practices with feigned finesse and smooth rhetoric, and should these fail --- arrogance. Regulations and lengthy jail time have become fragile reminders. Markets go nuts; indices fluctuate, striking the vulnerable, helpless.

Observing national governance, it is easy to find a heightened activity of graft and corruption, coldly matched or aided by fraud, embezzlement and even violence. These have spawned more destructive activities. The citizens’ inertia, which is well rooted in a misguided, often abused notion of realism, is an invisible entrapment that deprives them of the capacity to promptly distinguish the main plot from the subplots of man’s devious machinations. Though acerbic, “Welcome to reality” or “Welcome to the real world” have become favourite quotes, and should anyone be dismissive or naïve, the chance to recognize these words as a prelude to something more disdainful is lost. Those with ethos of humanism have become noticeably sluggish without the much needed support mechanism. The moral and civic development of the young has been staggered and hampered by what they see, hear and feel. Youthful confusion with no sincere, sufficient guidance to rely on is another silent entrapment, though perhaps more worrisome. Others have already disappeared; those that survived are different, and the societies they created have vitriolic ways of handling life. I am reminded of subduction, the process by which the Rocky Mountains were formed thousands of years ago. With strong forces, plates met and the heightened energy pushed some to go underneath, while others were buoyed. What remained on top acquired a new form, some wrinkled; others, seemed to pile one on top of the other. The pushing force initiated a chain reaction in other plates and when everything settled, alas, it was a long stretch of the Rockies, 4,800 kilometres, from British Columbia to New Mexico. Imagine if these plates were the members of society and what remained buoyed were the objectionable ones!

The list goes on for similar circumstances and activities with comparable impact on how societies are structured, changed and passed on to the next generation. It would seem that the above choices were predicated on the desire for money, power and authority. It is said that money is the root of all evil. On the other hand, it is the same medium used to uplift the unfortunate, to provide for necessities, to facilitate progress. Since money is directed by man, simple truism then points to his flawed, weak character as the cause. What a misfortune indeed when money lands in questionable dispositions!

The above proverb puts the onus of building great societies on “old men”, not exclusively on those with time-touched faces and with silver-pigmented tresses. The main responsibilities of societal structuring, administration and governance are placed in the hands of the more capable, matured, experienced and educated. The process of acquiring such credentials takes time, and relatively proceeds with the ages (varied) of those involved. Members of societies are born to have responsibilities. Initially, parents nourish and nurture their offsprings; therefore, setting the basic, essential foundation that should gradually prepare them in facing bigger tasks by altruistic, civilized ways. From the age of reason, an individual slowly acquires communal obligations, the proper execution of which should be guided and strengthened by family, the community, learning institutions, the church and the government --- all with greater duties, all assumed to have reliable wisdom and character. How these vast duties are attended to, is what makes the difference.

Societies are great when guiding members turn against opportunism; when capable members share; when educated members invest their knowledge unselfishly towards progress; when matured members retract from divisiveness; when experienced members withdraw from incessant procrastination and sloth; when senescent men utilize their wisdom not to breed confusion among the young, but rather, pave the way in establishing a strong foundation from which character and integrity are built; when old men sacrifice, but are content and happy with the rewards they pass on.

The Official Bacon Report - Lorna Figueroa

The Poblacion of Bacon and extended to Caricaran and other nearby barangays is now visibly cleaner and brighter than before. The garbage collection is more systematic and regular and the eco-aides are busy cleaning our town more than ever before.

The old municipio which during the last administration was desecrated by replacing the sign "BACON MUNICIPAL HALL" to 'SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD - SORSOGON CITY" is now back to its old, historical real name - BACON MUNICIPAL HALL - a reminder of our history when this hall was constructed in 1958.
It is now a building we can be proud of once again. It has been repaired, repainted and put into very good use. The whole government center in Bacon which has several buildings now houses the Bacon Satellite Offices which includes, Civil Registry, Treasury, Assessor"s Office, Social Welfare & Development Office, Agriculture Office, Health Center which has a fulltime doctor, dentist, nurses and other health workers.

The old building itself has the Bacon Action Center which is open 24 hours for those needing emergency help, esp, those needing the use of ambulance or other vehicles. We have a standby ambulance and a jeepney which people can use for burial, weddings, transporting patients who do not yet need the services of an ambulance. The Mayor has a Satellite Office also in Bacon where he meets the Bacongnons and conducts weddings for our "kabanwas".

On the second floor is our pride, the first in the Bicol Region, the Kiddie Center with a Toy Library, Book Library and Activity Center for children.

We also have plans of converting the former Municipal Trial Court to a High School and College Public Library and to transfer the Center for Learning Resource or the Public Library for adults to the former COMELEC and BIR offices also on the second floor of the old municipio, thereby putting all libraries in one place, so mothers and fathers who bring their children to the Kiddie Center will also have a place where they can go to relax and learn.

So much is happening, the old public market in the center of Sorsogon has been temporarily relocated elsewhere. A new building will be constructed right after the completion of the construction of the waste water treatment facility there. That way, the dirty water will be recycled and will no longer run to the Sorsogon Bay which was sadly unattended and uncared in the past administration which resulted to a very high degree of Red Tide contamination which the present leader is now trying to arrest.

With assistance from The Asia Foundation we are conducting a series of seminar-workshops for LGU employees regarding counter-corruption and Service Excellence. We have already awarded to deserving beneficiaries some 300 homes at our Gawad Kalinga in Guinlajon. Next week we will be awarding to the first 50 beneficiaries their homes in the Core Shelter Program aided by the Habitat for Humanity and UN. This is exclusively for Bacongnons and it is located in sitio Danao in Caricaran.

Back to our beloved Bacon. Now under the new leader, the Fish Sanctuary in San Juan, Bacon is once again protected. Plans of putting a Mariculture Park in Sta. Lucia and Salvacion is also in the wings. Of course, the beach resort in Bacon, our beloved Tolong Gapo has never looked so good and clean with lamps at night and colorful banners in its entire coastline.

Lorna Figueroa
City Administrator

Report from Bacon

Today I received an email from a Bacongnon who said that she and her friend from Manila were so impressed by the beauty of the newly painted Our Lady of Annunciation Church. She said the Bacon Church is even more beautiful and impressive than the St. Peter and Paul Church in Sorsogon City proper.
California

The project on the church's edifice is still going on but fast progressing. The painting of the entrance is finished. The carpenters are concentrating on roof repairs which will take a month's time to complete.Next project is the concrete fencing of the church, with the stations of the cross.
Yes, I am a Bacongnon.
New Yorker

1. The Water Tank project of the Central School Alumni is already completed and ready for use once the school provide the pipes to connect to the selected school locations.

2. Mayor Dioneda's administration is seem ok with some visible improvements in Sorsogon City proper.

3. However, there are unflattering views about the Mayor's personal behaviour.

4. One shining area in the city government is Lorna Figueroa who is regarded as sincere, frank, strict, dedicated and absolutely honest.

5. The image if Our Lady of Penafrancia, Patroness of the Bicol Region was brought to selected barrios in Bacon. Two significant events happened while The Lady was in Bacon which people attributed as miraculous: A very strong typhoon supposedly destined for Sorsogon changed course. That saved the province potential devastations. The second "miracle" was in the barrio of Buenavista where the various "bunuan" were devoid of any fish for 5 months until The Lady came and suddenly all the "bunuan" were teeming with galunggong fishes.
New Yorker

The above was a report received Aug.9 by a delayed regular postal airmail.

Intramuros of Bacon - JJ

Shortly before the second world war, the walled section of Pigsabunan , Bacon was a tangled mass of snake infested vegetation. It was called “ Intramuros “ after the walled city of Manila.
An old man, Benedicto Enalpe, braving these dangers, cleared portions of this big enclosure and planted cassava and other vegetables. Others followed.

When the sea began encroaching upon the shoreline and housing areas nearby, residents began a search for places to move to. At about the same time, the market place was transferred from Basud to the space along the wall facing the sea and the old municipal building, was moved to the old market area.

The walled interior became more attractive to the residents displaced by the advancing shoreline.

Petitions were filed with the Catholic Church hierarchy to open the land for public residency. Foremost among the petitioners were retired Bacon Chief of Police Porfirio Ariate and retired Col. Ignacio Elegado. After so many years the petition was finally granted. (So I heard.)

Sufficient fund is needed to preserve this historical landmark and to relocate the residents inside the Intramuros or kuta.

This article is open to corrections, discussions, and comments.

A Brief History Of Bacon-author Cristina D. Jose

Part II

The Town’s Head Officials And Leaders Since Its Foundation

Chapter One
During the Spanish Regime

The municipal officials grouped accordingly, were the following:

1.The Governadorcillo:

Since the organization of Bacon into a pueblo civil, the town’s chief executive was called Governadorcillo. In 1819, the title was changed from Governadorcillo into Alcalde Constitutional. Six years later, (1825) the title was changed back to Governadorcillo until the early part of 1893. During the latter part of this same year (1893) the title underwent another change. From this time up to the end of the Spanish rule, Capitan Municipal was used in place of Governadorcillo.

This head official or chief executive of the town was elected (except those in the first years) by twelve who were called vocationales. These vocationales were selected by lottery from past governadorcillos, and the cabezas de Barangay (now teniente del barrio) who had rendered at least ten years as such.

Under him as vice, and vice of the vice, etc. were:
a) Teniente Mayor (Primera) – vice the governadorcillo
b) Teniente Segundo – vice the Teniente Mayor
c) Teniente Tercero – vice the Teniente Segundo
d) Teniente Cuarto – vice the Teniente Tercero

2. The Cura Paroco:

His position in the municipality as a leader was as important as the governadorcillo. He was appointed by the church authorities.
a) His assistant priest or priests.


3. Aguacil Mayor:

He was the custodian of the Casa Tribunal. He was at the same time the prison guard.
a) Aguacil Segundo – vice the Aguacil Mayor
b) Aguacil Tercero – vice the Aguacil Segundo
c) Aguacil Cuarto – vice the Aguacil Tercero


4. The Jueces (Judges);
a) Jues de Sementera – His duty was to settle land dispute.
b) Jues de Policia – He was in charge of the polistas.
c) Jues de Ganado – His duty was to settle difference over animals such as cows, carabaos, horses, etc.

When these positions were not yet opened, the governadorcillos used to do the work assigned to this officials. These judges or jueces were selected from past governadorcillos or cavezas de Barangay with at least ten years’ experience as such.


5.Cabezas de Barangay:

They were selected from the prominent citizens of the community. They collected taxes from the people. A Cabeza de Barangay used to collect from at least 50 families.


6. The Maestro and Maestro Municipal:

They were the teachers assigned to teach
the boys and girls of the community. Those of them who are still living still bear the title Maestro or Maestra like Maestrang Martina ( Mrs. Martina B. Vda. De Serrano).


All the above officials except the priest, the governadorcillo and the maestro, received no monetary remuneration. A governadorcillo used to receive P 24.00 annual salary. The rest who receive no salary enjoyed privileges any common citizen would not enjoy.


Remnants of historical records the author was able to gather show only the following officials since the foundation of Bacon into a pueblo civil;

YEAR GOVERNADORCILLO
1754 ----------Juan Elias (Dia)
1755---------- Juan Elias (Dia)
1756---------- Juan Elias (Dia)
1757---------- Ignacio Regino
1758---------- Miguel Lucas
1759---------- Domingo Ramon
1760---------- Juan Elias (Dia)
1761---------- Gavino Saens
1762---------- Gavino Saens
1763---------- Jose Facundo
1764---------- Jose Tomas
1765---------- Pedro Elias (Dia)
1766---------- Jose Tomas
1767---------- Agustin Ignacio
1768---------- Antonio Joaquin
1769---------- Fernando Facundo
1770---------- Tomas Gavino
1771---------- Lorencio Acacio
1772---------- Juan Rafael
1773---------- Agustin Lorenzo
1774---------- Ignacio Agustin
1775---------- Ignacio Agustin
1776---------- Teodoro Saens

The Franciscan Fathers assigned at the Missionary Parish of Bacon, from 1622 to 1776, after Rev. Fr. Antonio de San Francisco founded at 1617, were the following;
1. Rev. Fr. Miguel Pareja
2. Rev. Fr. Juan de Balconete
3. Rev. Fr. Pedro de Madrigal
4. Rev. Fr. Pedro Espallargas
5. Rev. Fr. Pedro de San Francisco y Salamanca
6. Rev. Fr. Onofre Palleja y de Jesus
7. Rev. Fr. Juan Bautista Marza
8. Rev. Fr. Juan de Resurreccion y Salamanca


YEAR GOVERNADORCILLO
1777----- Teodoro Saens
1778----- -do-
1779----- -do-
1780----- -do-
1781----- -do-
1782-----Agustin Lorenzo
1783-----Fernando Facundo
1784-----Fernando Facundo
1785-----Antonio Camacho
1786-----Gregorio Serrano
1787-----Juan Rafael
1788-----Nicolas de Tolentino
1789-----Teodoro Saens
1790-----Pedro Irene
1791-----Irene Rafael
1792-----Tomas Sabino
1793-----Mariano de Luna
1794-----Eulalio Saens
1795-----Fernando Facundo
1796-----Teodoro Pura
1797-----Tomas Sabino
1798-----Tomas Servando
1799-----Jose Marcelino
1800-----Tomas Sabino
1801-----Juan Alberto
1802-----Francisco Navarro
1803-----Francisco Feliciano
1804-----Francisco Eugenio
1805-----Agustin Rufino
1806-----Pio Figueroa
1807-----Tomas Sabino
1808-----Juan Elias (Dia)
1809-----Evaristo Lopez
1810-----Francisco Navarro
1811-----Agustin Apolinario
1812----- -do-
1813-----Felipe Neri
1814-----Vicente Ramirez (Deyto)
1815-----Timoteo Rufino
1816-----Francisco Marcelino
1817-----Tomas Isidro
1818-----Fernando Tadeo


YEAR---ALCALDE CONSTITUCIONAL
1819-----Pedro Ramirez
1820-----Julian Felix
1821-----Felipe Neri (Dino)
1822-----Arcadio Menencio
1823-----Ignacio Rafael
1824-----Francisco Marcelino Feliciano



YEAR GOVERNADORCILLO
1825-----Juan Tolentino
1826-----Juan Elias (Dia)
1827-----Juan Felix
1828-----Mariano Facundo
1829-----Gavino de Vera
1830-----Antonio Mariano
1831-----Vicente Alberto
1832-----Alberto Magno
1833-----Pioquinto Romero
1834-----Juan Navarro
1835-----Salvador de la Cruz
1836-----Mariano Cecilio
1837-----Clemente de San Antonio
1838-----Romualde Salomon (Dellosa)
1839-----Juan Felix -do-
1840-----Manuel Salomon (Dellosa)
1841----- -do-
1842-----Pioquinto Romero
1843-----Francisco Enrique
1844-----Marcos Dechavez
1845-----Mariano Digman (Gusman)
1846-----Fabian Rufino
1847-----Agapito Ramirez
1848-----Julian Torres (Dizon)
1849-----Manuel Anonuevo
1850----- -do-
1851-----Ambrosio Dineros -
1852-----Mariano Domino Tadeo)
1853-----Mariano de Sta. Ana
1854-----Juan Dellosa (Piquil)
1855-----Domingo Ebio
1856-----Juan Dellosa
1857-----Angelo Dellosa
1858-----Isidro de Sta. Ana
1859-----Juan Dy (Climaco)
1860-----Francisco Despabiladeras
1861-----Andres Mariano (Dipon)

1861-62--Pascual Dia
1862-63-- -do-
1863-64--Isidro de Sta Ana
1864-65-- -do-
1865-66--Angelo Dellosa
1866-67-- -do-
1867-68--Eulalio Domino
1868-69-- -do-
1869-70--Pio Escarcha
1870-71-- -do-
1871-72--Mariano Detera
1872-73-- Mariano Detera
1873-74-- Esteban Amador
1874-75-- -do-
1875-76-- Mariano Deocareza
1876-77-- -do-
1877-78-- Maximo Serrano
1878-79-- -do-

Beginning 1861-1862 until 1892-93, all elected official served a term of two years.
1879-80-- Bernardino Dellosa
1880-81-- Bernardino Dellosa
1881-82-- Micael Dineros
1882-83-- Marcelo Garcia
1883-84-- Juan Dia Jose Dineros
1884-85-- -do-
1885-86-- Maximo Serrano
1886-87-- -do-

1887-88--Esteban Amador

1888-89-- -do-

1889-90 Ramon Garcia

1890-91--Victor Eco

1891-92-- -do-

1892-93--Cirilo Jimenez

CAPITAN MUNICIPAL

1893-----Cirilo Jimenez

1894----- -do-

1895-----Victor Eco

1896----- -do-

1897----- -do-

1898----- -do-

YEAR CURA PARROCO
1777-----Rev. Fr. Geronimo de Talavera

of Sorsogon as regent

1778-----Rev. Fr. Roque de Priego

1779----- -do-

1780-----Rev. Fr. de Talavera of Sorsogon

since the death of Rev. Fr. Priego

1781----- -do-

1782-----Rev. Fr. Jose de Avia, regent

1783-----In this year Rev. Fathers Manuel de los

Dolores, Juan de Talavera, Pedro Geronimo

Cabello and Rafael Benavente, alternately

served the parish.

1784-----Rev. Fr. Rafael Benavente

1785----- -do-

1786----- -do-

1787----- -do-

1788----- -do-

1789----- -do-

1790----- -do-

1791----- -do-

1792----- -do-

1793----- -do-

1794-----Rev. Fr. Benavente, in July handed the parish to

1795-----Rev. Fr. Pedro Licup, first Filipino to head it.

1796-----Rev. Fr. Pedro Licup, He died in 1796.

Rev. Fr. Tomas de San Antonio

1797----- -do-

1798----- -do-

1799----- -do-

1800-----Rev. Fr. Tomas de San Antonio, the same priest was permanently assigned.

1801-----Rev. Fr. Tomas de San Antonio

1802----- -do-

1803----- -do-

1804----- -do-

1805----- -do-

1806----- -do-

1807----- -do-

1808----- -do-

1809----- -do-

1810----- -do-

1811----- -do-

1813----- -do-

1814----- -do-

1815----- -do-

1816----- -do-

1817----- -do-

1818----- -do-

1819-----Rev. Fr. Tomas de San Antonio

1820----- -do-

1821-----Rev. Fr. Fabian de Vera, entereno

1822-----Rev. Fr. Mariano Acacio

1823----- -do-

1824----- -do-

1825-----Rev. Fr. Mariano Acio

1826----- -do-

1827----- -do-

1828----- -do-

1829----- -do-

1830----- -do-

1831----- -do-

1832----- -do-

1833-----Rev. Fr. Fabian de Vera, intereno

1834-----Rev. Fr. Gregorio de Sta. Ana

1835----- -do-

1836----- -do-

1837-----Rev. Fr. Gregorio de Sta. Ana

1838----- -do-

1839----- -do-

1840 ------do-

1841----- -do-

1841----- -do-

1842----- -do-

1843-----Rev. Fr. Gregorio de Sta. Ana

1844----- -do-

1845----- -do-

1846----- -do-

1847----- -do-

1848----- -do-

1849----- -do-

1850----- -do-

1851----- -do-

1852-----Rev. Fr. Tomas de Sta. Ana, intereno

1853-----Rev. Fr. Remigio de Vera

1854----- -do-

1855----- -do-

1856----- -do-

1857----- -do-

1858-----Rev. Fr. Remigio de Vera

1859----- -do-

1860----- -do-

1861-62- -do

1862-63- -do-

1863-64- -do-

1864-65 Rev. Fr. Paulino de San Juan

1865-66- -do-

1866-67- -do-

1867-68- -do-

1868-69- -do-

1870-71- -do-

1871-72- -do-

1872-73 Rev. Fr. Paulino de San Juan

1873-74- -do-

1874-75- -do-

1875-76- -do-

1876-77 Rev. Fr. Tomas de Sta. Ana temporarily headed the Parish when Rev. Fr. Paulino de San Juan died on Dec. 22, 1876.

1877-78 Rev. Fr. Santiago Ojeda

1878-78- -do

1879-80- -do-

1880-81 Rev. Fr. Santiago Ojeda

1881-82- -do-

1882-83 Since Oct., 1883 Rev. Fr. Casiano de Vera succeeded.

1883-84 Rev. Fr. Casiano de Vera

1884-85- -do-

1885-86- -do- In March, 1886, Rev. Fr. Florentino succeeded.

1886-87- -do-

1887-88 Rev. Fr. Florentino Bartolome

1888-89 Rev. Fr. Pablo Zuniga, intereno

1889-90 Rev. Fr. Fermin Desa

1890-91- -do-

1891-92- -do-

1892-93 Rev. Fr. Vicente Barrameda

1893----Rev. Fr. Vicente Barrameda

1894----Rev. Fr. Clemente Emerenciana

1895---- -do-

1896---- -do-

1897---- -do-

1898---- -do-

YEAR TENIENTE PRIMERO

1877-78----Felix Dominisac

1878-79---- -do-

1879-80----Jose de Sta. Ana

1880-81----Jose de Sta. Ana

1881-82----Pantaleon Deocareza

1883-83---- -do-

1883-84----Jose Dineros

1884-85---- -do-

1885-86----Diego Amador

1889-87---- -do-

1887-88----Miguel Serrano

1888-89---- -do-

1889-90

1890-91----Antonio Diaz

1891-92---- -do-

1892-93----Mariano Dayson

YEAR TENIENTE MAYOR

1893------- Mariano Dayson

1894------- -do-

1895--------Martin Diolata *

1896-------- -do-

1897--------Juan Azas

1898-------- -do-

The Teniente Mayor elected in year 1895 was Miguel Ramirez but he resigned after a month's service, so Martin Diolata, then Teniente de Policia, succeeded him.

In 1855, the Office of Fielato de las Rentas Estancadas was organized. Gavino de Vera was the first to hold the position as Fiel de Rentas Official.

YEAR FIEL DE RENTAS ESTANCADAS

1858-------- Rafael Ortiz

1859-------- -do-

1860-------- -do-

1861-------- -do-

1861-62---- -do-

1862-63---- -do-

1863-64---- -do-

1864-65---- -do-

1865-66---- -do-

1866-67---- -do-

1867-68---- -do-

1868-69---- -do-

1869-70---- -do-

1870-71---- -do-

1871-72-----The Governadorcillo, acting official

1872-73-----Governadorcillo, acting

1873-74-----Governadorcillo, acting

1874-75-----Jose Maria Riu

1875-76---- -do-

1876-77---- -do-

1877-78-----Hilario Ramos

1878-79----- -do-

1879-80----- -do-

1880-81-----Hilario Ramos

1881-82-----The Office of Fielato de las Rentas Estancadas was abolished in 1882.

The office of the Juez de Paz (Justice of the Peace Court) was created by virtue of a Royal Decree in 1887 or 1888; the judge to be appointed by the Governor General.

YEAR JUEZ DE PAZ AUXILLAR

1887-88-----Jose Verchez

Marcelo Garcia

1888-89-----Jose Verchez

Marcelo Garcia

1889-90-----Juan Bta. Sanchez

1890-91-----Juan Bta. Sanchez

Maximo Serrano

1891-92-----Juan Bta. Sanchez

Mariano Deocareza

1892-93-----Juan Bta. Sanchez

Mariano Deocareza

1893---------Juan Bta. Sanchez

1894--------- -do-

1895---------Juan Bta. Sanchez

Juan Figueroa

1896---------Juan Bta. Sanchez

Juan Figueroa

1897---------Esteban Amador

Mariano Dayson

1898---------Mariano Dayson




Part II

Chapter Two
During the Revolutionary and Transition Periods

The Change of Titles of Municipal Officials:
The chief executive of the town was called Presidente and Vice-Presidente. The other officials were called Delegados de (a.) Justicia, (b.) Rentas, y (c.) Policia. They were appointed by the Revolutionary government. The priest together with the municipal officials retained his position as a leader of the community.

During this chaotic period, the municipal officials and leaders were composed of the following:

YEAR--1899-1900
PRESIDENTE LOCAL------------Cirilo Jimenez
VICE-PRESIDENTE-------------- Miguel B. Ramirez
CURA PARROCO------------------Rev. Fr.Clemente Emerenciana

DELEGADOS DE

(a.) JUSTICIA---------------------- Esteban Amador

(b.) RENTAS------------------------Antonio Diaz

(c.) POLICIA-----------------------------Gervacio Din

When the President and the Vice-President transferred to Sorsogon for safety and refuge, the following were appointed by the American Military Authorities to fill the positions vacated during the transition period:

Presidente local--------------------- Ramon Garcia
Vice-Presidente----------------------Juan Azas

Ramon Garcia was suspected of being an Americanista by the Revolutionists. He was stabbed at the back. Although he was not killed, he was incapacitated for further service at the time.

To be continued

David & Leonidas Ebio - Notable Bacongnons

2004 BCSAAI Achievement Awardees for Entrepreneurship

The 2004 BCSAAI Achievement for Entrepreneurship was awarded to a couple who made use of their poverty as their springboard to attain their goal which is to give their children higher education and to alleviate themselves from their poor living condition.

The husband & the wife are both alumni of Bacon Central School, the man from class 1946 and the lady from class 1949. Both of them did not finish a collegiate course, the man having only reached up to third year High School at the Sorsogon School of Arts & Trades and the lady reached first year college at the Annunciation College of Bacon.

They were blessed with four children all of whom are alumni of Bacon Central School, Jameson, the eldest belongs to batch ’68, Josephine with batch ’71, David Jr. with batch’76 and Salvacion belongs to batch ’83.

When the couple started their family, Leonidas, the wife, did dressmaking, home industries like abaca braiding and basket weaving and sometimes laundrying just to augment family the family income. David, the husband worked in a gasoline station of the late ex- Mayor Elias Garcia for several years.

As their children grew, the couple realized that with their meager income they needed an extra source of income, if they were to send their children to higher education. They decided to start a food business with a small eatery in the Bacon Public Market way back in 1968.

With sheer guts, hard work, very minimal capitalization and combined efforts of David and Leonidas, they were able to sustain their children’s education through their small food business. Their children Jameson, is now a draftsman working with the City Engineer’s Office in the City of Sorsogon, Josephine is now a secondary School teacher at the Sorsogon National High School, David Jr. is a bookkeeper in a ranch in Isabela and Salvacion is the Local Civil Registrar in the City of Sorsogon.

The food business they established, although only a modest eatery is however stable up to this day. It was poverty that made the couple and their children stronger, creative, resolute, compassionate…in short we can say that they are high achievers.

The couple has this advice to give to other parents. “Never underestimate poverty.” A fitting advice from the couple who lived by the motto: “Poverty is not a stumbling block but a stepping stone to one’s success.”

By Lorna N. Figueroa

Reminder:Bacon Grand Alumni Homecoming - Annie

This is to remind you that the Bacon Central School Grand Alumni Homecoming will be on Saturday May 17, 2008.

Donation for the school project may be sent to:
Atty. Romeo S. Morato
Poblacion, Bacon District
Sorsogon City
Philippines

Or you may directly deposit your contribution to:
Savings Account of Bacon Central School Alumni Association Inc.
No. 1280 03075 5
Allied Bank, Sorsogon Branch
Sorsogon City
Philippines

Your help will be very much appreciated.

A Brief History of Bacon - author Cristina D. Jose

Part I

Chapter Two – Fortifying the Town

The Muralla And The Baluartes:
With her economic stability, enhanced by the growth of abaca industry, Bacon could have led a peaceful existence after assuming its legal status, as a principalia or municipio under the province of Albay, were it not for the frequent Moro raids which brought havoc to the inhabitants, many of whom were either killed or taken captives. Confronted with the grave problem of above –mentioned, this young daughter of Albay conceived plans of fortifying herself. This led to the construction of the muralla in the heart of the town where the people could take refuge in the event of Moro invasions. This muralla (thick walls) beside the market still stands to this day.

There were also baluartes constructed on each corner of the muralla and in the outskirts of the town. They served as the first lines of defense against the enemies and as watchtowers. One was constructed at the eastern part of the town proper, by the shores of what is now known as Quinale about a kilometer from the heart of the Poblacion. Another was in the place once called the Montufar, at Manlabong point, which is the easternmost part of the Pueblo de Bacon, bordering the Pacific Ocean. This is about fifteen miles from the Poblacion. The latter, with the soldiers garrisoned therein, served as the vanguard of defense, and the main artery of communication in case of impending danger of Moro invasion. For a similar purpose, all towns along the shores, like Bacon were provided w/ baluartes.

As soon as invading Moros were sighted, a warning would be sent out by means of sounds made on the pustuhan. This was a big trunk of a tree, hollowed at the center and hung in a convenient place in baluarte. The casa tribunal (municipal building) was also provided with one.

When pounded the pustuhan, emitted a strong. booming sound that could be heard for miles. There was a code followed in sending out messages. When the watchman at the nearest baluarte heard the warning, he would sound the same alarm on the pustuhan. Thus the people in the community were alerted of the coming danger and they would be prepared before the enemies could land.

The work on the muralla and the baluartes mentioned above was begun and completed during the incumbency of Gobernadorcillo Teodoro Saens. He was elected for six consecutive terms (1776-1781) in order to complete the construction of fortifying the town undertaken by him. Together with Cura Parroco at the time Rev. Fr. Geronimo de Talavera, he led & directed the work. The labor was supplied by the male inhabitants who were required to render gratuitous services for the purpose. The cementation which has been proven to be highly durable and strong, defying the elements and escaping deterioration up to the present, was made from lime, sand and stone thoroughly mixed with basi* and tuba**. The basi and tuba, according to the theory of experienced men at the time, would solidify the mixture, and the finished product would be of concretely great resistance and durability.

A church was constructed and a cemetery was provided for, in the muralla. Sufficient rooms and quarters were likewise provided for all inhabitants who might seek refuge within it in times of emergencies. The baluartes in the four corners of the muralla served as artillery bases on which cannons were mounted for the defense of the place against the enemies.

It is believed that the cemetery within the muralla contains the remains of the wife and newly born child of one of the governor general of the Philippines. The said governor-general with his family was passing San Bernardino Strait when a storm overtook them. They sought refuge at Banao, a sition of the barrio of Salvacion, about three to four miles from the Poblacion on the eastern part of the town. The governor- general’s wife was in the family way.

Unfortunately, the child chose to be born into the world on such a stormy day. It was not a normal delivery. Hoping to have the best possible care and attention under the circumstances, she was immediately taken to town; but nothing could be done to save either one or both. The mother and child died, and their remains were buried at this cemetery.

The Telegrafos Opticos and the Telegrafistas:
Telegrafos opticos, a series of outposts for communications, were constructed and installed at strategic points in 1815, to facilitate further means of communication in order to alert the inhabitants of the coming danger of Moro raids. The telegrafos opticos served as the points of Camlongan, Anahaw, Gajo, Himoraga, Caricaran, Guisoc, Hulugan, Meycawayan of Gatbo, Talisayan, Montufar, Rapu-Rapu and Batan. They lessened at least, although they did not altogether stop the raids.

For a still more effective service, these telegrafos opticos were replaced later by telegrafistas. They had to render a similar duty; namely: to give signals and alarms as soon as they sighted the arrival of any vessel or any means of transportation by sea, especially those used by the Moros, like the Panoas and the Salisipan of which these officials were very much acquainted.

During daytime, the telegrafistas gave the signal by raising flags; at night, lights. They followed a code. The signals served to alert the officials and the inhabitants of the respective communities of the impending Moro raids and other catastrophe.

The Breakwater at the Back of the Old Municipal Building:
Very close to the sea, Pigsabonan, then the center of the Poblacion, was in constant danger of the raging sea. Often it is flooded water from the sea during high tides, especially when the waves were big, caused by strong winds from the north, northeast and the east. To protect Pigsabonan against such dangers, a strong breakwater was constructed along the shore in front of the muralla about a hundred meters away from it. This was done on the initiative of the incumbent gobernadorcillo, in 1814, with the cooperation of other municipal officials and prominent citizens of the community, and the inhabitants who donated the labor and materials. A small portion of the land thus gained from the sea was converted later into a park under the management of this same gobernadorcillo.

An additional length of this breakwater was added in 1829 to protect the house of Gobernadorcillo de Vera from the sea. The breakwater extended almost throughout Pigsabonan. Formerly it used to be high enough to protect the land from the raging sea. The surface was a little more than a meter wide. This breakwater was not only used for the purpose mentioned above, but also as a sort of pier to boats to anchor in during fair weather. A warehouse was constructed nearby where goods transported to and from Bacon were stored. Most often, during moonlight nights people took a stroll on this little pier of Bacon.

Long before the outbreak of the Pacific War, nature likewise provided a natural breakwater for these parts along the shores that were not protected by these parts along the shores that were not protected by the breakwater constructed in 1814-1829. A thick growth of pandan plants and dalogdog and trees that thrive along the shore were allowed to grow and served a similar purpose to protect the place. Pigsabonan had been safe from the dangers of the raging sea before the last World War broke out. Sometime in 1942 when Japanese garrisoned here ordered the shores to be clear of all these plants, the thick growth of which, according to them afforded a safe hiding place of what they termed dorobos (thieves). From that time on, the houses along the shores including the school building were in constant danger from the rough sea. Gradually, both sides of the sea wall that used to be seen at the back of the old municipal building were filled with sand and stones carried by the big waves. There was a time when this wall was almost totally buried.*
_______________________________________

*See Part Three, Chapter 7, pp. 40,41,43 for further information regarding these walls.
* Basi- the juice of the sugar cane.
**Tuba- a delicious liquid taken from the flower of a coconut tree.

Dr. Sevilla Detera-Wadleigh- By Lorna N. Figueroa

BCSAAI 2004 Achievement Award For Science And Technology

Dr. Sevilla Detera – Wadleigh with all the scholarships, awards and achievements she has made in her field of expertise, truly deserves the Achievement Award in Science & Technology.

She is an alumna of the Bacon Central School being one of the members of Class 1953. She finished her high school education from the Sorsogon Provincial High School in 1958 and became a scholar at the Mapua Institute of Technology earning a degree in Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1962.

She worked as Scientist 4 with the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission where she was awarded by the Philippine Government with fellowship grants to study and be trained abroad.

Dr. Sevilla Detera – Wadleigh finished her MBA in Bio Chemistry at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. USA and her PHD in Bio Chemistry at Howard University also in Washington D.C. USA.

She went to Vienna, Austria, Germany and around the USA to train foreign students and postdoctoral fellows. Presently she is working with the National Institute of Health in Maryland, USA where she is the head of the Research Department. Her current research in Bio Chemistry is about Human Molecular Biology and Genetics of Mental Disorders.

She is married to Dr. Robert G. Wadleigh, a doctor of Medicine, Oncologist and Cancer Specialist.

Sevilla Detera- Wadleigh, the daughter of Bacon, the Alumna of Bacon Central School, the accomplished scientist & researcher in Bio Chemistry, an achiever in global magnitude continues to be humble and giving person who has helped a lot of young people of Bacon have a head start in life because of the scholarships she has generously given to deserving youth.

Alumni Homecoming - Atty. Romeo S. Morato

It has been eons since you left the portalsof our dear Alma Mater, the Bacon Central School. When we graduated, all we had left were fond memories of our elementary school days and the thought that some day, somehow, we will come back and meet again.

It has been a public knowledge that two years ago, our place was ravaged by three (3) typhoons that almost brought great destruction not only to houses, coconut plantations, and rice lands but destroyed several classrooms. Our dear Alma Mater was not spared. It had not getting enough support from local and national government sectors.

This lack of assistance is frustrating and your present Alumni Association officers cannot just take it for granted.. They all agree that elementary school children need basic facilities that are ordinary and necessary while at school, such as, proper lightings in every classroom and safe and potable water supply. These are initial projects to undertake.

We have already started a fund raising activity, but our fund is not sufficient at present. We, therefore appeal and solicit your support for these projects by way of donation or contribution, whether in cash or in kind. You may deposit directly your contribution to Allied Bank, Sorsogon Branch, Sorsogon City, Philippines under Savings Account of Bacon Central School Alumni Asso., No. 1280 03075 5 or you may course the same to me at Poblacion, Bacon District, Sorsogon City 4701, Philippines.

We also take this opportunity to invite you to our traditional Grand Alumni Homecoming on May 17, 2008 and prayed by that time that your participation and contribution in our initial projects are already completed.

We hope to hear from you at soonest and God bless.

Very truly yours,

Atty. Romeo S.Morato

President, Alumni Homecoming

A Brief History Of Bacon - author Cristina D. Jose

Part One – The Growth Of Bacon Under The Spanish Rule


Chapter One – It’s Organization and Early Development

How The Town Got It's Name:
After the conversion to Christianity and adhesions to the Spanish Government of the natives settling on the southeastern end of the Bicol Peninsula, then known as Casiguran, a missionary settlement was established in 1600. This territory extends from the central part of the present site of the province of Sorsogon to the shores of the Pacific on its northern boundary.

In 1609, Rev. Fr. Felix Huertas, the missionary administrator of Casiguran, zealous in his duties towards his “flock”, visited the valley on the northern part of this territory wherein he found, on and near the shores an abundant growth of native plants called “Bacong”*. It was this missionary father who gave the name Bacong to this place after the name of these plants. To make the pronunciation easy and smooth, the g at the end was discarded by the Spaniards who came later. The name has been pronounced and written as Bacon since then.

Bacon Became A Separate Missionary Parish:
In the year 1617, the Visita de Bacon ceased to be a part of her mother town, Casiguran. A separate missionary parish or pueblo was established here under the Roman Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. Antonio de San Francisco, its founder, as the first minister of the church.

With the natives to supply both labor and materials, the first place of worship was constructed under the direction of the missionary father. The church was dedicated to the Ntra. Sra. De La Anunciacion, the patron saint of the place to this day.

The Discovery Of Abaca:
Since its establishment as a missionary parish until 1753, the friars of the Franciscan Order who held the administration of the parish did much in the development of Bacon. One of the most notable among those Franciscan friars was Rev. Fr. Pedro Espallargas. During his incumbency, this friar discovered abaca plants growing abundantly in Gogon, a sitio in the southern part of the town, about a kilometer from the center of the Poblacion.

He instructed the natives how to extract, manufacture and how to use the fiber. At the start, the edges of the frying pans were used to extract the fibers. Later, an improvised instrument call hag-ot in the vernacular, replaced the crude ones used earlier.

The fibers were woven into sinamay cloth especially by the women. The cloth was used for clothing by men, women, and children. This was hammered and soaked in lime to soften the cloth before using it. At times the cloth was dyed to obtain the color desired. There were local dyes used for the purpose. Looms for weaving sinamay cloth are still in use in many homes in the rural areas of this municipality.

The abaca industry grew to be an important one. It contributed greatly to the economic progress of the municipality, in particular, and of the country, in general. Prior to 1669 when the extraction (hag-otan) was introduced, the abaca was wild, unknown and without any economic utility to the natives.

Bacon Became a Pueblo Civil:
In 1754, by virtue of a decree issued by the Spanish government through the governor of the province of Albay, Manuel Valenzuela, the Mision de Bacon was declared Pueblo Civil de Bacon under the province of Albay, with Juan Elias (later Dia) as its first gobernadorcillo.This gave Bacon its legal existence as a newly-born daughter of Albay, which was conceived by its founding as a missionary Parish on the initiative of Rev. Fr. Antonio de San Francisco.

The Administration Of The Parish Of Bacon Given To Filipino Clergy:
After a constructive leadership and tutorship for about one hundred seventy seven years (1617-1794) the Franciscan fathers left the administration of the parish of Bacon to the Filipino clergy. Rev. Fr. Rafael Benavente, in representation of the Franciscan Order, handed the parish to the first Filipino priest to head it, Rev. Fr. Pedro Licup, in July, 1794.

To be continued.
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*Bacong belongs to the lily family. The fiber is white with spots of blue at the pistil. The petals are long and bend downwards. One can hardly notice its fragrance, which is mild and sweet unless he is close to the flower itself. The leaves are poniard-like, almost as long and as big as the leaves of any ordinary “lirio”, but thicker. The natives call this “Bacong.”

Love - 1Corinthians 13:4-13

Love is patient and kind.
Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud.

Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not get upset with others.
Love does not count up wrongs that have been done.

Love is not happy with evil but is happy with the truth.

Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hopes, and always remains strong.

Love never ends. There are gifts of prophecy, but they will be ended.
There are gifts of speaking in different languages, but those gifts will stop.
There is the gift of knowledge, but it will come to an end.

The reason is that our knowledge and our ability to prophesy are not perfect.

But when perfection comes, the things that are not perfect will end.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.
When I became a man I stopped those childish ways.

It is the same with us. Now we see a dim reflection, as if we were looking into a mirror, but then we shall see clearly.
Now I know only a part, but then I will know fully, as God has known me.

So these three things continue forever: faith, hope, and love.
And the greatest of these is Love.


Happy Valentines!

A Brief History Of Bacon - author Cristina D. Jose

PREFACE

Lying close to the typhoon belt and bounded by the Pacific waters on its northeastern part, Bacon is often visited by typhoons, some of which are very destructive. These, together with other catastrophes and the effects of last World War, caused not only the loss of human lives and property, but also the destruction and loss of historical records and other valuable works of literature and art.

In answer to the need of reconstructing the history of Bacon, the author has drawn freely from her personal interviews with as many old natives, veterans of the Revolution and of the last World War, guerillas, government officials both past & present as she could possibly approach, and from remnants of records of past administration especially those under the Spanish Regime by the late Miguel B. Ramirez, left in the hands of the late Pablo Deocareza whom the author interviewed in his last days.

The author believes that there are still important details that may yet be added to this. Whatever suggestions, additions, and/or subtractions reliable persons can offer would be most welcome.

This history contains data regarding the establishment of the town; how it came to be so named; its founders the key officials and leaders of the community since its organization together with their names & tenure. An attempt is also made here to record data on historical sites and ruins of old buildings and structures, as well as important facts, incidents or events that happened during the different periods of its history. Destruction of lives and property as well as institutions during the wars (1896-1900 and 1941-1945); also those caused by fires, typhoons and other calamities like epidemics that occurred within the periods covered by this history, together with measures and accomplishments towards rehabilitation and reconstruction after World War II, are likewise included here.

In the preparation of this history, the author gratefully acknowledges her indebtedness to those persons who aided her in many ways: to the late Pablo Deocareza the first elected Presidente Municipal under the Jones Law, who although bedridden, did not deny his valuable help and guidance, and his permission for the use of the personal notes and records regarding the history of Bacon from 1600 up to and including the early part of American regime, together with what remained of his personal copy of the “Historia Cronologica del Pueblo de Bacon” by the late Miguel B. Ramirez; to Federico Empleo for some information he contributed regarding the early history of the place, and for his English translation of the “Historia Cronologica del Pueblo de Bacon”; to Antonio Ansus for permission to use his “Capitania”; to Anacleto Sta. Ana, Faustino Deyto, Dalmacio Ariate and other veterans of the revolution; to Martina Bio Vda. De Serrano, first Filipino Principal to head the first schools established here by the Americans; to Esperidion Garcia and the late Julian Lacre, both former teachers and past officials; to Leon Ayo , appointed Municipal mayor of the Free Government during the Japanese Occupation Period, for his valuable notes regarding the events that took place during his term; to the late Capt. Dalmacio Reyes, veteran of the last World War; to her own brother, Daniel Dooc and to a host of other guerillas who helped in the Resistance Movement; to her fellow teachers and to everyone who gave her bits of information on the different data included in this history.

To be continued

Alumni Homecoming - Atty.Romeo S. Morato

Please be notified that the Bacon Central School Alumni Homecoming as decided by the members in a meeting held last Dec. 5, 2007, will be held on May 17, 2008 and NOT ON MARCH 24, 2008. This was due to several factors being considered and beside school children will be having their last grading exam on the week immediately after Easter.

We are expecting you and your batch members usual cooperation to have our reunion be a success.

By that time we may have finished our project ( Elevated water tank with electric pump machine). This is to provide pupils with potable water any time and supply to their toilets for proper hygiene. We expext to inaugurate the said project simultaneously during the reunion to show to members where their contributions were spent.

Donations can be sent to me or to our Homecoming Association's Account at:
Allied Bank, Sorsogon Branch Philippines #12800307 5
Sorsogon City 4700
Philippines

Thanks for whatever support you may give. Godspeed.

Atty. Romeo S. Morato
President, Bacon Central School Alumni Homecoming
Poblacion, Bacon District 4701
Sorsogon City
Philippines