Rosario of Batangas 1946-1951

Chapter VII

Under The Third Philippine Republic

First Independence Day Celebration
Early Post War Developments

First Independence Day Celebration
A simple ceremony in front of the makeshift municipal building of Rosario marked the celebration of the 1st Independence Day of the Third Philippine Republic on July 4, 1946. A platoon of Bataan veterans, led by Lt. Indalecio T. Magsino, participated in the lowering of the American flag, and the raising of the Filipino flag. The Alcalde or Mayor Recto planted a commemorative Independence Tree (a narra seedling) infront of the "municipio."

In the same year the town's first private high school - Padre Vicente Garcia Memorial Memorial Academy (PVGMA) - was founded by Dr. Melecio Z. Bolaños, Crisanto A. Gualberto, Fidel Luna, and Mayor Jose P. Recto among others.

Courtesy: PVGMA: The Golden Years 1946-1996 Souvenir Program
Dr. Melecio Z. Bolaño

Early Post War Developments
Before the war, Rosario was the premier town of Eastern Batangas. It took the town several decades to regain its pre-war prestige in the province. It had sunk to the lowest classification - a fifth class municipality. This was not due alone to economic devastation it suffered during the war. It was more on the account of the violence of its local politics, and the quality of some leadership it unfortunately had.

In 1947, the Grand Old Man of Rosario, Don Antonino Luancing, was appointed mayor when Mayor Recto left for the Justice Department to become a fiscal. The 1st post-war local election was to be held that year. Don Antonio did not run for the mayorship of the town.

Dr. Crisanto A. Gualberto, who earlier had been freed of charges of collaboration and released from prison, now ran for mayor against guerilla Major Isaac Farol. Dr. Gualberto was the pre-war political kingpin of the town. He was not discouraged by the rough election campaign he had been through. He lost the election but passed the test of nerve of the campaign harassment unscathed. (He later studied law and became the municipal judge of Rosario).

Mayor Farol appointed guerilla Captain Angel Arias as chief of police. Captain Arias was tough chief of police. Locally he was almost legendary in maintaining peace and order in the trouble spots of the town.

Shortly after the election in 1947, Lumang Bayan, with several other barrios in the north, agitated to become a separate municipality. They succeeded early in 1949 and became the Municipality of Padre Garcia - named after its famous son, Padre Vicente Garcia. The new municipality carved about a third of Rosario's territory.

In the Presidential Election of 1949; Mayor Farol, though a Liberal Party member, supported fellow Batangueño Dr. Jose P. Laurel, a Nacionalista, for president. Pres. Quirino was recorded to have been given zero-votes in Rosario. Quirino was re-elected president. When Batangas guerilla leader, Francisco Medrano, rose in rebellion, Mayor Farol mobilized his former guerilla force to join Medrano, but the rebellion ended soon.

By 1950, the Hukbalahaps were active in this Southern Tagalog area. In some parts of the area, the Huks were able to enter and ransack some towns. In Rosario they were able to stay as near as Bagong Pook and its adjacent barrio of Quilo-quilo in Padre Garcia for sometime. In the mountain barrios of Rosario, they were able to attract sympathizers and even won some adherents. Among those who became active in the Huk movement was Nemesio Banaag of barrio Tulos. Locally, he became known as Commander Linda. He later surrendered to the authorities.

To counter the Huk's threat of entering the town proper, Mayor Farol and Captain Arias had heavily armed civilian guards, they were former guerillas and they guarded the town at night. Rosario was for sometime an armed camp at night until the threat was over. The Huks never made an attempt to enter the poblacion.

In the brooding politial turmoil that was to subject Rosario for decades after the war, saw the emergence of a club. Led by the political and some social and business leaders of the town, a caucus was held at the residence of the Chief of Police, Captain Angel Arias. Purportedly it was for the holding of a reception and ball for the coming town fiesta in April 1951. A club was organized with membership from among the elites of the town. It adopted the name: Batikan Club. Jose E. Agoncillo was elected its preident.

The club ceased to exist after the incumbency as club president in 1956 of then Chief of Police Felicisimo H. Luna (later became a mayor). It was brought back to life after 23 years later by then Ex-Mayor Jose E. Agoncillo in 1979. Since then, the club has fostered fellowship, cooperation, unity and service to the community.

The Batikan Club is considered as one of the most enduring and successful socio-civic organizations in the province. Prominent personages of the province, of Metro Manila and even national figures would had been less acquainted with Rosario, if it's not because of the Batikan Club which had them as guest speakers.

Mayor Farol ended his term in August 1951 to run for provincial board member in the election of that year. He had Teodoro Cuartero, a fellow guerilla from barrio Cahigam and was a member of the landed Cuartero family, appointed as acting mayor. He was to be pitted against Captain Arias who also had resigned as chief of police to run for mayor.

Arias had Jose E. Agoncillo as his running mate, and the support of Dr. Crisanto A. Gualberto, the former alcalde of Rosario. Cuartero was supported by former Mayor Farol. In the campaign trail, both candidates had heavily armed body guards with them. Although the political climate was tense, the voting was not marred by violence. Arias and Agoncillo won the election, but subsequent events ushered Rosario into an era of violent politics lasting until 1990.

This post is the first of a series of three posts covering Chapter VII - Under The Third Philippine Republic of the book Rosario of Batangas: Its Origin and Developments, 2008 Edition. Reprinted by permission of the author, Conrado T. Reyes.

Read related articles:

Chapter VII - Under the Third Philippine Republic
Political Episodes of the Era
Other Significant Developments
In Calm Political Atmosphere
The "Araw ng Rosario"

Rosario of Batangas 1951-1989

Chapter VII

Under The Third Philippine Republic

Political Episodes of the Era
Other Significant Developments

Political Episodes of the Era
Mayor-elect Angel Arias did not become mayor of Rosario. He was scheduled to attend a pre-Christmas party in the town plaza in the evening of December 23, 1951. While still in front of his residence - then located just across the BTCo (BLTCo) station, now the BATELEC Office - he was mowed down by carbine fire by a gunman hidden between the parked BTCo buses. This happened despite the presence of a company of soldiers from a Battalion Combat team stationed in the town proper.

Vice-Mayor Elect Jose E. Agoncillo was sworn into office as mayor in January 1952. On February 22 (2 months after the death of Mayor-elect Arias) former Acting Mayor Cuartero was slain in barrio San Carlos in the residence of Juan Soriano, while mediating a case there.

Mayor Agoncillo replaced Gaudencio Manigbas as chief of police with guerrilla Captain Esteban de Guzman (alias Captain Little). Early in 1954, a political move by the Liberals - then in power - was made to oust Mayor Agoncillo from office.

First -councilor Fortunato Inandan was sworn into office by Malacañang on February 16, 1954, as acting mayor of Rosario. For a few days Rosario had tow mayors. On this issue, Agoncillo prevailed. Hardly five (5) months later, in the evening of July 9, 1954, Agoncillo's chief of police Captain de Guzman, was shot dead in midtown. Charged for murder of Capt. de Guzman were former Police Chief Gaudencio Manigbas, two policemen, and some former guerrillas from Macalamcam.

The trial of this murder case was a provincial sensation. Governor Leviste gave, full support to the widow of Capt. de Guzman, in the prosecution of the case. The defense panel was headed by a Liberal stalwart, Atty. Meynardo Farol, a relative of former Mayor Farol. The accused were all convicted and meted death penalty, but later reduced to life imprisonment. Finally they were all pardoned!

Mayor Agoncillo had Felicisimo H. Luna appointed as chief of police after Capt. de Guzman's death. In the election of 1955 Mayor Agoncillo was re-elected along with the election of the 1st lady ever elected councilor of Rosario - Miss Isabelita Comia.

Chief of Police Luna resigned his position before the election of 1959, to run for mayor. On Mayor Agoncillo's attempt for 3rd term, he lost to his former Chief of Police, Felicisimo H. Luna

Mayor Luna was successively re-elected until the 1980 election. He was mayor for twenty two (22) years (1960-1982), when he succumbed to illness on November 14, 1982. In his last bid for re-election during the Martial Law election in 1980, nobody ran against him anymore.

Politics has become a serious preoccupation in Rosario starting early in the 1950’s. It had resulted to violence and deaths of political leaders, the politicians themselves, and even their family members, until 1990.

In the earlier shooting incident, in the 1960’s, Barrio Capt. Teodoro Guno, better known as Kapitan Doroy, escaped death but he was badly wounded. He had to go into hiding for sometime in Kalumala, Santa Teresita.

In 1969, the residence of Chief of Police Ireneo Bautista in Bagong Pook was shot at by vehicle-riding gunmen.

In 1970, the son of Juan Asa a former candidate for mayor, was killed in an ambush in their own barrio of Puting Kahoy.

On March 21, 1971, Mayor Luna himself narrowly escaped death, with his driver, when his car was ambushed in Ermita, Manila. A policeman escort died, while, another was crippled. Mayor Luna’s arm was badly injured.

The imposition of Martial Law in the country by President Marcos in 1972 momentarily put a stop to the violent politics in Rosario. The protagonists seemed to have come to their senses. In the election of 1980, nobody ran against Mayor Luna anymore. The position of vice mayor was contested only by re-electionist Vice-Mayor Felimon Magracia and Brgy. Captain Doroy Guno. Guno was supported by ex-Mayor Agoncillo. Re-electionist Magracia won by a slim margin.

On November 14, 1982, Mayor Luna died suddenly of illness. Vice-Mayor Magracia succeeded to the office as mayor. In Magracia’s place, Antonio T. Luna, the son of the late mayor, was appointed as vice mayor. There was peace in Rosario throughout the Martial Law period.

After President Marcos was deposed by the People’s Power Revolution in February 1986, better known as EDSA I – the new dispensation replaced the municipal government officials of Rosario in April 1986 with a new set, headed by ex-Mayor Jose E. Agoncillo as OIC Mayor, and Kapitan Teodor Guno as OIC Vice-Mayor.

Among the ten (10) OIC Sangguniang Members appointed were: a retired division superintendent of schools, Galo M. Manalo; a rural bank manager, Patricio R. Zuño; a former vice-mayor, Jaime S. Bagting; and former councilors, Jose M. Guerra and Daniel Endaya. The ABC president, Lope I. Cordero; and SK Chairman, Francisco S. Calingasan, were retained in their positions. The 3 other members were also select residents of the town: Emma Z. Urrea, Felixberto Barbosa and Eugenio Batilo.

The new set of officials were assume their respective offices on April 25, 1986. Before OIC Vice-Mayor designate, Kapitan Dorol Guno, could take his oath of office; he was shot dead in the Rosario Cockpit – in broad daylight before many people – during a ‘pintakasi’ on April 23 – just after the town fiesta. His son, Joselito Guno was appointed OIC Vice Mayor. This is another of the unsolved murder cases of the town.

In the congressional election of May 11, 1987, former Judge Jose E. Calingansan was elected congressman – the first from Rosario. His cousin, OIC Mayor Jose E. Agoncillo, had to resign to run for mayor in the election of January 18, 1988. The congressman’s daughter, Mrs. Marife C. Barrera, was appointed OIC Mayor, making her the first woman of Rosario act as mayor. His son-in-law, former Vice Mayor Antonio T. Luna, and former Mayor Felimon T. Magracia both run for mayor, Luna won together with his running mate, Rolando R. Sevilla. In this election, a lady candidate topped the results for councilor, or SB Kagawad, in the person of Miss Elizabeth Marquez.

Just after twenty two (22) months in office, Mayor Luna was also assassinated inside the Rosario Cockpit arena in the afternoon of December 9, 1989. A bodyguard of the mayor was also shot dead. One of the assassins was slain in Brgy. Sta. Cruz by responding policemen.

The political vendetta did not end with the assassination of Mayor Antonio T. Luna. Two months after the death of Mayor Luna, his elder brother, Brgy. Capt. Julianito T. Luna, was also shot dead in the front yard of his home in barangay Namunga, on February 8, 1990. These two deaths also remained unsolved.

Other Significant Developments
During the period of unsettled political peace in Rosario in the 2nd half of the 20th century, there was some other significant developments. The Batikan Club, which was organized in 1951, provided the social aspect of celebrating the annual town fiesta. It had grown to be involved in more meaningful and responsive civic organization.

The local government offices which up to 1958 were located in temporary quarters – on the old pre-war dispensary building and in a make-shift building – now had a new municipal hall built during the last term of Mayor Jose E. Agoncillo. The Rosario Municipal Hall was from the pork-barrel fund of then Speaker Jose B. Laurel. It was then one of the finest municipal halls in the province.

The Rosario Rural Bank, Inc. was the first rural bank established in the town. It was incorporated in December 1961, with the Laurels of Tanauan as among the lead incorporators. Today, this bank has become a branch of the President Jose P. Laurel Rural Bank, Inc. Late in the 1960, the bank directors, saw the need to reconstruct the church building of the Parish of the Holy Rosary. They initiated a fund raising campaign that lasted for several years to help build the church.

At about the same period saw saw the rise of the town’s first private ten bed hospital, of Dr. Juanito M. Caguimbal. In 1968, it was expanded to become the Caguimal General Hospital accredited with the Medical Care Commission (now PhilHealth), where SSS and GSIS members were able to avail of the benefits of the Commission.

Around and in the poblacion, subdivisions were opened led by Villa Felisa, the Sto. Rosario and the Rodelas Subdivisions.

There was a noticeable growth in the town’s population, trade and industry. Gradually, the Filipino merchants of the town took over the retail trade which before was controlled by the Chinese. The Chinese community shifted to the manufacturing and while sale industries. The rest were integrated into the mainstream of the Filipino society becoming more Filipinos than Chinese.

The growing commercial activities of the town necessitated the relocation of the public market to a more spacious place. The open space allotted for public use (required under PD 957) by the Rodelas Subdivision, a residential-commercial subdivision was large enough intended to be the next market place. The municipal government built a new market on this open space. Market vendors refused to transfer to the new market, the entire old public market was mysteriously burned down one midnight in 1969. Business came to life in the new public market and the Rodelas Subdivision became the commercial center of the town.

The town’s cattle market operation, a major source of municipal income, was not only neglected, but ill-managed. Cattle dealers sometimes fear for their personal safety. Some reported to be even practically maltreated by some town officials. Rosario finally lost the market to Padre Garcia, which developed to become the biggest cattle market in the country.

By 1979, Rosario was among the lowest class municipality of the province – a fifth class municipality.

With the advent of the 1980’s, domestic investors came in to invest in the multi-million peso agri-business enterprises. The more notable among these are the Luz Farm Inc. of the Sarmientos in barangay Pinagsibaan, and the Puyat Pig Development (Phils.) in barangay Sta. Cruz.

Many others followed establishing their commercial piggery farms in several barangays of the town. While the fees and taxes they paid improved the municipal government income, the wasted from their farms polluted the town’s stream and river systems, making them biologically dead.

Early during this period, too, the 1st two barangay high schools of the town were established. These were the Tulos Barangay High School and the Baybayin Barangay High School. These were made possible through the efforst its two native sons: Mssrrs. Aurelio A. Adelantar and Galo M. Manalo. They were both division school officials of Batangas. Initially, these high schools and others that followed, operated through tuition fees. Later their operations were nationally funded. They became known as national high schools.

In 1984, the first private elementary school of the town – the Sto. Niño Formation School was established by Mrs. Araceli A. Calderon.

This post is the second of a series of three posts covering Chapter VII - Under The Third Philippine Republic of the book Rosario of Batangas: Its Origin and Developments, 2008 Edition. Reprinted by permission of the author, Conrado T. Reyes.


Read related articles:

Chapter VII - Under the Third Philippine Republic
First Independence Day Celebration
Early Post War Developments
In Calm Political Atmosphere
The "Araw ng Rosario"

Rosario Batangas 1989-1999

Chapter VII

Under The Third Philippine Republic

In Calm Political Atmosphere
The "Araw ng Rosario"

In Calm Political Atmosphere
Vice-Mayor Rolando R. Sevilla succeeded as mayor after the assassination of Mayor Antonio Luna on December 9, 1989. He was succeeded in turn as vice-mayor by the number one elected SB Kagawad, Miss Elizabeth Marquez – making her the fist lady vice mayor in the history of the town. The brief administration of Mayor Sevilla marked the period on non-violent politics.

The Mahal the Vigen Maria (MVM) District Hospital, project of Congressman Calingasan, was built in Brgy. Namunga. It became operational in 1990, making available its medical services and facilities also to patients from the neighboring towns of Rosario.

In the same period, too, the Regional Trial Court, Branch No. 87 was established here.

Incidentally, during this new administration, the grotto of Christ’s Stations of the Cross, conceived by businessman Antonio Z. Luna, came into being. Mr. Luna was provided by the municipal government some 2,300 sq. m. space at the foot of Tombol Hill for this religious project.

This space was transformed grotesquely, before, by sand quarrying and part of it later became a garbage dump.

Here, rose the fourteen (14) stations of the cross with the life-size characters of the Holy Passions. This grotto or the Way to the Cross has become a local religious tourist attraction during the Holy Week. Above the grotto, on top of Tombol Hill, stands the huge statue of Christ with arms extended in welcome gesture. This statue has become a landmark of Rosario.

Also during this administration, the Municipal government of Rosario agreed to provide the national government agency, tasked to implement the Municipal Telephone Program, with a space for its office and facilities. Rosario conditionally donated property some years later to a private company, the DIGITEL TELECOMMUNICATION PHILIPPINES, INC., in violation of the terms of the donations.

Former Brgy. Captain Rodolfo G. Villar was elected mayor in the election of 1992. In his inauguration, outgoing Mayor Sevilla was with Mayor-elect Vilar at the ceremony to the delight of the audience.

This spectacle of the political rivals in a friendly turn-over of office had not been witnessed in Rosario for so long in a time. Various development projects were put inot place by the new administration.

This was in preparation for the expected implementation of the development plan to transform Rosario to the Agro-Industrial Center in Southeastern Batangas under the CALABARZON project. Its Sangguniang Bayan passed resolutions declaring large areas as industrial estates in six barangays namely: Mabato, Pinagsibaan, Puting Kahoy, San Isidro, Calantas and Matamis. In these areas 1,400 hectares and other sizeable land areas available for development for factories and agri-business facilities sites, housing projects, science and recreational parks, resorts and golf courses. These plans have awakened the enthusiasm of various groupings of foreign and domestic investors. Rosario is declared special economic zone of Batangas under the CALABARZON project. A number of rural banks and commercial banks came in and put up their branches here.

In barangay Maligaya, about 17 kilometers southeast of the poblacion, was built on a thirty (30) hectare land, the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC). It is, then, the 1st ever Federation Internationale L’Automobile (FIA) homologated race track in the Philippines. The group that conceptualized belonged to the Shell Group of Companies, Philip Morris, Phil. Inc., Toyota Motor Philippines Corp., Norkis-Yamaha Trading, and Hilton Motor Corp. (owner of the Circuit).

A short distance east of the BRC, in barangay Mabato, is the Savona Garden, of the Savona State Inc. Originally this was intended to be developed as the Savona Garden Golf and Country Club – the golf courses on a 104.6 hectare land with some 30 more hectares for lots and condominium apartments. The golf courses were to be designed to international standards for pleasure and satisfaction. Today, it is advertised only as a “Farm Lot Within A Golf Course”.

Around the BRC and the Savona areas, many non-residents of Rosario have invested heavily in developing sizeable lands into orchard, cattle or poultry farms. Notable among the farms are those of the Magsaysay Foundation, Mayor Jojo Binay of Makati and the Bagatsings of Manila.

The "Araw ng Rosario"
In June 1994, Mayor Villar thought of celebrating the founding of Rosario. This author [NB: Conrado T. Reyes] was directed to undertake a research on the history of Rosario. The initial research findings stirred the historical interest of the eleven select historical committee members, other municipal officials and the more literate residents of the town. A digest of the towns history: "Rosario: Its Origin and Development", was the cover article in the Rosario Fiesta '95 Souvenir Program.

The Sangguniang Bayan decided to declare June 9, 1997 and every year thereafter as "Araw ng Rosario" under Res. No. 14-96 dated March 5, 1996. The Historical Committee proposed the commemoration of the 310th Foundation Year of Rosario and the 95th Year of Establishment in Tombol on the "Araw ng Rosario" in 1997.

The committee was converted into a council - The Rosario Municipal Council for Culture and Arts - by the Sangguniang Bayan under Res. No. 105-96 and Ordinance No. 43 dated September 17, 1996. The Council took charge of the preparation and programming of the three day celebration of Araw ng Rosario for June 7, 8 and 9 in 1997.

The commemorative marker about Rosario (by this author) in front of the Municipal Hall was unveiled on the first day; while the winning entry of Mrs. Fe Samonte-Bravo to the "Hymno ng Rosario" writing contest was played on the last day of the celebration.

The request for the President of the Philippines to declare June 9 of every year as "Araw ng Rosario" was granted under Proclamation No. 88, dated March 4, 1999.

This post is the third of a series of three posts covering Chapter VII - Under The Third Philippine Republic of the book Rosario of Batangas: Its Origin and Developments, 2008 Edition. Reprinted by permission of the author, Conrado T. Reyes.


Read related articles:

Chapter VII - Under the Third Philippine Republic
First Independence Day Celebration
Early Post War Developments
Political Episodes of the Era
Other Significant Developments

In the 21st Century

Chapter VIII

In the 21st Century

A Premier Town Again
Results of Two Elections
Belated Surprising Episode

A Premier Town Again
After losing its position for several decades as a first class municipality of Batangas; Rosario finally acquired its 1rst class place again before the advent of the 21st century.

Trade and industry had risen, increasing the collection of the municipal treasury in fees and taxes, surpassing expected levels.

Early in the new century there are already some eight (8) rural banks and three (3) commercial banks -- the Landbank of the Philippines, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and Metro Bank which have established their branches here.

Cell sites have been installed in several location around the poblacion and in some barangays, complementing the existing telecommunication facilities of the PLDT Toll Station and Digitel Phils. Inc.

Many of the amenities of an urban community are now present in Rosario.

The town's other growth areas are catching up with progress and modernization. In Barangay Masaya, the Puyat Steel Corporation has established a galvanizing plant producing the APO Galfan G.I. sheets.

Nearby has commenced the establishment of a commercial recreational and residential hub -- the Pueblo Niño Town Center.

The Batangas State University has opened its extension of its Rosario Campus in Barangay Namunga of the site donated by the Zuño and Inandan families.

A few years later, a private college, the Teodoro Luansing College of Rosario was also established in the same barangay.

Results of Two Election
Mayor Villar had to end his 3rd consecutive and last term in 2001 as required by law. He had his wife ran for mayor.

Mrs. Clotilde G. Villar was elected the 1st lady mayor of this town. Unfortunately, she was practically incapacitated early in her term by sudden illness.

Her husband ran in the election of 2004. This time he lost to a several-times mayoralty aspirant, Felipe A. Marquez, Mayor Marquez is fondly called Mamay Ipe.

The new administration at once was able to secure funds from the provincial and national governments through the help of Sen. Ralph G. Recto to undertake the rehabilitation of: the poblacion main streets, the face lifting of the municipal hall, the massive rehabilitation of existing facilities like the construction of additional buildings in the public market.

The annual Sinukmani Festival and Sisterhood with Makati City happened. Production of History Books were completed.

Belated Surprising Episode
Rosario has not only regained its lost prestige as a premier town of the province. By the year 2003, its character and its people were even brought to the attention of the Hispanic world, and earned a place in Spain's military history in the Philippines, with the launching of a historical novel, "¡Olvidad Filipinas!"

Late in May 2000, a Spanish journalist and writer, Sr. Josep Moya-Angeler, came to the Philippines. He was on historical research, ending his quest here in Rosario for the memorable places his great grand father, Lt. Mariano Mediano had been to.

He was to check and complement the historical documentation by Prof. Cesar M. Weiker, a historian about the incredible story of Lt. Mediano, the last Spanish hero in the Philippines. His group of seventeen (17) Spanish prisoners-of-war in all were last detained in (old) Rosario during the Philippine Revolution. The professor is a grandson of Lt. Mediano.

Sr. Moya was assisted by this author through his interpreter. They were accompanied to the historical places in (old) Rosario, mentioned in the diary of Lt. Mediano. This author also shared his history references and notes about Rosario with Sr. Moya. Finally, he was introduced to an old doctor, Dr. Jose R. Gregorio.

Sr. Moya was excited to learn that Dr. Gregorio could speak Spanish, and that he is the grand nephew of Rosario's revolutionary leader, Col. Melecio Bolaños. The doctor is the grandson of Lt. Protacio Recto, the official jailer of the Spanish prisoners-of-war. Dr. Gregorio still remembers the stories told him by his mother about the Spanish prisoners and shared them with Sr. Moya. His mother was then a girl of ten during the revolution.


Courtesy: PVGMA: The Golden Years 1946-1996 Souvenir Program Dr. Melecio Z. Bolaño

Sr. Moya was gratified and sentimentally moved by the outcome of his mission in Rosario. He, and Prof. Weiker extensively featured the events and sentimental memories of the Spanish prisoners, during their detention in Rosario, in four (4) of the concluding chapters of this historical novel satirically titled ¡Olvidad Filipinas!

In a letter dated April 22, 2003, accompanying the complementary copy of the book sent to this author; Sr. Moya once again gratefully acknowledged the attention accorded the Spanish prisoners in Rosario, in contrast to the cruelty of war other prisoners received in other parts of the country.

Of the acknowledged resource persons in the book; only the group picture of Dr. Gregorio and this author with Sr. Moya appeared in the Epilogue of the novel -- a gesture of appreciation for the goodnes of the town and the people of Rosario as a while.


Source: Rosario of Batangas: Its Origin and Developments, 2008 Edition. Reprinted by permission of the author, Conrado T. Reyes.

NB: Links and image were supplied by Rosario Batangas Information for information purposes only and therefore not part of the original paper copy of the book Rosario of Batangas: Its Origin and Developments.

About Conrado Trillanes Reyes

CONRADO TRILLANES REYES, aka Ka Rading was born in Rosario in 1931. He spent part of his boyhood in their farms in the barrios of Alupay and Tulos. A teacher by profession; he taught for many years in the public schools, before serving in an administrative capacity in the Municipal Government of Rosario under the Office of the mayor during the terms of seven (7) mayors (1979-96).

In 1994, the author was directed by Mayor Rodolfo G. Villar to undertake a research in the history of Rosario. His initial findings awakened the interest of the more literate and the history concious sectors of the community. He was designated local historian by the Rosario Council for Culture and Arts, in preparation for the 1st celebration of the "Araw ng Rosario" on June 9, 1997, commemorating the town's "310th Foundation Year and its 95th Year of Establishment in its present site here in Tombol.

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History of Rosario Batangas

History of Rosario Batangas

Sulyap sa Kasaysayan

Ni Ka Rading Reyes

Ang bayang ito ng Rosario ay nagmula sa pamayanan ng mga unang Kristiano sa dalampasigan ng timog-silangang Batangas. Itinatag ito ng mga paring Agustino noong 1687. Si Don Nicolas Morales ang unang gobernadorcillo rito.

Ang pamayanang ito ay pininsala ng mga piratang Moro. Lumikas ang mga mamamayan nito patungong hilaga nang dinarasal ang rosaryo. Sa Hilerang Kawayan, malapit sa Ilog ng Kansayahan, muling itinatag ang pamayanan at tinawag na Rosario.

Inilayo pa ang bayang ito ng mga paring Dominiko, doon sa tabi ng Tubig ng Bayan. Dito nanatili ang Rosario ng mahabang panahon, hanggang 1902.

Ang paglilipat-lipat mula sa dalampasigan - ngayon ay Lobo, patungong Hilerang Kawayan - ngayo'y Pinagbayanan, sakop ng Taysan, hanggang sa Tubig ng Bayan ng Padre Garcia - dati'y Lumang Bayan; ay naganap sa kasukdulan ng Digmaang Kastila at Moro sa maagang dekada ng 1700.

Sa huling panahon ng pananakop ng Kastila, sa ilalim ng mga paring Recollecto, ang Rosario ang sentro ng kabihasnan sa dakong ito ng Batangas. Sa lupaing Rosario nagmula ang mga bayan ng San Juan, Taysan at Lobo.

Sa bayan ding ito sumuko si Hen. Malvar kay Hen. Bell ng Hukbong Amerikano noong ika-16 Abril, 1902. Ang Pamahalaang Bayan ng Rosario ay inilipat dito sa Tumbol noong ika-9 ng Hunyo, 1902. Si Don Antonino Luansing ang isa sa mga nagkaloob ng lupa para sa mga gusaling pambayan.

Noong 1949, ang Lumang Bayan kasama ng 7 barrio ay humiwalay sa Rosario upang maging Bayan ng Padre Garcia.

Ang Rosario ay tinatawag na Kamalig ng Palay ng Batangas.

(Sinulat sa paggunita ng ika-310 taon ng Rosario - Hunyo 9, 1997)

Source: Reyes, Rading. Souvenir Program, Feastday Celebration of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, 22 April 2004, Rosario, Batangas