by Kattryn Erryc Sayo Ang Plaridel ay kilala bilang isang makasaysayan at masaganang bayan sa probinsya ng Bulacan. Isinilang ang katanyagan nito noong panahong nasa pamumuno ang bansang Pilipinas ng mga Kastila, pati na rin ng Amerikano. Ngunit saan nga ba nagmula ang pangalang Plaridel?
Balik-tanaw noong Panahon ng Kastila (1595)
Sinasabing bahagi ng Malolos ang Plaridel noon. Isa lamang itong payak at hindi pa maunlad na lupain na may gubat, matataas na damo at ilog.
Dahil hindi pa ganoon kakilala at kaunlad, kakaunti lamang ang naninirahan dito at halos magkakamag-anak pa. Ang bawat lider ng grupo sa bayang iyon ay tinatawag na “tandis”. Ang karaniwang lenggwahe naman ay Pampango, Pangasinan, Ilocano at Tagalog.
Bitbit ang layuning ikalat ang pananampalatayang Katolisismo, madalas dalawin ni Padre Bernardino De Leon ang lugar na iyon, kasama ang mga Agustinong misyonaryo. Gumagamit sila ng mga balsa bilang transportasyon.
Ayon sa naitalang kasysayan ng Parokya ng Santiago Apostol sa Plaridel (kilala rin bilang St. James the Apostle Parish Church), binigyang ngalan ng mga Agustinong pari ang payak na lupain at tinawag itong “Encomienda Bito”. Sa lugar ding iyon ay nagtayo sila ng kapilya sa ilalim ng Parokya ng Immaculada Concepcion.
‘Di naglaon, ang kapilya ay naitatag bilang isang parokya na pinangalanang Parroquia de Santiago Apostol, na nagmula sa pangalan ni Santiago, isa sa mga disipulo ni Hesus. Hanggang sa kasalukuyan matatag at buhay pa rin ang parokyang iyon at tinatawag ring St. James the Apostle Parish Church (Parokya ni Santiago Apostol).
Sa pagsasarili ng parokya ay nahiwalay na rin ang Encomienda Bito sa Malolos at naging isa nang ganap na bayan, taong 1602.
Maraming naging plano ang mga misyonaryo sa bayang iyon. Nagbalak silang bakantehin at linisin ang lupain upang palawakin ang komunidad at makapagpatayo pa ng mga nayon.
Noon din mismo ay nag-isip ng paraan ang mga mamamayan ng maliit na bayan tungkol sa planong iyon ng mga misyonaryo. Ang bawat “tandis” ay nakabuo ng plano upang ipagpatuloy ang ninanais ng mga Agustino. Nagtrabaho nang buong loob at hirap ang mga nakatira sa pook sa loob ng pitong mahabang taon.
Nang bumalik si Padre Bernardino ay namangha ito sapagkat maaliwalas na ang lugar, wala nang masyadong puno at matataas na damo. Nang tanungin ng pari kung sino ang dapat pasalamatan sa pagbabagong iyon, ang sagot ng mga Pampango ay “Quing wawa ding Tagalog po,” na nangangahulugang “Ang mga Tagalog po ang may gawa niyan”. Sa tuwing magtatanong ang mga pari, isasagot ng mga mamamayan ang “Buti Quing wawa Tagaolog, Quing wa.” Naniwala ang mga pari na karapat-dapat pasalamatan at parangalan ang mga Tagalog at noon din ay tinawag ang bayan na “Quingua”.
Ang Pagiging Plaridel
Katulad ng ibang komunidad, naging maunlad ang bayan ng Quingua. Dito naganap ang makasaysayang paghaharap ng mga Pilipino laban sa mga Amerikano, sa layuning ipagtanggol ang kauna-unahang republika ng Pilipinas at ng Asya. Kilala rin ito sa tawag na Battle of Quingua.
Ang pagpapalit ng pangalan ng bayan upang maging Plaridel ay pinasimulan ni Jose J. Mariano, ang alcalde mayor noong panahong iyon. Ang kaibigan niyang si Congressman Pedro Magsalin ang sumuporta at naging daan sa pagpapasa ng suhestiyon ng pagpapalit ng pangalan ng Quingua. Ang suhestiyon ay ipinasa ng Kongreso at naaprubahan ni Pangulong Manuel L. Quezon.
Noong ika-29 ng Disyembre taong 1936, sa kabila ng mga pyesta at pagdiriwang, ang pangalang Quingua ay pormal nang napalitan at tinawag na ang bayan na Plaridel, bilang parangal sa isa sa mga dakilang bayani ng Bulacan na si Marcelo H. del Pilar, kilala sa pangalang Plaridel.
by Kattryn Erryc Sayo
It is a dream that gave, gives and will give birth to a thousand more dreams.
Christian Natividad from Barangay Bungahan, the incumbent mayor of the city of Malolos in Bulacan, is one of the living proofs of the aforementioned statement.
Career Jump-start
The city mayor finished his elementary in Holy Spirit Academy, and was a high school graduate of Immaculate Conception School for Boys (ICSB), both in Malolos. In the grounds of the Univesity of Sto. Tomas, he took the course Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and decided to take up law, finishing his first two years in the same university, where he was considered as his class’ top student/Dean’s Lister. He completed his degree in Law in the Far Eastern University. At present, he is enrolled for his Masteral degree in Criminology in the Philippine College of Criminology.
“”Yong law course ko sa UST nag-DDL ako no’n (Dean’s Lister). Pero no’ng graduating na (sa FEU), hindi na’ko nag-ta-top. Divided na ang time ko eh, tumatakbo na kong bokal no’n sa Malolos, tapos nagtuturo pa ‘ko sa mga college students. No’ng time na ‘yon wala na sakin ‘yong DL na ‘yon, ang aim ko no’n makapasa sa bar exams,” he said.
Natividad reveals he is a socially active citizen of Malolos, even during his youth years. He disclosed that public service is his preference and enthusiasm. As a matter of fact, he has been offering his public service, by political means, for a total of 13 years already. It was first felt when he became the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairman of their barangay in the year 1996. More opportunities to serve the Malolenos cropped up when he was elected as a municipal councilor in 1998, and as a city councilor when Malolos became a city in 2001. His leadership skills expanded as he ran and won as the provincial board member in 2007. In 2010 up to present, he is the mayor of Malolos City.
Public Service
As a public servant, Natividad’s chief goal is to offer and sustain one of the basic needs of the people, which is education. In his term as the city mayor, he had already established a number of elementary and high schools (not less than 10) in different barangays, which he considers as the best and most successful project he pioneered as a mayor. He filed his Certificate of Candidacy for the same post for the 2013 elections, with the desire of the expansion and continuation of the schooling projects he had started.
Aside from the development of the education system in the city, Natividad also believes that another best deed he had done as a public servant is the accessible connection between the government and the citizens. According to him, a public servant must also go out and become socially attached to the people he is serving, not only in his office bossing around, giving orders to people.
As evidence of his excellent leadership, Natividad had already received various awards. He named some as Most Outstanding Councilor in Malolos, Most Outstanding Councilor in the First District, and Most Outstanding Councilor in Bulacan, against the more than 200 other councilors in the province.
As a public figure, Natividad isn’t new to hearing and receiving comments and criticisms. And though thrown with several commentaries and disapproval in line with the way he serves the people, he share he is open to such and welcomes them wholly.
“Open minded ako, I welcome criticism. Actually sa facebook, member ako ng isang group page do’n na ang ginagawa lang ay magkaroon ng sinister campaign against me, ‘yong tirahin ako nang tirahin kasi gusto kong malaman kung ano ‘yong mga criticism sa’kin. Kasi I welcome it eh. Bakit? I don’t take it as against me, I take it as constructive. Kasi tinutulungan pa nila akong itama ‘yong trabaho ko. Para rin naman ‘yon sa improvement ko, kailangan ko ng feed backing system sa taong pinagtutungkulan ko,” he said.
However, Natividad cannot erase the fact that he also receives criticisms that are purely hurtful and damaging.
“’Yong iba paninira lng, malicious imputations lang, ibig sabihin talagang designed lang para sirain ako. Wala na akong magagawa do’n eh, nginingitian ko nalang,” the mayor added.
As a Mayor-Father-Man
Despite the power and position he is currently holding of, the mayor imparts that he is still the same Christian Natividad that the people knew even before he became the city mayor. Just like the ordinary citizens, he led a simple and common life, with normal hobbies and interests.
“Simple lang ako. Hindi ako ‘yong tipo na nakalagay sa ulo ko ‘yong kapangyarihan ko. Nadagdagan lang ako ng pangalang ‘mayor’ pero wala rin eh, gano’n parin ako. Katulad ng mga ordinaryong mamamayan, may mga hobbies din ako. Naglalaro ng computer, nag-gigitara, nakikinig ng music. Simple lang talaga,” he shared.
In his role as a father, Natividad does not forget his responsibilities to his children. Even though he is too much occupied in dwelling on his service to the Malolenos, he makes sure he still has time for his two kids.
“Eto ang buhay ko araw-araw: Ako kasi paggising ko sa umaga labas na ‘ko 5-6am. 8am balik ako sa bahay harapin ko ang napakaraming tao. Wala akong asawa, pero may dalawang anak, parehong panganay. ‘Di bale nang mapintasan ako ng ibang tao ‘wag lang ‘yong mapintasan ako ng anak ko na hindi ko sila ipakilala o itinatago ko, inaalagaaan ko talaga sila. Tapos sa tanghali maghapon ‘yon, puro trabaho ako. Ang bahay namin bukas eh walang bakod, welcome ang mga tao,” mayor shared, laying out his everyday life.
Pursuant of Dreams and Aspirations
Having been left alone with just himself since his father died when he was only 17 or 18 years old with no inheritance at all, with a mother who cannot work, Natividad considers himself as a survivor. For other people, it could have been so difficult to keep up with life, but for Natividad who has undying passion of fulfilling his dreams, decided to pursue his career, that is now giving way to building more dreams.
“Kung huminto ako sa pangarap ko, ‘di nagtyaga makatapos ng college, ‘di nagtyagang magtapos ng law, tambay lang din ako ngayon. Baka problema ako ng nanay at tatay ko, problema ako ng barangay namin,” Natividad said.
That was the main reason why he is very much willing and forceful when it comes to the establishments of more schools; he wants the people especially the youth to continue on dreaming despite the difficulties that life has to offer.
As an enthusiastic dreamer and achiever himself, Mayor Christian Natividad left an inspirational message to students, “Payo ko sa mga students, pursue your dreams. Umakto ka at mag-aral, kasi very unfair ang competition sa labas. Education ang sarili mong tamang arsenal para maging competitive ka sa labas after schooling. At disiplina sa sarili, number 1 ‘yon,” he ended.
by Kattryn Erryc Sayo Marahil ay marami ang naghahangad ng grandyosa at lubhang masaganang buhay. Pero may iilan pa ring mas hahangarin na magtamo ng simple ngunit payapa at madisplinang pamumuhay. Isa na rito si Lolo Fel, naniniwalang kailanman at anong panahon man nabuhay ang isang tao, hindi nito makakamit ang isang perpektong buhay.
Si Felino P. Sayo, tubong Sto. Cristo Pulilan Bulacan, ay isinilang sa mundo noong Pebrero 23, 1933. Hindi man nabiyayaan ng grandiyosang pamumuhay noong siya ay bata pa, payapa naman at maayos ang naging buhay ng kanyang pamilya.
Pagkamulat sa Karahasan
Bagamat bata pa, nasilayan na ni Lolo Fel kung paano pahirapan ng mga hapon ang mga taga-Bulacan. Tandang-tanda niya ang takot na nadama ng pamilya nang marinig na parating na ang mga hapon sa bansa.
Sariwa pa rin sa ala-ala niya kung paanong paraan ang ginagawa ng kanyang pamilya upang makaiwas sa karahasan ng mga dayuhan.
“Ang mga hapon kasi ay agresibo sa mga Pilipina ‘no. Ang ginagawa ng mga kapatid ko nagsusuot sila ng damit panlalaki para hindi sila ma-detect ng mga hapon. Dahil unang-una eh ang mga babae ay takot sa mga hapon. Sila ay ni-re-reyp o ginagahasa,” aniya.
Nagpasya ang pamilya ni Lolo Fel na panandalian munang makitira at magtago sa kakilala sa Bulihan, Bulacan, dala na rin ng takot.
“Nag-retreat kami sa Bulihan no’ng mabalitaan naming parating na ang mga hapon. Nakasakay kami sa kariton na hila-hila ng kalabaw, kasama ‘yong mga kapatid kong babae na nakasuot pa rin ng panlalaki at nakasumbrero. Do’n kami namuhay ng kung ilang araw,” sabi ni Lolo Fel.
“Do’n sa pinagtuluyan namin ng ilang araw, sa bukid na aming kinalalagyan, natatanaw namin ‘yong mga motor ng kinasasakyan ng mga hapon,” dagdag pa niya.
Sa kabila ng samu’t-saring karahasan at pagpapahirap na dinanas ng mga Pilipino sa kamay ng mga hapon, maswerteng nalagpasan ng pamilya ni Lolo Fel ang anumang dahas na maaaring sapitin noong mga panahong iyon.
Patuloy lamang ang buhay para kay Lolo Fel. Ngunit isa na namang karahasan ang kaniyang nasaksihan, na naganap noong siya ay 39-anyos at mayroon nang sariling pamilya. Ito ay ang panahon ng Martial Law, na ipinatupad ng dating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos.
Alam niya kung paanong abusuhin ang mga tao kahit walang kasalanan. Aniya, bigla-bigla na lamang manghuhuli ang mga utusan ng administrasyon. Ni hindi man lamang hahayaang makapagpaliwanag ang mga arestado.
“Sa sandaling magkamali ka, Ipapaaresto ka agad sa sundalo, without further notice, wala nang pali-paliwanag pa,” aniya,
“Mahirap ang hindi sumunod sa batas. Kapag naabutan ka sa lansangan ng alas-onse eh dadakpin ka na, wala nang tanung-tanong pa,” dagdag ni Lolo Fel.
Ibinahagi rin niya kung gaano kabayolente and Martial Law. Aniya, mahirap tuligsain ang administrasyon ni Marcos, at kung mayroon mang maglalakas-loob kalabanin ang Pangulo ay ipaaaresto. Hindi rin makapagpahayag ng damdamin ang mga mamamayan sa takot na sila ay parusahan.
Sariwa pa rin sa kaniyang ala-ala kung paanong nagmistulang walang kaalam-alam ang mga tao sa mga pangyayari sa bansa, buhat ng pagbabawal ni Marcos sa media- wala raw mapapanood sa telebisyon, walang maririnig sa radyo.
Benepisyo ng Kahapon
Ayon kay Lolo Fel, mataas na antas ng disiplina ang idinulot ng mga karahasan noong mga nagdaang taon. Alam niya kung gaano kahirap ang tumaliwas sa batas ni Marcos o salita at utos ng mga hapon. Dala na rin ng takot kung bakit napipilitang sumunod ang mga Pilipino.
“Ang advantage no’n, may disiplina kasi takot ang mga tao. Noon ngang Martial Law may slogan si President Marcos na nagsasabing, ‘Sa ikauunlad ng bayan, Disiplina ang Kailangan’. Kaya’t ang mga tao noon eh takot sa pamahalaan. Walang rally, walang kung anu-anong gawaing laban sa pamahalaan,” ani Lolo Fel.
Bukod sa disiplina, ibinahagi rin niya kung paanong mas masagana ang buhay noon. Nabanggit niya kung gaano kamura ang mga bilihin, at kung gaano kalakas kumita ang kaniyang negosyo.
“Noon, malakas ang kita sa grocery namin. Umaabot pa nga sa Php70,000 kada araw. Eh ngayon dahil sa mga malls, humihina na ang kita. At saka mura lang ang mga bilihin noon, magaan lang ang pamumuhay at simple,” aniya.
“Sa panahon kasi ngayon, kahit kumayod ka nang kumayod, maliit lang ang kita, mahal pa ang bilihin,” dagdag niya.
Walang Perpektong Buhay
Bagamat disiplina at kasaganahan ang mga naging benepisyo ng nagdaang panahon, naniniwala si Lolo Fel na maswerte ang namumuhay sa kasalukuyang panahon dahil sa antas ng kalayaan na natatamasa.
Isa rin daw dapat ipagpasalamat ng mga taong hindi naabutan ang mga karahasan ng nakaraan ay ang pag-unlad sa teknolihiya na sadyang nakatutulong sa buhay ng tao.
Para kay Lolo Fel, pantay lamang ang hirap at ligayang hatid ng nakaraan at kasalukuyan. Maganda raw ang pamumuhay noon dahil sa disiplina at kasaganahan ng buhay sa kabila ng karahasan. Maganda pa rin naman daw ngayon dahil malaya at payapa ang tao kahit na may kahirapan ang pamumuhay.
Wala nga talagang perpektong buhay. At iyan ang pinatunayan ni Lolo Fel na nasilayan at naranasan na ang iba’t-ibang sarap at hirap ng buhay sa loob ng 79 na taon.
by Kattryn Erryc Sayo Anywhere around the globe, racial discrimination and abuse has always been a continuous controversial issue in the society. Even with the presence of committees and organizations that are in line with the elimination of cultural and ethnic prejudice, the depletion of mistreatment, impartiality, and insult to the indigenous people still seems to be highly irresolvable. Aside from these, the ethnic tribes also suffer from lack of assistance from the government and the commission in charge of them.
The Dumagat group is one of the oldest existing ethnic tribes in the Philippines. They reside in the provinces of Rizal, Laguna, Quezon and Bulacan. Just like any other tribes in the country and in the whole world, they are not new to any form of discernment and deficiency from financial aids. But if Filipinos, especially the Tagalogs, would just understand their way of living, these stains of maltreatment can possibly be erased, and more forms of help can probably reach them.
In the six areas (namely sitios Iyak, Malot, Anoling, Maputi, Pinanganakan, Basyo) of barangay Kabayunan, Dona Remedios Trinidad (DRT) in the province of Bulacan inhabits a number of Dumagat families. The Dumagats are divided in to two types: the Remontados or Mestisos (half-Dumagat and half-Tagalog) and the Agtas (pure Dumagat).
Since the native lineage runs in their blood, the Dumagats in the province aren’t exempted from any form of racial discrimination and bullying. The fact that they do not receive any form of assistance from the government also adds to the downgrading problem.
One of the Mestisos in Sitio Maputi, namely Nila San Jose, 33, shares that poverty is the main problem in their tribe. Since their family transferred to DRT all the way from Montalban, Rizal three years ago, her family has not yet received any kind of support from the government.
“Wala pa kaming natanggap na kahit ano mula sa gobyerno,” she said.
Because of this, her husband, Antonio San Jose, 40, industriously works, making him see his family for only once every week. In one to two weeks, he earns Php500-900, which Nila said is not enough for their everyday needs, especially majority of her children are grade school pupils. Since their family is deprived, Nila and Antonio’s one out of five kids had to stop studying.
Whenever his husband is not around and no money is available for them to buy their daily necessities, their neighbors are kind enough to give them some.
Despite their deprivation from financial security, Nila shares they aren’t like other people who go out and beg money from other people. They avoid themselves to getting further criticisms and bullying.
“Hindi kami namamalimos. Ayaw namin na masabihan pa ng masama. Dahil ang akala ng mga tao kapag nanghihingi, sobra na,” shares Nila.
On the other hand, Brother Edwin Cardel, the missionary in charge with the Dumagats in Bulacan, revealed how the Dumagat kids get bullied by the Tagalogs.
“Nagkakaroon ng discrimination sa school. ‘Yong mga bata niloloko ng mga Tagalog,” he said.
Aside from this, the Dumagats are also believed to have been badly influenced by the Tagalogs.
“Ang mga Dumagat natuto nang manigarilyo at magnakaw dahil sa mga Tagalong. Dati nag-iiwan lang sila ng gamit sa bahay nila ng walang pangambang may mawawalang gamit, eh ngayon iba na,” added Brother Cardel.
With this, we can sum up how difficult survival is for the Dumagats especially in their condition wherein they get bullied and judged, and wherein they lacked financial security. If the Tagalogs would just open their eyes to the reality that the Dumagat people aren’t much different from what and who they are, then maybe racial prejudice can be prevented and may give way to more forms of help not only from the government.
by Dahren Sta. Ana Brief Background
Bulacan is one of the places in the Philippines where ethnic groups still exist- the Dumagat tribe. An estimate of 745 families of this indigenous group reside in the towns of Norzagaray, San Jose del Monte and Donya Remedios Trinidad (DRT).
According to Brother Edwin Cardel, the Provincial Dumagat Administrator, the group of Dumagat originally lives in Sierra Madre. But since the mountains are continually being devastated through illegal logging, mining, deforestation and ethanol project, the Dumagats decided to leave the place and find a stable living condition.
There are 20 settlements, 20 chieftains and 20 Tribal Health Workers in those three towns of Bulacan where the Dumagats live. These Tribal health workers are assigned to help the Dumagat patients if they need medical assistance. In addition, Brother Edwin said the Chieftain and Tribal Health workers are given a thousand pesos per month as allowance.
Tribe Adversities
Despite the benefits the Dumagats receive, the fact that problems still come their way cannot be erased.
Poverty is the major problem that the Dumagat group faces. Families can rarely afford to buy food that is sufficient for a day.
“Kapag walang kita 'yong asawa ko saging na lang kinakain namin, nangunguha na lang kami diyan pati 'yong ibang gulay. 'Yong mga bata nagtitiis na lang din, wala naman kami magagawa kasi walang pera eh,” said Lablyn Hilpus, 20-year-old Dumagat and a mother of two.
Second problem is the supply of electricity. The Dumagats just use lamp or flash light that their municipality gives them.
“Wala rin kaming kuryente. Mahirap kapag gabi na kasi madilim na talaga dito sa labas namin. Gasera lang ang gamit namin dati tapos 'yong munisipyo namigay ng flash light, may radio rin diyan,” said Analyn.
Meanwhile, according to Brother Edwin, one of the reasons why the local government does not want to have an access of electricity in the part along the Angat Dam is that there’s a possibility that the people (outsiders) who will live there will pollute the river.
Poor shelter and housing is another problem of the Dumagats. If there is a typhoon, they are worried for their houses since those were only built using light materials like bamboo and pulpy leaf of plants like the coconut. Though they do not experience flood, they are afraid that their houses will be blown by strong winds.
Furthermore, the land that the houses of the Dumagats were built is under the possession of the government. The government plans for a rehabilitation along the Angat river, and this leaves no other choice for the residents rather than to leave their homes.
Next is the schooling adversities. Since poverty is the major problem, the education of the Dumagats is severely affected. With no money, there is no education. Often times a Dumagat had to stop studying because of financial instability.
Source of Livelihood
Several of the Dumagats work as fisherman like the parents of Analyn. They leave the house at night and will come back in the morning of the following day.
Brigido Salongga and his eldest son work as carriers of fish. According to him, one cooler of fish costs ten pesos. Frequently, they manage to carry 40 to 50 coolers of fish everyday, but the money that has been paid to them will be divided to five or more persons. Only 50 to 100 pesos will be taken home a day.
Furthermore, they also sell Rattan and also have mini sari-sari store. But Salongga admits it is still not enough to sustain the needs of his family.
Meanwhile, Rosalya Calderon, 47, and a resident of Angat for almost 20 years, works as scavenger of garbage. Sometimes she also sells rattan and bamboo to earn money to buy food. Since her husband cannot work due to certain illness, she considers herself as the breadwinner of their family, which is very hard since she has eight children.
To sum it all up, the Dumagats commonly work as fisherman, and rattan and bamboo sellers. Since they were not able to finish their studies, it is very hard and almost impossible for them to find a job that can give them adequate salary.
Education Status
Though the government gives the Dumagat tribe an access in system and program in Angat, the children have very limited opportunities for basic education. Most of them cannot go to school but instead work in order contribute to the family income and ration. This is yet another indication of how poverty affects access to basic needs. Though knowledge is one of the very important thing that a person should have, poverty obstructs their way to gain knowledge.
But now, education for the minority group is one of the priorities of the local government though it is still on process. According to Brother Edwin, they have a formal and non-formal education. The non-formal education allows children to be taught basics like writing and reading even under trees or in the mountains.
A school was donated by the Chinese people as their contribution to the Dumagats, wherein about 70 Dumagat chilldren are currently enrolled. The Department of Education (DepEd) also built elementary schools for the Dumagat that is located in DRT- the Sitio Pinaganakan Primary School and Sitio Basyo Day Care.
Also, through the help of Provincial Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado in his scholarship program, 10 out of 20 Dumagats have been given a chance to enroll in universities, having passed in the scholarship examination.
Usually, the Dumagat who enrolls in college only get a 2-year course. But there is a Dumagat who finished educational course for four years. At present, there are about six Dumagats enrolled in Bulacan Polytechnic College (BPC) and one in Bulacan State University (BSU).
Religious Philisophy
Before, the Dumagats do not have a religion but they believe in spirit wherein they called it as “Makedetet” (tantamount to Jesus in Roman Catholicism). They do not go to church, instead they go to a sacred place wherein they believe that the spirit of Makedetet stays. The Mount Irit that is the navel of the Sierra Madre, is considered as the place of worship for the Dumagats.
But then, as time goes by, this culture of Dumagat gradually disappeared due to many religions that came in their place like Born Again, Seven Day Adventist, Hecuba, and Mormons that lead them to have a different religions and beliefs.
Some of them embraced the religion of Seven Day Adventives wherein they are not allowed to eat pork, catfish, shrimps and snail. Through this many religions that came in the life of the Dumagat, Brother Edwin Cardel considered it as a disadvantage for the reason that they lose their unity.
Access to Government
The Local government gave the Dumagat group a right to a proper health care. Anyone who needs medical assistance can directly go to Mrs. Norma, who is in charge in the health of the Dumagat people, financially speaking.
The Local government also gave some goods for the Dumagat people. According to Brigido Salongga, every year they receive a kilo of rice, can goods and other food from the government. They also gave them flash light and lamp that serve as their light at night since they do not have an access to electricity. Another was radio that serves as their television.
Moreover, the present administration has a program entitled “Pantawid Pamilya Program” wherein several Dumagats were given goods.
by Kattryn Erryc Sayo Maybe it sounds ridiculous, but there are just some people who seem to project absolute happiness and optimism. The late Maria Bundoc- Ocampo, “Ka Nene” to family, friends and even strangers, was unquestionably one of them.
Probably one of the most good-natured people to meet, Ka Nene radiated heartfelt and comfortable affection to everyone, especially to her family and friends. A loyal friend, a devoted Christian, a patient mentor, a caring mother, and a trustworthy journalist, are just a few of the many trademarks on how people she was connected with see her.
Media and Motherhood Veteran
A long-time journalist in the province, Ka Nene is considered as one of the pillars of Bulacan journalism. In fact, she owned the local weekly Punla (Pulso ng Madla). She was an original newswriter of the Mabuhay publication (a Bulacan local weekly), a former editor of Pilipino Star Ngayon (PSN) and Philippine News Agency (PNA). She was also an active member of the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) and Philippine Press Institute (PPI).
Family and close friends stated that Journalism isn’t just a profession for Ka Nene, it was her life. By heart and by soul, she was a journalist.
As a veteran in the industry, co-journalists and young aspiring media men in the province look up to her as a mentor. She had the enthusiasm to teach students who are interested in Journalism. She had served as a trainer in different Journalism training workshops as well.
Edric del Rosario, a marketing officer of Punla shared what it’s like to have Ka Nene as a mentor, “As a mentor, si Ka Nene ibibigay lahat para matuto ka. Kahit wala kang alam, matiyaga kang tuturuan. Nagbibigay siya ng time kahit marami siyang ginagawa.”
Ka Nene was also without a doubt an attentive mother to her four children namely Robert Jr., Nico Diwa, Ana Hiyas and Buhay Isaias. In 1992, he sacrificed her career as an editor of PSN to provide better attention to her children and family.
Aside from being the light of their family, Ka Nene also served as a mother to every person she knew. She did not handle her employees as employees nor did she treat her fellow journalists as journalists. Instead, she acted towards them as her real family.
“Hindi niya kami tinuring na ka-mamamahayag o ka-empleyado. Tinuring niya kaming mga anak, kapamilya,” said Shane Frias Velasco, a staff of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and a writer of Punla.
Angel in Disguise
From being a stranger to being a journalist, Ka Nene never chose on whom to help. As long as she could and as long as she has something to share, she would, without hesitation, help people.
“Napakaraming naitulong sa’kin ni Ka Nene. Dapat talaga magpapatulong lang ako sa kanya para makapasok sa TESDA. Ayon tinulungan niya ko, nakapasok ako. Tapos kapag may kailangan pa ‘ko sa pag-aaral ko binibigay niya rin,” said Edric.
“Kahit walang-wala na siya, bibigyan ka pa rin. Basta makatulong gagawin niya lahat,” he added.
Ka Nene extended her generosity even to people she does not know. Edric recalled one of the unforgettable acts of kindness he’d seen on her.
“Meron siyang binibilhan ng gulay araw-araw. Kahit nabubulok na ‘yong gulay sa ref niya, bili pa rin siya ng bili makatulong lang,” Edric said.
That is one of the lessons Edric absorbed from being with Ka Nene, “Huwag tayong mamimili ng tutulungan.”
Herald of Faith
May it be during the good times or unpleasant moments, Ka Nene never forgets to praise the Almighty Father, which proves her deep faith in God. Even during simple conversations with people close to her, she will always say, “Purihin ang Diyos!” which depicts how optimistic she is in life.
Ka Nene’s only daughter, Ana Hiyas Ocampo said, “Lagi niyang sinasabi ‘yong “Purihin ang Diyos!” kasi iyon ang gusto talaga niyang i-share, ‘yong faith.”
Edric is one of the people who have been spiritually uplifted by Ka Nene. He confessed that he did not really attend masses before but because of her, that changed. He also said he was encouraged by her to join the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP), where she was an active member.
“Sa espiritwal kong pagkatao, malaki ang natulong sa’kin ni Ka Nene. Hindi ako marunong magsimba pero dahil sa kanya nabago ‘yon. Napasama rin ako sa BCBP,” he said.
“Si Ka Nene, hindi lang kaibigan o mentor. Isa siyang buhay na halimbawa na ang Diyos ay nandito lang lagi para sa atin,” said Carmela Reyes-Estrope, a friend of Ka Nene and owner of Newscore Publication (a Bulacan local weekly).
Unexpected Goodbye
It was in the evening of September 17, 2012 when the shocking news about Ka Nene erupted. No one expected her death, even her family. Her family said it was because of sudden and concurrent incidents of health problems that caused her death- a cardiovascular disease which was triggered by hypertension and fever.
“Nagulat kaming lahat, walang nag-i-expect. Nando’n ‘yong gulat pero tinanggap namin. Wala kaming panghihinayang, walang regrets. Tuloy ang buhay. Actually thankful pa ako kasi hindi siya nahirapan,” shared Ka Nene's daughter, Ana Hiyas.
People who know her, especially those who felt her compassion expressed their agony and bereavement with regards to the unexpected departure of the beloved Ka Nene.
Rio Rabaya, a goddaughter of Ka Nene recalled, “She was always there. Para akong part ng family. She’s also very engaging and very lively.”
She also voiced out how painful it was to lose her favorite godmother, “I’m still mourning. But we need to celebrate her life, touching the people not only in Journalism but also in her other organizations.”
Rommel Ramos, a reporter from Radyo Bulacan believes that Ka Nene is a great loss in the media industry, “Si Ka Nene po ay isa sa haligi ng pamamahayag sa Bulacan. Isa siyang malaking kawalan sa industriya.”
These words are enough evidences that Ka Nene truly lived a fulfilled and meaningful life. In her 59 years of living, he had filled her life with benevolence and commitment, not only for herself but for other people as well.
Though Ka Nene had already joined the Almighty Father, there is no way that people related to her won’t remember her. A woman of pure heart, faith and optimism, they will surely never forget her smile and laughter, her common expression, “Purihin ang Diyos!”, and her kindheartedness.
by Justine Marie Bernardo “When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.” so goes the adage of Helen Keller.
Everything that was built by a person can change everything including himself. When he builds friendship, kindness, care, empowerment, and even self-esteem, those can change his life forever. Somehow, an extraordinary moment will fall down and will slowly touch someone’s heart without knowing and without even needing any notice. Someone will influence you, and someone will be influenced by you. It’s been an everyday miracle that has been given to any person in the world.
A wife, mother, sister, grandmother, friend, journalist, adviser, and most especially, one of God’s children who portrays her role with care and empowerment; she’s a person that you can count on, sharing love more than you expect and that never asked to love her back. That is how Maria “Ka Nene” Bundoc-Ocampo touched everyone's heart. And now that she’s gone, people she left don’t even know how to continue without her.
“Tanggap ko naman na. kasi no'ng dinala namin siya sa Quezon City General Hospital ang tingin ng ibang doktor 70:30, ako nga 50:50 pa. At least naisip ko na, oo nga, mai-re-revive namin siya, pero paano pagkatapos hindi ba? Mahihirapan lang siya. At least alam kong umalis siya nang walang iniindang sakit o pinahirapan siya.” said Anna Hiyas Ocampo, the daughter of Ka Nene, also pointing out that their family does not fear of talking about death.
In many ways of having an expression, Ka Nenes’ turn of phrase is a unique one. According to Anna, instead of saying bad and nasty words when surprised, she always says, “PU…rihin ang Diyos (Praise the Lord).”
“Ang ma-mi-miss ko sa kanya 'yong tawa niya, 'yon bang kakaibang tawa na ma-i-ipluwensya ang lahat ng tao. Kasi 'pag tumawa 'yan hagikgik kung hagikgik kaya mahahawa ang mga tao,” said Edric Del Rosario, one of Ka Nene’s junior employees in Punla.
Ka Nene influenced Del Rosario and gives him every advice that he needs.
Meanwhile, Anna disclosed her desire for young journalists to continue what her mother had done in the world of Journalism.
“Aasahan namin kayo ha (Journalism Students). Maging journalist kayo at magsulat. Kasi sa inyo ko nakikita ang Mama ko. Magiging totoo lang kayo sa pagsusulat,” she tearfully stated to the Journalism Students of Bulacan State University.
by Dahren Sta. Ana FLOOD is still the number one disaster that affects the province of Bulacan.
Pedring and Habagat
The Chairman of the Committee on Environment Protection and Committee on Labor and Employment, Felix “Toti” Ople narrated that last year, as Typhoon Pedring came, it was the major problem that the province of Bulacan faced. Because of the heavy rains and strong winds that it brought, it cause floods in different areas in the province.
This past August, the Southwest Monsoon (Hanging Habagat) did the same thing. Through its continues rains, a wide area in the province had been affected by the flood. The city of Malolos which was not redularly distressed by flood shockingly became one of the severely destructed areas in Bulacan at that time.
According to Ople, the flood caused by Pedring last year was totally different to the flood caused by the monsoon. But during the surge of the monsoon, it was totally spread-out in different towns and cities in the province of Bulacan.
During the typhoon Pedring, the local government did not control the release of water from Angat dam and other dams from Nueva Ecija and Pangasinan which was one of the reasons of the high level of flood in Calumpit and Hagonoy.
But then, Gov. Willy Alvarado, Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando and other board members went to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Bulacan to monitor the release of water dams, ordering not to discharge water spontaneously. With that, the local government was able to control the dam releases but then flood has not been prevented because of incessant heavy rainfall.
According to PDRRMC, about 37 barangays were critically affected, experiencing a 1-2 ft high level of flood. In which, 7,050 families had been affected, particularly a total of 35,106 people.
Aspects related to Flooding in Malolos
There are many factors in environment problem regarding floods. First, many subdivisions were built in which fields were put up as subdivision and are in a high area. The tendency is that the water that should be in the subdivision areas settled on the road, going down to a much lower area.
According to Ople, only about 30% of the whole province was allotted in building up subdivisions because a province needs more open spaces, for the floods to spread-out and not to occupy in one place only. If not, it can result to a high level of flood just like what the towns of Hagonoy and Calumpit usually experience.
Second, the rivers and water wastes is also the reason for flooding. There is no maintenance of the excavation of the rivers and water, making it filled with different wastes that results of slow absorption of water. During the term of former Malolos mayor Danny Domingo, there is a program of regular excavation. But then, the present administration did not continue this program.
Third are the illegal structures along the rivers and water, even in the drainage and irrigation canals in which the flood water would have flowed. This is also one of the reasons in slow subsidence of flood water. There are the squatters who build their houses near the river banks or rivers itself, and some are on top of the drainage canals.
According to Ople, there is a need for cooperation in the local government unit to nip these squatters. But then, a large number of voters were the squatters. Because of this, the officials were afraid to pull out this people. Another problem was the need for a large amount of money as fund for relocation.
Fourth, there are also some distractions like the plastic materials and styrofoam. These materials do not dissolve that can result to clogging of water wastes in drainage canals, a reason also for the flood water not to flow properly.
Fifth, Malolos as part of Bulacan was also affected by the flood, knowing that the province is the catch basin of flood water in Central Luzon. The flood hurries down to the lowest area. This is the system why the province of Bulacan experience high level of flood.
Possible Answers to Flooding Problems
Ople gave possible solutions on how to prevent the floods in Malolos and also in the whole province of Bulacan.
First, he suggested that there is a need to review and regulate the applications in putting up subdivisions, to give owners/builders proper site and plans to make to prevent the flood, like their household wastes.
Second, the river and water wastes should be excavated for a quicker absorption of flood water. This is one of the reasons why the city of Malolos experience flood in the past Southwest monsoon.
Third, the Local government was already implementing an ordinance of banning the use of plastic materials and styrofoams in the whole province of Bulacan which is one of the reasons of the clogging of water waste and drainage canals.
According to Ople, it was glad to hear that the McDonalds started implementing the use of paper and carton as their packaging in their product. If business and establishments violate tthis ordinance, their business permits must be surrendered. The objective of this ordinance is to help the environment in facing the disaster and calamities that will come.
Lastly is the the ordinance in household waste which it is still in the process of debate. The project's aim is to suck the waste in the septic tank. Though 80% in household waste flows in the river, it is believed that it is the number one cause of pollution in the water waste and drainage. In which, this project is mandatory that all the houses and structures should comply with this at least once a year. Ople also suggested that the MALABANAN Poso Negro should be a law.
By these possible solutions, Ople hopes that these can help prevent the flood in the province of Bulacan. Although there is no guarantee of total avoidance of it, there might be a chance to lessen the high and dangerous level of flood in province.
by Isabelle dela Cruz Tampok sa pagdiriwang ng Singkaban Fiesta 2012 nitong Setyembre 8-15 ang dulang pinamagatang "Kakarong de Sili", na itinanghal ng Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation, Inc. sa Nicanor Aberlado Theater, Gat. Blas. F. Ople Provincial Capitol Complex sa lunsod ng Malolos sa Bulacan.
Ang pagsasadula ay sa panulat ni Joseph Cristobal, at ang musika naman ay mula kay Arnel del Rosario. Ang dula na itinanghal ay sa ilalim ng direksyon ni Armando Sta. Ana. Opisyal rin itong kabilang sa National Theater Festival 2012 Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Ang Kakarong de Sili ay dating sakop ng Balagtas at ngayon ay sakop na ng Pandi sa Bulacan. Dito itinatatag ni Eusebio Roque ang Balangay Dimasalang mula sa atas ni Supremo Andres Bonifacio matapos niyang pormal na manumpa at lumagda sa isang reglamento gamit ang sagisag pandigmang Dimabungo noong Disyembre 24, 1895.
Isinilang noong Agosto 14, 1865 sa Barangay Kaingin, Bocaue, Bulacan si Eusebio Roque. Maaga siyang naulila sa magulang at kinupkop siya ng pamilya nina Nayo at Sima kasama ang dalawang anak na sina Cecilia at Crispin sa Angat.
Nakapag-aral si Sebio sa tulong ng kanyang Tata Nayo sa paaralan sa Bustos na pinangangasiwaan ni Padre Isaac Ignacio. Napalapit si Sebio kay Padre Ignacio dahil sa kanyang angking talino at taglay na kabaitan. Si Padre Ignacio ang nagsama kay Sebio sa Maynila na hindi kalauna’y naging dahilan ng pagkakakilala ni Sebio kay Emilio Jacinto na humikayat sa kanyang sumali sa Katipunan dala ng kalupitan ng mga Kastila.
Agosto 1896 nang itinayo ni Eusio Roque kasama si Hen. Felipe Estrella ang Real de Kakarong. Ito ay maliit na komunidad na may sariling daan, paraan ng paghahanap ng pagkain, pandayan, pagawaan ng bala at may banda ng musiko. Nahikayat na sumapi ang pitong muskitero ng Pitpitan Bulakan na pinamumunuan ni Gregorio del Pilar nang lumakas ang Balangay Dimasalang.
Bunga ng pagiging matagumpay ng Republikang Kakarong ang mga Kastila ay naligalig at nagtangkang sumalakay ngunit hindi nagtagumpay. Noong Enero 1, 1897 sumalakay muli ang mga Kastila sa Kakarong na naghatid ng matinding labanan kung saan ang mga Katipunero ay naubusan ng bala na naging hudyat ng kanilang pagkalagas at isang libo at dalawang daang mga katipunero ang nangagsimatay.
Nagpalipat-lipat si Sebio ng mapagtataguan hanggang sa ipagkanulo siya ni Rimas na kaniyang kaibigan at nahuli sa Bunga Mayor sa Bustos sa tahanan ng kanyang kasintahang si Loring. Dinakip at pinahirapan si Sebio ng mga militar ng Kastila. Siya ay pinalakad ng may singkaw ng kalabaw sa batok at hila-hila ng kabayo. Nilitis siya at pagkaraan ay pinarusahan ng kamatayan sa pamamagitan ng pagbaril sa kaniya noong Enero 16, 1897 sa liwasang bayan ng Bulakan, Bulacan.
by Akiko John Domingo 'Judgment Day', 'The Time of Great Purification', 'The Shift of the Ages', 'The Time of Trial on Earth', and 'Armageddon' are just some of the distinctions the world used to label the 'end of days'.
As many as the designations of this universe to 'The Quickening' were the assumptions on when the said event will happen.
Different explanations, various interpretations, and sundry justifications were executed and established concerning the asserted series of events; however, none have been approved nor assented.
The Mayans and their Calendar
The Mayans, without a doubt, can be recounted as one of the world's 'unequivocal reckoners' because of their globally known feats on the fields of arts, architecture, mathematics, and other sciences. They built different monuments, shrines, mementos and pyramids with ceremonious viewpoints and solemn estimations. But do their reverential ledging of chronicles and details be able to surmise and presume the exact day of 'Apocalypse?'
The Mayans discerned 'dates' as complex ethereal cycles. As a fact, each of their days had its monopolize guardian spectre, hence, the Mayan Calendar was pious and reverent in disposition.
On 21 December 2012, the Mayan Calendar will officially halt. On this period, the Mayan majestic cycle of evolution and development will reach its ending point. They believe that the said date will lead to a hitmost ‘incorporeal’ arousal of the Earth.
As we are cresting in the direction of this certain date, they apprehended, changes will happen and it will continue until the Day of the Apocalypse.
The 'Popol Vuh'
The 'Popol Vuh' is the consolidated compilation of the creation history of the 'K'iche Maya' of the Colonial Era. Harmonizing to this, we are dwelling in the 'fourth world'.
The conversed account described the gods who created the first three worlds yet all was unsuccessful, heeded by a very triumphant fourth world, in which the mankind was disposed.
In the 'Maya Long Count', the yester world concluded after 5,125 years. The zero date of the Long Count marks the end of the third world and the start of the fourth world.Thus, the fourth world will end after 5,125 years, identical to the third world, and that will be on the Mayan date13.0.0.0.0 or the 21 December 2012.
The Planet Nibiru
Planet Nibiru, or Planet X, is associated with doomsday because others believe that it will either shun or collide with Earth by 2012. At first, this conception initially foretells doomsday on May 2003, but zealots trashed it after the planet eschew without any damage to Earth.
The Galactic Alignment
Other people proposed that the Earth will be destroyed by a 'multi-planet alignment.' But experts said that there will be no conjunction on 21 December 2012. As a fact, 'multiplanet alignment' already happened in both 2000 and 2010, nevertheless, it did not affect our beloved planet.
The Prophecy of the Popes
Saint Malachy, a 12th-century bishop from Ireland was invoked by Pope Innocent II to Rome. While there, the saint gistedly encountered a mirage of future popes. He mentioned the current Pope's chosen name- Benedict XVI. Surprisingly, the 111th Pope in history is Benedict XVI and the 111th Pope according to Saint Malachy is also Benedict XVI.
The question now is: Will it be Pope Benedict XVI, the second to the last Pope, whose death will beacon the 112th Pope- Peter the Roman?
Conclusion, conceivably
There are so many other guesses and theories that pertains to 21 December 2012 as the doomsday. But Christians and other people who believe in Christ as his one and only Redeemer must remember what is written: "However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.”
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