MUNICIPALITY OF NATIVIDAD (PANGASINAN), History of

About these Historical Data

[Cover page]

[ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS]

-A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T S-

[Table of Contents]

-T A B L E    O F    C O N T E N T S-

[List of Teachers]

[Note to the reader: The first page of this history in the original scans on file at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections is missing. Pagination, therefore, begins at page 2.]

[p. 2]

6. Data on historical sites, structures, buildings, old ruins, etc.:

[p. 3]

7. Important facts, incidents, or events that took place:

1. Battle between the GUARDIA DE HONOR and the civil authorities at sitio NAGBABAKALAN,Batchelor, in September 1905.
2. The opening of elementary schools in the municipality in the year 1912.
3. In 1915, the last American supervising teacher, Mr. Gerald O. Basinger, was replaced by a Filipino.
4. The transfer of the central school from San Cenon, a barrio to the poblacion, in 1913.
5. The transfer of the seat of the municipal government from the barrio of San Modesto to the poblacion in 1912.
6. The construction of the Gabaldon building in 1921.
7. The construction of the semi-temporary intermediate building in 1928.
8. The construction of the semi-temporary intermediate building from the Parent-Teaches Fund in 1934.
9. The visit of the then-Speaker Quintin Paredes of the House of Representatives to the town and the barrio of Batchelor in 1936.
10. The putting up of a RIZAL MONUMENT, donated by residents who were in the United States.
11. The construction of a municipal building which was begun in 1928 and completed the following year.
12. The planting of many fruit trees around the municipal building in 1939, and which are today fully grown and a source of revenue for the municipal government, the best municipal orchard in the province.

1. The town was made the evacuation place of all people from Central Pangasinan during the early part of the war in 1942.
2. The organization of the first GUERRILLA OUTFIT, SQUADRON 168, in September 1942, by the then-Captain James C. Cushing, at sitio Maranua in the hills east of Batchelor.
3. Many Visaya USAFFE soldiers were stranded in the area in early 1942, many of whom married in the place where they were stranded.
4. The taking up of the municipal government by one MARUE SAN, a Japanese carpenter, who had married one from San Macario, this town. Because of the so many brutalities of the Japanese as seen by the people, the people of this town and of the adjoining municipalities bowed to MARUE SAN's government.
5. The suspicion of Mr. Cristino O. Refuerzo, a school teacher of the municipality, and his eventual capture, after which he was taken to the KEMPETAI headquarters at Binalonan, Pangasinan, as an American spy on March 13, 1942. He was beaten all blue but eventually released.
6. The hair-raising flag ceremony by the USAFFE of the Philippine flag in April 1942, just after the Japanese garrison at Tayug was raided by USAFFE soldiers.
7. The confiscation of the produce (palay) of the Hacienda Hermanos Noble Jose and Hacienda El Porvenir; and the Gabaldon building being made a veritable warehouse. This was in May 1942.

[p. 4]

8. The surrender of Capt. James C. Cushing to the Japanese forces at Natividad, Pangasinan, through the intercession of Mr. Alfredo E. Balingao, then acting-mayor of the town. This was in March 1943.
9. The surrender of one American civilian surnamed Henry to the Japanese garrison at Tayug, Pangasinan, because he was sickly and eventually died of disease and interred at the Tayug cemetery.
10. The enforced labor initiated by the then MARUE SAN, a Japanese, in which all the people were made to construct bridges, repair roads, and construct a market, all from forced labor and material contributions.
11. The coming over of Major Robert B. Lapham, who organized the LUZON GUERRILLA ARMED FORCES, and the taking of all the units organized by the then-Capt. James C. Cushing, in the latter part of 1942.
12. The opening of schools by the Japanese. Some of the teachers returned to duty in 1943, and were paid by the municipal government with Mickey Mouse money.
13. The bombing of Natividad, Pangasinan, on Janaury 27, 1945, because it was reported that Japanese forces were in the area. Many big buildings were reduced to ashes.
14. The liberation of Natividad, Pangasinan from the Japanese on February 17, 1945.
15. The crashing of a C-47 airplane in sitio TIM-MAY-AG (a mountainous sitio) in July 1945.
16. The restoration of the Commonwealth Government in the municipality by the PCAU in March 1945. Municipal officials were appointed by the PHILIPPINE CIVIL AFFAIRS UNIT, U.S. Army. Schools, both elementary and high school, were opened.
17. Due to the big offensive that the U.S. Army was undertaking in the area in July 1945, many of the people in this municipality were engaged by the U.S. Army as convoys and other helpers, and this helped rehabilitate the people.
18. The eventual pulling out of American troops from the area on August 1, 1945.

8. a - Destruction of lives, properties, and institutions during wars, especially 1896-1900... None.

1941-1945... One Narciso Fernandez, a Lieutenant Councilor, of Salud Norte, was caught by the Japanese on the suspicion that he was providing provisions and protection to then-Major Robert B. Lapham. He was severely tortured and died at the hands of the Japanese, who had severely maltreated him. So many of the tenientes consejal suffered so much brutalities at the hands of the Japanese, some of whom got sick of tuberculosis and eventually died.

b - Measures and accomplishments toward rehabilitation and reconstruction following World War II:

1. Claims were filed with the then-WAR DAMAGE COMMISSION, and when payments for damages, and also for food procured by the forces of the Philippine Army and of the guerrilla units [were received], then reconstruction and rehabilitation of the people began. Homes that were destroyed were reconstructed and farms which were idle were brought under cultivation, thus bolstering the economic rehabilitation of the people.

-PART II - FOLKWAYS-

9. Traditions, customs and practices in domestic and social life, BIRTH, BAPTISM, COURTSHIP, MARRIAGE, DEATH, BURIAL, VISITS, FESTIVALS, PUNISHMENTS, etc.

[p. 5]

a - BIRTHS:

1. That when the pains begin for a pregnant woman within the ten-month period [pregnancy is usually nine months], then the local hilot or PARTERA is called.
2. That when the partera pronounces that the child to be born is feet-first or what is locally called SONI, that the husband of the laboring woman must go down the stairs of the house head first.
3. That as soon as the child is born, the partera drives the blood in the umbilical cord towards the baby's body, for it is believed it will bring long life to the child.
4. That after the child is born, the husband of the woman who patured [there is no such word as "patured"] gets a branch of the camatchile tree and places it just under the bed hung against the floor, to protect the mother and the newborn baby from evil.

b - COURTSHIP

1. During the early days, a man and a woman who would get married would have never talked together about their future affair, but that marriage arrangements were made through the intercession of third parties, and oftentimes with the help of a vary good ALBACEA, a convincer and who took charge of meeting all the requirements of the would-be bride's father.
2. That sometimes, a would-be bridegroom would work and stay in the house of the would-be bride for a year, and if his ways and work were satisfactory, that the marriage ceremony would have to be talked about between the fathers of the would-be bridegroom and the would-be bride.
3. Dowries were offered to the would-be bride in the form of jewelry, a house, a residential lot, a carabao, and a piece of land for the couple to begin life with.

c - MARRIAGE

1. The old people are consulted for the day of the marriage, oftentimes the choice of the relatives of the would-be bride. The LUNARIO is oftentimes consulted.
2. During the night preceding the day of the marriage, usually the bride invites the girls and boys to a dance and merrymaking during the night. Cakes and bread are offered to the visitors. (This is locally called BANGSABANGSAL).
3. The day of the marriage calls for more people to come for pigs or carabaos are butchered and the feast follows. There is eating and treating the visitors to food and wine.
4. That after the feast follows the PAGATING, FAR-WAD. In the FAR-WAD, a plate is assigned to the bride, another to the bridegroom, and the cabaguian parties are invited to give their shares. Those in charge of the plates receive the money and give or satisfy the giver with a glass of locally-made wine called basi. The money collected will be for the couple.
5. After the FAR-WAD, the PAGATING or PASIP-PIT is made. The bride and her retinue, together with the bridegroom, retire to the house of the groom and the SAGAMENTECA is struck by the musicians. The padrinas take along the bride, the padrinos take along the groom and circle around the house. The groom is invited to catch the bride and to put her on the lap of his mother, the bride's mother-in-law.

[p. 6]

6. On the next day, the PATAN-AO or the first visit of the couple to the house of the father of the bridegroom is made, all relatives and close friends are invited to the feast, the expenses borne by the parents of the groom. In connection with this, the bride is made to look into a big jar of rice for any gift placed there. Such a gift is given to the newlyweds to begin life with.

d - DEATH

1. That while a man or woman or child is dying, an old woman is made to pray for a peaceful death, and the dying is made to follow the prayers, be it murmured or in thought, and the usual JESUS, MARIA, y JOSE is oftentimes pronounced when the dying breathes his last.
2. That after the death, a lamp put in an earthen container with oil feed is placed near the dead. It is believed that this will help the soul of the dead.
3. That salt or rice is strewn in and around the house to prevent evil spirits to steal the dead.
4. That the dead is bathed a few minutes after life has ebbed.
5. That if it were a mother to some children, the children will place around their necks a lock of her hair, so that she will not often visit or harm them after the interment. That the children or close relatives are made to sit near the cadaver to pay the last respects.
6. That the bereaved, after burial, shall not swing their hands to and fro while walking but keep them folded in front, and the mourning cloth strung over the their heads and flowing about.

e - BURIAL

1. That the clothes in which the cadaver died are placed as a pillow for the dead.
2. That all the surplus boards or cloths used for the dead are to be burned or destroyed.
3. That when the dead is about to be lowered to the grave, the children and relatives must have to pass over the body and made not to look back. If one does, it is believed that he will follow.
4. The widow or sister or any other relatives makes a chanting cry in rhymes over the dead body. Old folks still appreciate and practice this to invite sympathizers.
5. That the day after the burial, the golgol or shampoo as we call it is made. The close relatives go to the river where they are bathed and dipped by an old woman, passing one way when going and another when coming home. Sometimes, a little repast with the chickens whose blood was used in the golgol is eaten, or that some BANANAS (dippig) are eaten and the refuse will be thrown in the middle of the crossroad. The belief involved here is to deviate the future path of death in the family.
6. After the golgol, the prayer for nine days is begun. Wine is served to the people who come to attend the prayer nights.
7. That on the ninth day of prayer, the LUMPOS, as is locally called, is the biggest prayer day. Invitations are sent out and a feast is offered to the visitors who come to pray and those who come, too.

[p. 7]

8. That it is the practice after the death in the ninth or tenth month, the BAKAS is made. A feast and prayer is offered. Relatives and friends are invited to it. Some of the relatives and friends give donations in the form of wine or any other contributions for the purpose of the day.
9. That after the ninth or tenth month after death, time is sometimes set aside by the family of the dead for a PAMISA or LAGUIP to be held. A prayer and a feast are held again. This is usually done when a son or daughter of the dead marries, or when the widow marries.

f - VISITS

1. When neighbors or relatives make visits to other houses, the children are not made to be near or around, because they say that the purpose is only for old people. If the family visited has something worth giving, they give something to the visitor or visitors when they go home. Or that the one who visits takes along something which may be given to the ones visited.
2. That visitors are invited to dine in the house. Oftentimes, a chicken is killed for the purpose and the choiciest of the foods served is offered to the visitor. If he sleeps, he is made to sleep on the lone bed, the best pillowcases are used, and the best blanket reserved for visitors is to be used.
3. That when distant relatives make visits, they are given big gifts to take home to their folks. In like manner, the relatives' gifts are given upon arrival. Sometimes, a feast is also held to honor the arrivals.

g - FESTIVALS

1. That when a festival in the place is planned, each family gives contributions in money or in kind to make it a success.
2. The padrina and padrino mayor selected will have a feast in his house to honor his having been selected as the padrina or padrino for the place's PATRON SAINT for the year.
3. That everybody in the place must be in the church or chapel to attend Mass for the Patron Saint.
4. That visitors are treated to lunch, dinner, supper, and other kinds of eats during the festivities.
5. That all homes in the place are open to visitors, who are then welcomed.
6. In connection with such festivities, moro-moro, zarzuela, or a dance is shown for the benefit of the public.

h - PUNISHMENTS

1. That when anybody in the place is thought of to be a stealer, his association is shunned by everybody. He is ostracized.
2. Parents punish their children in many ways when they are at fault. Sometimes, they are whipped; sometimes they are made to work, made to sit on air, made to kneel or rice or mongoes, made to sit in a corner, or denied to go out and play.
3. Some parents punish their children in the presence of visitors in the thought that the child is shamed and will turn a new leaf.
4. That when a child is truant, he is sometimes not paid attention

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until he realizes [his error(s)] and turns a new leaf.

10. Myths, legends, beliefs, interpretations, superstitions, origin of the world, land, mountains, and caves, seas, lakes, rivers, plants, trees, animals, sun, moon, stars, eclipses, earthquakes, lightning and thunder, clouds, rain, wind, storms, changes of climate, other natural phenomena, first man and woman, birth of twins or more, sickness, witchcraft, magic, divination, etc.

a - Myth: None
b - Legend...

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c - Beliefs:

1. It is believed bythe people that when a mother dies and leaves behind a baby, it is said that time and again, the soul of the dead mother come to visit her baby.
2. That when dogs howl, especially during a new moon, the pepole say that ghosts appear.
3. When a lizard makes a sound at the door or near the stairway, a visitor will come.
4. That when a family will put up a house, a ceremony is of pouring wine or beverage on the spot where the first post is to be placed. Some place coins at the ground end of all the posts. It is believed that this will make the occupants luckier.

d - Interpretations:

1. When the top of the mountain called KASAL-NGAN is covered by thick clouds even during hot or rainy days, there is going to be a big rain.
2. When a bird locally known as SALAKSAK darts and makes a big noise, it is believed that somebody in the neighborhood will die.
4. That when a newly-born baby has his umbilical cord wound around his shoulders down to his sides, the people believe that such a baby will be a somebody in the future.
5. That when a morning is so cloudy and as if there will be rain, the people believe that there will be no rain in the afternoon.

e - Superstitions:

1. When one starts for travel and his path is crossed by a black cat or a lizard, the traveler returns and postpones his trip, for it is said that it is very unlucky for a black cat or a lizard to cross your path.
2. That when somebody starts to go somewhere when some are still eating, they must turn one of the plates. This action, they believe, is to ensure the safety of the traveler.
3. When someone starts also on a trip, and at the moment that he is getting down a ladder and someone sneezes, he is called to sit for a while before he is let go. The people also believe that should you not sit a while after the sneeze, the traveler may come across some trouble or bad luck.
4. That a house, when climbed by a lizard, becomes very unlucky.
5. That when somebody in the house is sick, the local herbolario is called, and oftentimes, he says that the sick man came across some unseen elements, and for him to get well is to appease those unseen [elements] with a sacrifice. Some cakes are prepared or a chicken or a pig is killed and placed on a tripod near the place where it is believed he came across the unseen.
6. Biting out some spurs from the belt of the Santo Bangcay on GOOD FRIDAY. Such a bit of spur is tied to any fishing material and it is believed to bring a good catch to the fisherman.
7. There is a belief that whenever you splash water away, you should say "KAYOKAYO" so that the unseen will get away from the place, and if you should not do so, it is believed that some harm may befall you.
8. Many people believe in putting up a sacrifice table where the choicest part of a butchered animal in a feast is placed so

[p. 10]

that the souls of the departed may partake.

f - Origin of the World: No talk about it.

g - Origin of Land:

It is believed that when the sky and the sea quarrel, the sea throws waves as big as it can to the sky; and so that the sky can be protected, he causes such waves to be turned into land so that the sea cannot toss it, hence the origin of the land.

h - Origin of the Mountains:

The people believe that mountains originated from the water action of "THE GREAT DELUGE." That the sand dunes caused by the waves and when the water subsided lower than such elevations were evident and vegetation grew on them.

i - Caves: No mention.

j - Seas: No mention (we are far from the sea).

k - Rivers: None.

l - Plants: None.

m - Trees: None

n - Animals: Many people believe that the first monkey was a lazy man.

o - The Sun: None.

p - The Moon: None.

q - Stars: None.

r - Eclipses: None.

s - Earthquakes:

People believe that while a chicken is incubating or laying eggs, that such eggs cannot be hatched, hence the selling of eggs after an earthquake.

t - Lightning and Thunder:

1. During lightning, the people cover their mirrors with cloth so as not to attract the lightning.
2. The people also spray vinegar around the house during a lightning and thunder storm. They say that lightning is afraid of vinegar.
3. Some people also burn kitchen rags during a lightning and thunder storm for protection.

u - Clouds:

1. That when heavy dark clouds hang over the skies, there is going to be a big rain.
2. People catch some of the First of May rain. This is used in curing prickly heat.

v - Wind: None.

w - Storms: None.

x - Change of Climates:

The people believe that when the climate becomes very cool, that tortoises lay their eggs.

y - Other Natural Phenomena: None.

z - First Man and Woman:

Believed to have come from the crack of a bamboo caused by the pecking of a big bird.

1 - Birth of Twins: Believed hereditary.

2 - Sickness: See superstitions.

3 - Witchcraft:

The people believe in this. That when you have offended a witch, that she can inflict upon one any harm she wishes, and they say that this harm cannot be remedied by doctors.

[p. 11]

4 - Magic: None.

5 - Divination:

Some people of religious fanaticism believe in God coming down and speaking to them and from whom they can ask for remedies to their problems. This is locally known as "PAULOG ti DIOS."

11. Popular Songs, Games, and Amusements:

1. Popular Songs: PAMOLINAWEN, and the MANANG BIDAY.

2. Popular Games: The San Pedro (Tubigan) and the Sed-king.

3. Popular Amusements: Seeing a moro-moro, zarzuela, and work and songs in a TAGNAWA (cooperative working).

12. Puzzles and Riddles:

1. Macaturog, macamucat, ti nasalucag agbiag.
2. Daguiti mairoromen ni Apo Dios ti manaraken.
3. Pirpirdin iti agdildilao no caruban iti agtactacaw.
4. No bagui iti pangyarigan, nalaca a ipapan.
5. No bayas iti immala, bayabas to muet laeng ti bungana.

14. Methods of measure Time, Special Calendars:

1. Some people mark on the ground with pegs the shadow of something to represent time.
2. The non-Christian tribes in this town count a month between new moons, making the year thirteen months.
3. The non-Christian tribes call CHRISTMAS DAY and EASTER SUNDAY, Little Pascua and Big Pascua, respectively. They believe that after Easter Sunday, the rains come.

15. Other Folktales: None

PART THREE - OTHER INFORMATION

16. Information on books and documents on the Philippines and the names of their owners: NONE.

17. The names of Filipino authors born or residing in the community, the title and subjects of their works, whether printed or in manuscript form, and the names of the persons possessing them: NONE.

Respectfully submitted:

Jcs/cor