MUNICIPALITY OF CATANAUAN, QUEZON, Historical Data of Part 1

[SGD.] LEOVIGILDO DACA
Chairman

[SGD.] CRISANTO ZORETA
Member

[SGD.] MARCIAL O. DAVID
Member

[SGD.] BENIGNO MANLANGIT
Member

HISTORY AND CULTURAL LIFE

OF THE

MUNICIPALITY OF CATANAUAN,
PROVINCE OF QUEZON

LOCAL COMMITTEE

"KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY" is a slogan that applies more or less fittingly to the work herein treated. To know this history — the story of one's community not only afford the reader interest, but also the historical perspective.

Not even the least pretention to be an exhaustive study and research of this work is being made due to the fact of the unavailability of many necessary data in the community at the time. Suffice it to say that this work attempts to inspire others interested in the furtherance of this study and research.

This work is accomplished with the hope that it may serve school teachers a professional guide in the dissemination of the real worth of the community wherein they serve; that it will aid as a unifying factor for the people of the community.

This manuscript is made up of various contributions which are gratefully acknowledged by all teachers in the Municipality of Catanauan, Province of Quezon.

Present official name of the town Ensconced in a panorama of green, luxuriant coconut trees that spread in endless rows toward the east, west, and north, this peaceful town presents itself as a jewel held securely on top of a two-spiked prong when approached by travelers from the south. The present official name of this town is Catanauan in the Province of Quezon (formerly Tayabas).

Former name or names and their meaning(s) or derivation During the Moro depredations in the eighteenth and early part of the nineteenth centuries, the Moros frequented this place. Tired of being caught unaware by the Moro pirates, the townspeople erected two watchtowers (tanauan) on the beach of the present site. An approaching sailboat or vinta could readily be seen even at a distance out in the sea. Because of the benefits derived from these watchtowers (tanauan), the inhabitants moved the present site, calling the village Catanauan.

Date of establishment The Municipality of Catanauan was once a barrio of Mulanay. It became a municipality in the year 1771 under the name "Nabataasan," a barrio which was a little farther north of the present town site.

Names and social statuses of the founders The town of Catanauan was founded by the following families; Cabangan, Gonzales, Ramos, and de Luna. The small town prospered and progressed rapidly under the able leadership and good management of the Cabangan family. The founders of Catanauan did not have any high educational

Data on historical sites, structures, buildings, ruins, etc. The municipal building was constructed during the early part of the American regime. The wharf was constructed in 1929. The landing station and pier were constructed in 1935. The Catanauan Bridge was built in December 1941, but was ruined in 1943 during the Japanese administration. It was reconstructed in 1952. Kawanin, a barrio in Catanauanm was a place where the Americans and Filipinos fought.

Significant facts, incidents, or events that took place. (a) (1896-1900) During the Spanish occupation, the natives were disappointed when the Spaniards arrived. Women were not elevated but instead they were put to self degradation. Those natives who were not able to pay the required tax were punished and slashed by the Spanish officials. Excessive tributes were imposed by them. (b) (1896-1900) During the American occupation to World War II - Destruction of lives and properties and institutions during war, especially in 1896-1900 in Catanauan. In 1902, there was a cholera epidemic. In 1888, there was a conflagration in Catanauan. (c) During and after World War II - There was destruction of lives and properties especially in 1945 by the Japanese Imperial Army. On December 24, 1941, people fled to the remote barrios for safety.