MUNICIPALITY OF GENERAL LUNA, Historical Data of Part 2

This is the story of General Luna, formerly Hingoso, and the important men and women who have lived in it since its establishment.

Historical Sites. The town proper is at the mouth of the Hingoso River. It is bounded to the north by Macalelon, to the south by Catanauan, to the east by Lopez, and to the west by Tayabas Bay. Shallow seas along its coast are fishing grounds.

Municipal Buildings. When Hingoso was still a barrio of Macalelon, it was under the administration of a teniente del barrio. The house of the teniente del barrio was the "bahay nayon." As the barrio progressed rapidly, it became a visita or "delegacion." The barrio people met in the house of the delegado. The delegacion continued to grow until it became independent from Macalelon in 1929, and it was named General Luna. The municipal government was accommodated under the house of Mr. Juan Vercelos, then President of the municipality. During his term, a concrete wharf was built. A part of the sea wall was constructed and a temporary market was made near the wharf. For six years, the municipal government was housed in the same building. President Vercelos was succeeded by an energetic President, Mr. Jose Carmona. Under his term, a new and first municipal building was built. Later, it was destroyed by Typhoon Jean, and the municipal council was forced to rent again the house of Mr. Jose Vercelos. During the election of 1951, Mr. Jose Carmona was reelected Mayor. Through his efforts and with the cooperation of the townspeople, he built a new municipal building near the seashore.

Churches and Convents. Because most of the people in General Luna are farmers and fishermen, they are all Roman Catholics. They built a temporary hut as their church. For almost a decade, this temporary church building served the purpose. The priest lived in a strong house, supposed to be the conventt. It is now the house of Mr. Amado Suterio and his family. In the year 1937, before the war, the then-Bishop Alfredo Versoza of Lipa gave enough funds to Father Antonio Lorca to build a new church and a convent. Now, General Luna has a new church and convent erected in the heart of the town, in a spacious friar's land.

School Buildings. There were no public school buildings during the first stage of the organization of the village. Later, when it became a barrio of Macalelon, the school children were

housed in private buildings. As time lapsed, the municipal government rented school houses to accommodate the school children. When Hingoso became General Luna, the municipality acquired a lot in Mamao, a place about a kilometer from the poblacion. It was donated by Mr. Vicente Villarosa, a prominent and generous landowner. In this lot, the municipal officials and townspeople erected a primary school building. It did not take a long time when the new council under the mayorship of Mr. Jose Carmona purchased a permanent site, where the present public school buildings now stand. Later, with insular aid, the municipal government was able to construct a two-room concrete building, plan No. 10. As the administration changed, Mr. Ambrosio Sapungan, a new and energetic municipal mayor, was elected. An insular allotment, enough to build an annexed room of the elementary school and a Home Economics cottage, were built. Typhoon "Jean" destroyed building No. 2. It was soon rehabilitated by Mayor Dominador Bisbal. Before the war, there were six barrio school buildings and two Home Economics cottages.

a. During the Spanish Occupation. There is no available information about this town for during that time, it was just a barrio or visita of the town of Macalelon.

b. During the American Occupation. The important facts, incidents or events that took place in this town were many and they were inspiring, causing happiness to the people, but on the other hand, some were tragic, fearsome, and dangerous.

During the Filipino-American War in 1899, an American battleship was first sighted by the inhabitants. The people, once informed of the incident, left their dwellings for fear of the invading enemies, and sought for the safest place for them. Upon the establishment of the military government in 1900, compulsory free primary education was given.

In 1914, a feast was held in honor of the patron saint, San Ignacio de Loyola. The feast was attended by hundreds of people coming from the different places. One of the purposes of their coming was to see the well-publicized activities not yet seen by people in towns along the coast of Tayabas Bay.

One important and memorable event that took place in this town was on November 29, 1929, when Hingoso, now General Luna, was separated from the town of Macalelon. This was the time when the name Hingoso was changed to General Luna in honor of General Antonio Luna, a brave soldier who fought the Spaniards in 1896. The independence of General Luna was granted through the untiring efforts of some prominent men of this place who formed themselves into a society called "Separacion del Hingoso." The merrymaking held by the townspeople during the celebration has not been surpassed to date.

In the year 1932, Grades V and VI classes were opened, and in January of the same year, a semi-concrete school building was erected during the incumbency of President Jose Carmona. A Grade VII class was opened in 1940. This was the first and last Grade Seven class, because it was abolished by the Education Act of 1940.

In the morning of December 24, 1941, people left the town hastily upon learning of the Japanese landing in the towns along the Pacific coast.

c. During and after World War II. American riding in an automobile that the Japanese soldiers had landed along the Pacific coast of the Philippines, most of the people of General Luna left the town proper early on December 24, 1941. They went to barrios away from the national road. At noon of the same day two trucks of Japanese soldiers reached this place, giving propaganda and cigarettes to the few citizens in the town. Later, on January 6, 1942, four trucks of Japanese soldiers passed General Luna going to Catanauan. Since then Japanese soldiers often cane and had found out that most of the people were in the barrios, so they ordered all people to go to town. Failure to obey this order would be punished. So, in February 1942, the people were detained in the poblacion.

1. Organization of the Guerrillas. Due to this act of detention, the people began to suffer because they lacked food. They were discouraged and became rebellious, which led to the birth of a guerrilla organization on May 7, 1942 in the distant barrio of Nieva, led Paulino Bayran, with Leonardo Agoncillo, Valentin Cataytay, Domingo Itable and eight others as members. The organization increased rapidly in membership, reaching one hundred twenty, with a lieutenant as commanding officer. On November 18, 1942, this organization was affiliated to the Guerrillas of the Bondoc Peninsula known as as Vera's Party under the command of General Gaudencio Vera.

2. The First Guerrilla Attack. Japanese soldiers stationed in Macalelon frequently visited this town, and upon knowing that there was a guerrilla organization, they became hostile and cruel to the inhabitants. They tortured guerrilla suspects, which led the guerrillas to attack the Japanese and P. C. soldiers on April 2, 1943. Mayor Roman Peñalosa was killed. The dreadful event forced most of the people to go to other towns because of fear.

3. Punishments Given by the Japanese. One moonlit night, after the dreadful event, Japanese soldiers encircled the town. They assembled the men in front of the church. They were lined by two's going to the public school campus properly guarded. The following morning, they were forced to stay under the sun and rain for twenty-four hours. They were set free hungry and weak.

4. Second Guerrilla Attack. Guerrilla camps were three times invaded by the Japanese and P. C. soldiers, but fortunately, the guerrillas were able to escape. P. C. soldiers were stationed here, so the guerrillas entered the town on July 16, 1944. The encounter lasted for three hours. A guerrilla and a civilian were killed. Several were hurt and wounded.

P. C. and Japanese soldiers became enraged, so they seized and killed guerrilla suspects, which caused the loss of many lives.

5. Hardships of the People. The people suffered much during the Japanese occupation. They lacked food and clothing. Bananas, cassava, camotes, wild roots, and fruits were the food of the people instead of rice. Sacks, sagudang, sinamay and leaves sewn to cover their bodies.

6. Surrender of the P. C. to the Guerrillas. P. C. soldiers began to surrender in San Isidro to the guerrillas in three successive batches of seven, seventeen, and thirty-seven, respectively. The surrender of most P. C. members led to the control of the town by the guerrillas in the latter part of 1945. The people began to work in their farms peacefully and happily. The guerrillas reigned for less than one year before the Americans came. Gradually, the people were able to have enough food and clothing. The Americans gave out free canned food, clothing, and other subsistence to the people.

Education during the Japanese Occupation. The Japanese tried to inject in the minds of the people their ideals through their means of education called Niponggo. The means of education was very poor. Papers and books were very scarce. The teachers were very poorly-paid because fruits, cassava, and other products were given to the teachers as salary. In the latter part of 1945, the public school system was reestablished under the Philippine government.

The town officials of General Luna at the outbreak of the war were the following:

Municipal Mayor Municipal Vice-Mayor Municipal Secretary Municipal Treasurer Justice of the Peace Chief of Police	Roman Peñalosa Guillermo Genciana Moises Baldovino Leoncio Salazar Francisco Abistado Benito Yulde
COUNCILORS
Pio Rodriguez Ciriaco Pastrana Nicanor Perona	Marrio Catarroja Tan Sy Hing Mariano Avila

On April 2, 1943, Mayor Peñalosa was killed, and in the absence of the Vice-Mayor, Mr. Braulio Cataytay became temporary mayor. In the same year, Secretary Baldovino was also killed and Mr. Pablo Abelilla took his place. In 1944, Mr. Benito Yulde, the Chief of Police, was appointed Military Mayor. Then came the Americans.

In 1945, when the Americans came, Mayor Guillermo Genciana was appointed to office until 1947. The municipal officials were:

Municipal Mayor Vice-Mayor Municipal Secretary Treasurer Justice of the Peace Chief of Police	Guillermo Genciana Mr. Juan Buhay Mr. Benito Yulde, relieved by Mr. Jose Lorezca Mr. Briccio Lorca, relieved by Mr. Perfecto Damian Mr. Francisco Abistado Mr. Jacinto Glifonea, replaced by Mr. Benito Yulde
COUNCILORS
David Formaran Mario Catarroja Pio Rodriguez	Andres Valiente Nicanor Perona Ciriaco Pastrana

They held office for a term of three years, spent their time solidly for the rehabilitation of the town that was greatly damaged during the war, and during the Japanese occupation. Peace and order reigned over the town.

1. Roman Peñalosa	Pre-War and Occupation Mayor of Gen. Luna, allegedly killed by guerrillas for pro-Japanese leanings.
2. Leoncio Salazar	Pre-War and Occupational Municipal Treasurer, allegedly killed by guerrillas for pro-Japanese leanings & profiteering.
3. Isaac Constantino	Municipal policeman, allegedly killed by guerrillas for pro-Japanese leanings.
4. Donato Hutalla 5. 5. Balbino Monton 6. Ireneo Pensader 7. Hilarion Magno 8. Melanio Labatete 9. Vicente Avila 10. Felix Abrencillo 11. Rufino Salazar 12. Marcos Peñalosa 13. Basilio Ongwico 14. Ireneo Morillo 15. Gualberto Cabangon	Bona-fide residents of General Luna, all civilians, allegedly killed or executed by guerrillas on different occasions for undetermined reasons.

16. Domingo Avila	Guerrilla, wounded in action, subsequently died in guerrilla hospital camp.
17. Nora Trinidad	Civilian, killed in crossfire between guerrillas and P. C. forces in guerrilla attack on General Luna Poblacion.
18. Ponciano Maligalig	Gen. Luna resident; picked up and executed by Japanese forces in Lucena on suspicion of being a guerrilla.
19. Filemon Mingcay 20. Felix Ricafrente	Gen. Luna residents; picked up by Japanese soldiers and executed in Macalelon on suspicion of being guerrillas.

1. Repair of municipal roads and bridges given by the Nat. Gov't from 1945-1952 Total amount	₱2897.40 1151.00 1097.00 1354.00 ₱6499.40
2. National aid given to the construction of the sea wall	₱9000.00
3. Construction of the puericulture center building given by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes (National Aid)	10000.00
4. Construction of the municipal building	6000.00
5. National Aid given to the construction and repair of the school buildings	3115.00
6. Const. & Repair of Barrio Schools Grand total	5500.00 ₱40114.40

1. Traditions, customs, and practices in domestic and social life.

1. During the conceiving period, a woman is forbidden to eat twin bananas. It is believed that the offspring may also become twins which will cause the mother much pain or [she] may die during delivery.

2. Women on the family way are forbidden to eat sweet food because it hastens the growth of the infant and will cause hardship during the delivery.

3. During the conceiving period, it is not good to laugh at queer people, for the infant will resemble the person laughed at.

4. A woman on the family way is not allowed to walk during nights without light for she may be seen by the "tiyanak," which may do harm to her and will eventually cause the death of either the child or the mother.

5. When a woman gives birth, a coin is placed under the pillow so that the baby will talk at once. The first food given to the mother is broiled rooster so that the baby will be robust and strong.

6. After the delivery of the child, all the stuffs with it are wrapped in a piece of paper, preferably those that has good writings, and buried. This makes the child intelligent and skillful.

7. A woman on the family way is not allowed to go to the swamps or brooks for she may be enchanted by the "anayo," which may harm the child. It is also believed that the mother will have a hard time in her delivery.

8. Immediately after the delivery, the mother is not allowed to sleep, for it is believed that she will not wake up anymore.

1. The strengthening of family ties is through baptism. The godfather or godmother furnishes the baptismal dress of

child and pays for the baptismal fees. The parents of the child carefully select the godfather or godmother, for it is believed that the child will inherit their personal traits.

In the case of love affairs between young men and women, oftentimes, the parents of the female await the proposal of the parents of the male as to the nature of their love for their daughter and for the whole family. The selection of prospective mates by the parents is given most serious consideration by them. In the first place, the history of the family of the girl or the boy is traced, studied by both parties based on old social criteria. A young man is chosen on the basis of good moral character, industry, financial [status], and social standing. On the other hand, women are expected to be good housekeepers, homely, industrious, and loyal to their husbands.

About half a century ago, it took a young man much hardships before he could get a wife. A young man during those days should be patient and industrious. It was an established tradition for a girl to become a wife only after a young man had undergone hard labor for three consecutive years for the parents and relatives of the girl without pay.

During the period wherein the young man is tested in his ability to bear the customary ordeal, he is not allowed to talk with the girl. He consults his prospective in-laws on any affairs or business about marriage. The young man's parents confer with the girl's parents concerning anything the latter might demand of them. The girl's house became the temporary residence of the young man while courting. He was given a part of the house, especially near the door of the sala, as his bedroom. Everyday, he woke up early before the fowls went down [from their roosts]. He went to the woods to gather the best kind of firewood. The kakawati ang tangal were best recommended.

He bundled tightly the firewood with two carefully woven rings made of chosen vines about a meter long. He took this near the stove of the girl's house and untied it there to mean [that] it was ready for use. If he forgot to untie the bundle,

During the early days, the marriage of brothers and sisters in the same year was avoided in the locality. According to the old folks, this would create competition in matters of earning a living between the two couples. If one couple got economically abundant, the other, they said, would suffer much poverty. The phase of the moon was considered in the marriage ceremony. They chose the full moon to hold weddings and they showered the newlyweds with rice to mean that they would have a better living and produce abundant food for the family.

The "pasabong," which is still practiced at present, began during those days. Members of both parties tossed coins while the bride and the groom danced in the middle of the sala. The money was collected and given as gifts to the newlywed couple.

All the relatives of the bride and groom were present in the hall when they feasted on "tuba" and "pulutan." The bride served each of the groom's relatives with a glassful of tuba, which was paid in cash in the form of "gala." This was also done by the groom to the bride's relatives.

This affair had a twofold purpose: to advertise the new in-laws to both parties and to accumulate money for the husband and wife to start with. The ceremony was usually done in the boy's home during the night following the solemnization of their marriage in the morning.

It was believed that a couple married on Tuesdays of May are lucky and would have a happy and prosperous life.

1. When a member of the family died, the members should not eat gabi or gather betel nuts because it was believed another member might follow soon.

2. It was believed that 13 in a group would result in the death of one.

Historical Data of the Municipality of General Luna, Province of Quezon, online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.