MUNICIPALITY OF BUGASONG

(Reprinted from the Binirayan 2000 Souvenir Magazine)

The typical Bugasongnon is an amalgam of various bloodlines: Aborigine, Malay, Indonesian, Hindu, Arab, Chinese, Spaniard, American, etc. It resulted in the emergence of a unique personality and has a distinct character of its own. An ambivalence of pride and humility, courage and compassion, friendship and hospitality, and industry and perseverance borne out of incessant toil in the fields and the classroom, make him compete if not excel in any chosen endeavor

There were different influences that have indelibly left their marks on the social, cultural and political heritage of the Bugasongnons namely; the Asian influence that comprise the Indonesian, Malay, Hindu, Arab and Chinese cultures that pervade during the early influence represented by the Spanish, English and Dutch cultural traditions; and the American influence that ushered in the modern ideas and concepts of the 20th century.

Population growth called for the expansion of the settlements Sumakwel sent some barangays or family groups (named after balangay or boat) to survey other suitable areas around the island. One of the chosen sites was what is now barangay Jinalinan which they occupied, it being possessed with fertile plains and abundant resources from both land and sea. As the settlers prospered, trade with neighboring islands as well as from other lands was enhanced. From these evolved the early influence of other Asian countries, varied customs and traditions.

They practiced slavery and simple animism and their intense belief in superstition, especially the “babaylan”or witch doctor, affected almost every aspect of their daily life, which to date, are still being practiced; e.g. “daga”the practice of offering live or slaughtered animals at the start of any undertaking; “pasukol’ a traditional medicinal practice being used by herbs doctors; “amurit’ used to signify curse, etc. The natives painted their faces and bodies and wore woven grass blanket as a wrap-around for the men. The women, from their waists down to knees, wore what is later known as the “patadyong”. Their commerce dealt mainly in agricultural products which were either sold or bartered with the Indo-Chinese or neighboring traders for arms, iron, silk, porcelain and glassware. They had no system of writing except sketching objects on plain surfaces but their rich and widely-used language (Hiniray-a) more than compensated for the deficiency.

The advent of colonialism vis-à-vis the propagation of religion ushered in the European influence spearheaded by the Spaniards, who first set foot on Panay in 1566. In 1569, their leader, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, transferred his headquarters from Cebu to Oton, Iloilo. This signaled the colonization of the entire island by January 16, 1571. Legaspi listed Bugasong as among the encomiendas, which he has assigned to his officers and men.

The appointment of Cabeza de Pueblo (equivalent to the town mayor) in 1734 caused the establishment of an administrative political unit in Bugasong.The civil government in lloilo, on recommendation by the local clergy, named Pedro Jaoud, an educated illustrado, as the first Cabeza de barangay for a one year term. The cabeza was the highest politico-civil official for one hundred and twenty years (1743-1863) when the position was upgraded to that of Capitan Municipal. Rufini Varona was the last appointed Cabeza in 1863.

To the credit of the Bugasongnons, the town itself became a province and for sometime, the seat of government during the Spanish era. Historical records and Spanish documents in existence attest to these facts.

The American influence was generally felt at the turn of the century. Innovations were introduce in the social and cultural aspects of Filipino ways of life through an improvement in the educational and judicial systems but the most telling influence was when the American democratic processes were adopted in the Philippines. The position of Capitan Municipal was changed to Municipal President with Mariano Kabayao as the first appointee. Other vital positions in the municipality were likewise filled up. Among these were Juan Sta. Romana, justice of the peace, Felipe Nietes, municipal treasurer; Felix Aguillar municipal secretary; and Juan Gallano, chief of police.

The passage of the Jones Law in 1916 paved the way for democratic suffrage and the first election was held in Bugasong in October 16, that year. Fernando Solis was the first elective municipal president for a three year of term. Santiago Nietes held office until the Commonwealth in 1935, when the highest local political position was changed during the elections in November, 1937. Felino Blase served as such until the start of Second World War.

Bugasong, at one time, became the seat of resistance movement from where its governor, Tomas Confesor, led the resistance movement in Panay and Romblon, during the Japanese occupation. The post-war elections saw the ascent of Candido Arangote, who was earlier appointed to the position following the expiration of the term of Mayor Blasé. This was the period of reconstruction on the damages wrought by the war and paid for the Japanese reparations including American financial and technical assistance. Roads, schools and other infrastructures were repaired or rebuilt; agricultural production was enhanced and by 1948, a Bugasongnon could stand on equal footing with his peers.

Arangote won two re-election campaigns and died in office on February 2, 1958. Lawyer Ireneo Samillano, who was Vice-Mayor at the time, succeeded him. Cornelio Odi served two successive terms from 1959 until 1967 and Salvador Moscoso won the position during the elections of 1967 and served until 1988 when his term was extended during the Martial Law regime in a hold-over capacity.

The Martial Law period saw a proud people humbled by the awesome and menacing power wielded by the military. The bold and the daring went to the hills to join the incipient communist rebellion in Panay. The majority of the residents, however, elected to wait it out, suffered the indignities in silence and awaited their deliverance. This was presaged by the 1986 snap elections whose results were repudiated by the EDSA revolution.

The return of democracy was greeted with cheers and tears of joy. As part of the normalization process, initial elections were held for local officials in 1988 following the ratification of the 1987 constitution. Aida Uy Kimpang was elected Mayor, the first lady Mayor for the Bugasongnons. She was succeeded by Eliseo S. Magbanua who became Mayor through a mandate in the last May 11, 1992 Election. Magbanua lost to Uy Kimpang in 1995, and regained the Mayorship in 1998.

Projects started by Mayor Uy Kimpang were completed by Mayor Magbanua to include the municipal slaughterhouse, the Estaka Viewdeck and Mini-gym. On its finishing stage is the construction of the new municipal building. Graced with bountiful resources from both land and sea, the Bugasongnon strives to present a picture of tranquility and productivity as the town reaches out to the new millennium.

The current administration believes in effecting change through consultation. It  envisions and pursues a development-oriented direction. Focus is made on the Barangays, specifically the construction of access roads to enhance the economic activity of the people in far-flung areas.

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