Registration No. 4

Sapian History Time: Spread the Truth

       “A man doesn’t looked back from where he came from could not went to where he wanted to be” A good, common and meaningful quotation that reflects and related to our history.

            “Does a present especially future exist without a past? Or is there a history without the yesterday and today?” Common questions we ask in ourselves but the answer not build and create our present especially our future. My fellow one, remember that in every places and things in this world has their own history. Sapian, Capiz, a town in progress today, its meaningful and interested history of our beloved town and our folks lifestyle during their times. Spread this history; Spread the truth.

            During the Spanish time, long time ago, Sapian is a small settlement at the foot of Catadman hill. People choose to settle on this place because the hilltop overlooks Sapian Bay. Where they built a tower so that they could saw the invading Moro Pirates who use to rob or steal the inhabitants so that they can prepare to hide or fight against them. One day two Spaniards came and visited this community. It so happened that they meet a small boy along this way. They ask the boy about this place. “Como si llamas esla Pueblo?”  The boy perplex upon hearing a foreign language answered out of fear and did not understand. He thought that the foreigners where asking about what he was holding and he said “Sapi” means a 50- centavo coin or “Salapi” at his hand, the Spaniards think that is the name of this place was “Sapi” and the people who live here was “Sapianon“, later they called the place as “Sapian“

            In the early part of the Spanish era, a legend was told that at the top of Catadman Hill or “Laging Banwa” about half kilometer of the present Poblacion proper. The chapel has a white bell minted out of silver coins called “Sapi.” Its ringing sound reaches far and wide which used to signal the inhabitants, when called for a mass, for time to pray the angelus, for a community gathering and for emergency to warn people of the community of the coming of Moros or Maranding Pirates entering the river mouth in Sapian Bay that can be viewed clearly at the hilltop of Catadman. Because of the white bell, several attempts of the pirates to enter the town through the Sapian River had failed so that their eagerness to got the bell heightened.

            One dark night after a community celebration when most of the inhabitants of Laging Banwa were dead tired in deep sleep, the pirates came to steal the white bell. When awakened by an accidental fall of the bell on a stone, the inhabitants wake up and run after the pirates who carried the bell down to the banca at the Sapian River and fled away. Some brave men got their boat to follow and catch up within the pirates to recover the bell. The pirates sailed fast but upon reaching near the river mouth out of Sapian Bay the image of St. Anne with a blinding light appeared in front on top of the pirate’s boat. Out of shock and fear, they do not know what to do until they noticed that the pursuing Sapianons were already near them. They immediately decided to throw the bell into the water making their load light and paddled out fast to Sapian Bay and to the open sea. The brave Sapianons did not mind the pirates anymore as they dived to get the bell underwater but the bell could not be found anymore even after several search attempt. Since some fishermen were saying that there were times they hear the bell ring somewhere at “Putol“, a place near the mouth of Sapian River.

            Another story about the miraculous St. Anne of Sapian, Capiz. Old folks related to the younger generation that during the Spanish time when the church was just made of light flimsy materials, a group of thieves more or less than 10 strong men stole the antique image of St. Anne that stands graciously on a well-adorned altar. They were able to bring down from the altar one moonlight night the beautiful image. They put the priceless image of St. Anne in a big sack and went away. Upon reaching a hilly part of the town not too far away and to their surprise, the sack got heavier that every strong thief replacing to the sack complains of getting tired after a few hundred steps. Later, altogether, the thieves lifted to carry but the sack gets heavier. No matter how they tried, the image in the sack became too heavy that they could no longer move it. Suddenly one parishioner coming home who was caught by darkness after his long travel, came upon them and out of curiosity after the thieves fled from the scene tried to see what was inside the sack. He was shocked to find out that it was the image of St, Anne, the town patron saint. He immediately reported to the parish priest what he saw. Together with other men in town went to the scene to bring back the image. They were surprised to see some huge rock inside the sack. It was foolish of the thieves to add rock in the sack that would increase its weight. Only one of the men carried easily the image back to the church.

            During the Japanese Period, there was a cruelty of Japanese during their times as they arrived here in Sapian. Many of the Sapianons suffered too much in the hand of the Japanese where some of them die. Because of this all sufferings they experience they rose up and fight against the Japanese. How brave are they being eventhough some of them die.

            Part of the history in Sapian is the beloved school named Sapian National High School. Responding to the pressing need for a Secondary

Education in the municipality of Sapian where the student could study and earn a High School Diploma with less expenses, Dr. Antonio V. Tanchuan, Division Superintendent of schools, now retired Regional director, in collaboration with the municipal government of Sapian endeavored to open Sapian Barrio High School in the year 1967. Through the help of the municipal government, the school made a good start by establishing two classes for the first year and second year with a total population of 80 students. It was funded then by the local government. There having no school building yet, the teachers and the students has to bear the inconvenience of holding their classes at the unfinished municipal Social Hall. Mr. Salvio Llanera, Miss Mildred Romaquin and Mrs. Patria Oleo.

            A year after it has commenced operation, the third and fourth classes were created. Five years later, the name Barrio High School was changed into Barangay High School with the National Government subsidizing 60% of teacher salary. The school filed a request for nationalization in the year 1983. By virtue of Batasan Blg. 1147, the school became a National High School. Sapian National High School is considered as the pride of Sapian and ranks as one of the best National High School in the province of Capiz and the whole Western Visayas.

            See the history of Sapian that we should know and be proud of. This history was interview to Mr. Renato Roldan, Mr. Henry Reyes, Mrs. Lilian Verano, and Mr. Cresenciano Delima. Youth and Sapianons should know the history of our beloved land. We have to spread this till the next generation so that we can easily achieve our goals in our life. Spread the truth, be proud to be as Sapianon and enhance our knowledge to the history of Sapian.

Registration No. 3

Sapian History; With More Improvements

            Sapian, a lovely and beautiful home. One of 16 towns in the province of Capiz, and composed of 11 Barangay’s respectively, and leaded by very functionable successive Mayors and other officials of our strong and successful town. Before these present day’s, there was at least 12 active Mayors who made our lovely town to have more progress and more improvement during their term.

            On Early 1931-1935, Mayor Nemesio Oloroso, was the first Mayor of Sapian. Mrs. Jacobina O. Saneo, 87 years old. Resident of Sapian in bilao, Sapian, Capiz, concluded: “I was very proud of my grand father that could be the first Mayor of this town, and he could ever continue the good leadership until his last term. “After him it was followed by Hon. Angel Arboleda in 1935-1939. Another Mayor was elected on year 1939. Mayor Diosdado Honrado, he has the first potential to build the Public Market of Sapian town. Six years later, Mayor Sumplicio Ochon had been elected on the next election. He finished his term on 1946. Hon. Narciso Oducado on 1947-1954. Mayor Julio P. Orillos, in 1954-1959. Mayor Zoe O. Hererra on 1960-1962, who established the Municipal Building Hall in Sapian, which is very useful for Sapianon’s these days. Under his administration, he also built the simple Band stand at the façade of Sapian Plaza.

            In year 1968-1971, Mayor Manuel Oloroso also having the unforgettable performance during his term. He donated some waiting shed’s on some areas of Barangay’s. He also supported the construction of first Elementary School in Barangay Bilao, Sapian, Capiz. “It was very grateful performance which he made us, all glad to help our young childrens” said retired Lieutenant Romaldo Olanga, former chief of Police of Sapian. After the three years term, on 1972, Hon. Ishmael Orillos was the next Mayor until 1986. Another term given to Mayor Diosdado Honrado to hold Sapian on his good hand.

            Mayor Rodel O. Obordo was one of our former Mayor during past 1972-1986. He represented Sapian in whole Region, by joining the clean and green Regional Contest. The result was made people to admired or beautiful town. Sapian had been awarded as first place in this regional contest. Residents was very proud that out little home made popular for the very first time by the hold and function of our former Mayor Obordo. Mrs. Lucrecia S. Oro, a retired teacher in Bilao, Sapian, Capiz concluded: “These reward show’s all the efforts of Sapianon’s unity and their active performace with Mayor Obordo. What a great reward!!” Another of his unforgettable steps was the renubation of Public Market. He also renubated the beautiful statue of the naked Lady, that was constructed by the former Mayor Manuel Oloroso, which can be located at the Municpal Plaza of Sapian. Although it is not beautiful like days at present, he continue the construction of Municipal Hall during his term.

            On addition, he made effort of constructing the very useful Cultural Center which is known as “Gugma Hall”. Because of his great performances, Mrs. Lucrecia S. Oro, said: “During his term, as a Mayor, No one can do these tremendous progresses among Previous Mayors. As a resident I was very proud of him!! “Mayor Obordo showed his best to the Excellence of Sapian town, together with its people.

            On same performace, after the term of Mayor Rodel O. Obordo, in year 1998, another Mayor had been elected to hold Sapian in a new civilization. More improvement had been made by Mayor Remedios-Olivera Oñas known as “Nanay “Meding” Oñas”. She continued the process and have a better honor and great name of our town in a whole country, by joining the National Contest for Clean and Green performance on all places of Philippines. In all Regions of our country, were very proud that Sapian was awarded as first place in this National contest. It also show’s the favor and efforts of all Sapianons with Mayor Oñas.

            On the other hand, she also established the building of College Institute or CAPSU in Sapian, Capiz which made the Residents glad help many to graduate and to become professionals someday although they have no much money. She also supported the construction of new building in Poblacion Sapian, Elementary, School. Mr. Julius Leonor Jr., Councilor of Bilao, Sapian, Capiz commented: “Besides of being a degree holder, still she is a good leader, that helps our town successful and helps people to walk forward”. During her time, love of Sapiannon’s was manifested when she won the Second term election and made landslide of her political opponents. She finished her three times term in year 2007 as undefeated politician.

            Later on, passed the office to her son-in-law, Mayor Arturo “ Turic” Orosco Sr. Ph.D. At these present day’s, still we can see the upending progress of Sapian when Mayor Orosco won his first time landslide election against his opponents, and for being a good productive Mayor, people got the real truth when Sapian Plaza have been beutified.

            Retired Leiutenant Romaldo Olanga, former chief of Police on Sapian, predicted that the leadership of Mayor OroscoSr., Ph.D. of Sapian will be prosperous and will result a better and much progress on our town. And our youth will be given the opportunity of important and useful knowledge.

            These day’s, Sapianon’s arfe very determined to present our productive town in whole nation. The unity together with equality which made them to stand strong towards its excellence among places and different lives. Retired Leiutenant Romaldo Olanga, retired teacher Mrs. Lucrecia Oro, Councilor Julius Leonor Jr. and Mrs. Jacobina O. Saneo, are all Sapianpns who really observes, and appreciates the upending prograss of our very own, “Sapian Town”.

            So from now on, we can see and were optimistic by this good leader, Mayor Orosco Sr. Ph.D., that  the twon of Sapian have a lot of improvements awaits ahead!!!

Registration No. 2

A BRIEF HISTORY OF SAPIAN

            Piecing together stories. Sapian was found during the 17^th century by small groups of people who settled near the seacoast on a hilltop of catadman, half kilometer east of the present, half kilometer east of the present state of Poblacion. The old site is known as “ Laging Banwa” or old town. The hilltop is convenient look out for the marauding Moros or pirates who rampantly raided settlements during those days.

            How Sapian got its name is told in a legend. It said that some Spanish Soldiers set foot on the hilltop and saw a boy sent on an errand holding a fifty centavo silver coin called “salapi”. When asked the name of the place the boy, utterly perplexed with the strange Castillian tongue and foreign looks of the soldiers, stammered “sapi”, thinking that he was asked what he had in his hand. Thus the soldiers named the settlement Sapian. Shortly afterward, the place was organized as a town of Sapian.

            Soon after the “Municipal” was organized the Spanish authorities appointed town officials led by Capitan Municipal, Teniente absolute, curra parroco, Juezde sentienciales, jefe de policia and maestro municipal.

            The first Capitan was Simeon Alayon. He was followed by Calixto Orleans, Graciano Arboleda, Ventura Oroceo, Antonio Obsequio, Jose Oloroso, Magdalino Obligacion, Celestino Obordo, Alejandro Alayon, Crisanto Ocampo, Lino Honrado, Julian Olivera, Domingo Oro, Luciano Oro, Ramon Golez, Eulanio Parohinog, Alejandro Exteves, Ventura Orario, Vicente Ledesma, Julian Alayon, Santiago Obligacion, Felipe Oñas and Andres Pajarillo.

            During the American Regime (1900-1946) the town executive was changed from “Capitan” to “Presidente” assisted by the “Vice Presidente” the other town officials were justice of peace, councilors, municipal and Chief of Police.

            The first “Presidente” and “Vice Presidente” were Elias Oro and Simon Tupaz, respectively. They were followed by Leocadio Pajarillo-Francisco Orleans, Francisco Orleans-Juan Pajarillo, Juan Pajarillo-Antonio Oñas, Benigno Olivera-Francisco Otro, Francisco Otro-apolinario Alayra, Apolinario Alayra-Luis Ocbina, Diosdado         Honrado-Hermogenes       Olaveja-Hipolito            Obligacion-Felipe Roldan, Nemesio Oloroso-Cornelio Obligacion.

            Leocadio Olivera Pajarillo was elected delegate to the First National Assembly in 1907.

            During the commonwealth regime (1935-1946) the town executive were known as “Alcalde” and Vice Alcalde”. They were Angel Arboleda-Maria Orillos, Diosdado Honrado-Serafin Obidos, Diosdado Honrado (wartime executive) and Simplicio Ochon who was appointed in 1945 by the PCAU (Philippine Civil Affairs Unit).       

After the declaration of independent on July 4, 1946 the following became municipal executive who were called mayors and vice mayors: Narciso Oducado-Manuel Oloroso, Narciso Oducado-Estanislao Nonato Julio Orillos- Estanislao Nonato, Julio Orillos-Rodolfo Odquier, Zoe Herrera-Rodolfo Odquier, Zoe Herrera Wilfredo Honrado, Manuel Oloroso- Ricardo and Ishmael  Orillos-Ricardo Flores

.           Martial Law was declared on September 21, 1972. In accordance with Presidential Decree 826 where in the municipal council was changed to Sangguniang Bayan and its membership increased to include representations from the professional sector and the Kabataang Barangay Federation, the sangguniang Bayan of Sapian was organized on December 15, 1975. Mayor Ishmael Orillos was the chairman.

            The first Sangguniang Bayan officials served until replaced by the elected officials on January 30, 1980. The election was the first held after the declaration of Martial Law. Mayor Ishmael Orillos was the chairman and the Vice Mayor  Conradlou Honrado was the vice chairman.

            Months after EDSA revolution in February, 1986 the elected officials were replaced by OIC Officials Diosdado R. Honrado was appointed OIC Mayor with Rodel O. Obordo as OIC Vice Mayor.

            On January 18, 1988 the first election under the restored democracy was held Rodel O. Obordo was given mandate as town executive. Exsur Olanga was elected Vice Mayor.

            Mayor Rodel O. Obordo was re-elected on May 11,1992, serving with him as vice mayor of the town is Marianita L. Baldisimo.

            Sapian has a total Land area of 8,738,154 hectares of 8.7 square kilometers divided into ten barangays including the Poblacion. It is an agro-fishery town 27 kilometers west of Roxas City. It extends up to the boundary of Aklan. This explains the mixture of Capiz and Aklan dialects spokewn by the Sapianons. It has now a population of about 23,000.

            Sapian of pre-war vintage is a far cry from the Sapian today. The town was burned three times during the World War II. Its economic progress started from ashes and ruins and deterred by financial and technical difficulties.

            Basically, Sapian depends on agricultural products topped by rice and followed by coconut. Fishing industry was very insignificant. But after the liberation and during the latter of the nineteen forties fishpond were developed and expanded. Now bangus, shrimps and fishlike “inid” “kikilo” and “balanak”are exported to Manila.

            In 1974 Bruce French, An American Peace Corp experimented with growing of green mussel (tahong) in Sapian bay. It was a success. Thereafter, extensive tahong farms sprouted along the bay. Tahong and the Oyster which grew with the former have both enriched the aquatic resources of Sapian.   

            Sapian has flourished considerably. It boast of a purok organization through which Sapian has been reputed as the cleanest town in the province these past years. It has a vast virgin beach which is being developed into a resort. It has the Gugma Hall, an edifice which is the center of the social and cultural gatherings of Sapianons.

            Sapian educational system has greatly improved with the construction of barangay high school in 1967. it was also electrically energized in 1977.

            Yesterday and today –this is sapian, Tomorrow, by the grace of the Almighty, it will be far better because it has a rich legacy. It is abundant in potential, the best which are the people. The Sapianons are ready to serve and love their neighbors, their country and their fellowmen.