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On behalf of the Municipal Government & residents of Dinalupihan, welcome to Dinalupihan Official website. As a forefront of a great province, we envision Dinalupihan to be the most preferred place to live, work & invest for the future.

Empowering the Community

Symbolic of the tragedy that befell Bataan and the gallantry of Filipino and American heroes who restored our country and people to a government of free peoples

MT. MALASIMBU

Mt. Malasimbo is a sacred mountain for the locals. A conical-shaped mountain, it is believed that when dark clouds cover the summit of this mountain, a typhoon is coming.

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Former Mayors

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RAMON ESTANISLAO
1901

In July 5, 1901, RAMON ESTANISLAO, SR. was elected Presidente actual (mayor) of Dinalupihan.

 

RAYMUNDO PAYUMO
1902

RAYMUNDO PAYUMO became the second mayor and the first elected Mayor of Dinalupihan. He won through acclamation. During his administration, Hermosa was annexed as a barrio to Dinalupihan.
Description of the Church

 

PAULINO SOCCO
1903-1908

PAULINO SOCCO of Barangay Bonifacio was elected Mayor, the third top town executive since 1901. The first recorded major calamity happened during his administration in 1903. The whole town proper was razed to the ground. Only a few light houses were spared.

 

MAURICIO C. PAGUIO
1908

MAURICIO C. PAGUIO who was elected fourth Mayor of Dinalupihan in 1908.

 

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VICENTE MIJARES
1908-1912

The fifth elected Mayor of Dinalupihan was VICENTE MIJARES of Bonifacio who was elected in 1908 and was re-elected in 1911. In his first year as mayor, the town center of Dinalupihan was engulfed by fire.

 

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RAMON VELEZ
1912-1913

In 1912, RAMON VELEZ of Burgos became the sixth mayor of Dinalupihan.

 

CIRIANO PEÑAFLOR
1913

In 1913, CIRIACO PEÑAFLOR won as seventh mayor of Dinalupihan. It was during his administration that Tucop was turned into a sugarland. Under the direction of Whitaker and Boquer, the hacienda was divided into three sections. The first section, with a sub-administrator in charge, comprised the old, traditional, exclusively rice-growing section of some 3,500 hectares (about 1,500 hectares of rice lands and 2,000 hectares of virgin lands). It included the lands of most of the inquilinos and aparceros. The second is the Tucop area, the newly cleared and planted sugarland. Between 1913 and 1916, 37 new parcels of land (about 174 hectares) were cleared and planted. The third section consisted of a modern centrifugal mill built in the sitio of Pagalanggang, as well as a railroad and rolling stock for delivering sugar cane to the mill.

 

  

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TOMAS SOBREVIÑAS
1913-1922

TOMAS SOBREVINAS was Dinalupihan’s eight mayor. He initially served as Municipal Chief Executive for both Dinalupihan and Hermosa from 1914 to 1915, when the two towns were merged as one town and renamed “Bagumbayan”. (The reason behind the merging was the fire which razed Dinalupihan town center to the ground in 1913, Hermosa was also hit by big fire in 1915).Sobreviñas, a wealthy inquilino and native of Barangay Poblacion (Burgos) took the cudgels for the aging Dinalupihan Mayor Ciriaco Peñaflor when a combined election for the two merged towns was held in 1914. It was Sobreviñas who ran for Mayor against Hermosa’s incumbent Mayor Gregorio Jaring. Sobreviñas won and Jaring took the defeat calmly and allowed Sobreviñas to reign over “Bagumbayan”.Sobreviñas administration, however, drew flak from Hermosa residents after a big conflagration hit the San Pedro-Daungan-Sto. Cristo in late 1915. The mayor was accused of inaction and neglect of duty after Hermosa’s town center was hit by another big fire. The residents petitioned then Governor Maximino delos Reyes to reconsider his earlier decision of merging the two towns. The governor readily gave in. A special election was held in Hermosa in 1915 and Gregorio Jaring was elected mayor for the second time.

Meanwhile, Sobreviñas sought re-election in 1916 and easily defeated former Mayor Ramon M. Velez. He continued his winning ways in the next two elections, in 1919 and 1921. It was during his first year in office that the American Archbishop Jeremiah Harty was able to secure a Torren’s Title for the Dinalupihan Estate with practically no opposition, as no notices were sent out about the land registration case. There was a strong feeling among the farm workers that they had wrongfully been deprived of their lands by trickery and fraud. Teodoro David, a wealthy inquilino led a resistance against the church. As mentioned earlier, the Dinalupihan Estate was the product of labor and perseverance of the original settlers of Dinalupihan who had cleared and worked on the land. Archbishop Harty ordered the clearing of more forested areas in Tucop. Approximately some 2000 hectares were added to the existing Estate. The administration of the Dinalupihan Estate was transferred from the office of Obras Pias to the Phil. Trust Company.

The Pagalanggang Sugar Mill was shut down and abandoned in 1919. A new sugar mill was opened in Barrio del Carmen, Floridablanca. Tucop sugarland was placed under the Pampanga Sugar Mill under its new manager, Renton Hird, an American engineer and sugar specialist After his term in 1922, Sobreviñas gave way to the candidacy of MATEO V. PINILI, a famous zarzuela personality and inquilino leader from Luacan.

 

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MATEO PINILI
1923-1930

Mateo V. Pinili of Luacan won as the ninth mayor of Luacan in 1923. He served a three term office from 1923-1930. Mayor Pinili grew up in Barangay Luacan. He was a well-known zarzuela stage actor, author and producer. During his administration, Luacan had its first school, the four classroom LuacanPrimary School which opened in 1925 with Marcos Garcia and Cosme Magtanong as first teachers. In June 12, 1927, Luacan had a newly completed Elementary School.

During his term, peace and order in Dinalupihan was disrupted. In 1927, resistance erupted inside the Dinalupihan Estate between the farm workers and the employees of the Pampanga Sugar Mill. This was due to the expansion of sugar cultivation by the PSM which ate into the traditional rice-growing areas of the Hacienda. It should be noted that not all inquilinos were homogenous in their conditions of life. Some of the big, wealthy inquilinos had taken advantage of the PSM’s rapid expansion of sugar cultivation to become sugar planters in their own right. There were about thirty or so sugar planters in Dinalupihan affiliated with PSM. Their plantations ranged in size from that of William Fassoth with 404 hectares, those of the Spanish-mestiso planters, Justo Arrastia and Alfredo Infante with 377 and 332 hectares each respectively; to those of leading inquilinos of Dinalupihan like Teodoro David with 59 hectares, Eugenio Estanislao with 73 hectares and Ciriazo Pineda with 43 hectares. This went on for almost two years. Mayor Pinili supported the rice inquilinos of Dinalupihan who resisted the encroachment of the Pampanga Sugar Mill (PSM) in the Dinalupihan Hacienda. He also joined several protests against the laying of railroad tracks over the rice fields of smaller inquilinos in the Tucop-Pagalanggang area to get to the sugar plantations of sugar planters associated with PSM, like Teodoro David. It turned out that the PSM management was forcing the workers to sign one-year contracts at a rental rate one-third higher than before. He openly challenged PSM after getting the support of Governor Quicho of Bataan and Representative Teodoro Camacho. Unfortunately his actions bore no favorable result. By September, 1928, some 40 rice inquilinos were already sentenced by the courts to be dispossessed of their lands. This greatly incensed the farmers and intensified their protest actions against PSM.

To ease the tension, then Governor of Bataan Gregorio Quicho suggested to Senate President Manuel Quezon to purchase the Dinalupihan Estate and sell it to the workers. But Quezon refused. Meanwhile, Representative Luis Santiago worked with the Dinalupihan Estate Improvement Company, a committee of Diunalupihan inquilinos. He filed a bill in Congress for the purchase of Church Estates in Dinalupihan, and resell them to tenants on easy installment basis. He also negotiated directly with the Archbishop until the Archbishop agreed to sell the Estate to the Dinalupihan Estate Improvement Company for P 2,212,250.00 in July 15, 1930. But the problem now is where to get that amount.

 

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 TEODORO DAVID
1931-1937

Mayor David was a rich sugar planter of Mabini, Dinalupihan. He owned 59 hectares of sugar land in the Dinalupihan Estate. Prior to his election as Mayor, he was already deeply involved in the conflicts involving the said Estate. He was the wealthy inquilino who led resistance to the Church attempt to register the Dinalupihan Hacienda in the name of Pampanga Sugar Mill (PSM) in 1914. In 1927, he and the other wealthy inquilinos were threatened by the smaller rice-growing inquilinos on mere suspicion of cooperating with PSM. At one time, some men deliberately set fire to one of David’s cane fields.

In 1929, David headed a committee of Dinalupihan inquilinos who were interested in purchasing their land directly from the church. He then formed a corporation, the Dinalupihan Estate Improvement Company, and became its president. He started collecting funds and issued stocks to get the capital (about P2,212,250.00) necessary for the purchase. His popularity among farmers led to his election as Municipal Mayor of Dinalupihan in 1931. His triumph, however, was protested by Arturo Reyes, the losing candidate. As a chief executive, he continued organizing societies in Dinalupihan, the avowed purpose of which was to get the government to purchase the estate for resale to its tenants. In November 1931, however, David and the Treasurer of the Improvement Company were charged in court in connection with the alleged mishandling of some of the funds collected by the corporation. David denied any crime and claimed that the whole affair was only concocted by political enemies. He was convicted but the Supreme Court exonerated him and his treasurer in May 1934. David was re-elected Mayor in 1935 and served until 1937. He initiated the separation of Saguing from Luacan and made it a separate barrio in 1935. Tenant unrest continued.

 

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EMILIO V. REYES
1938-1942

Emilio V. Reyes became the eleventh Mayor of Dinalupihan in 1938. During his administration, the government began to challenge in courts the titles of the Church in the Dinalupihan Estate. In response to the tenant unrest, the Rural Progress Administration (RPA) purchased the Dinalupihan Homesite Area for 268,067.95 pesos from the Archbishop, subdivided it into 1,550 lots and began to sell them to the 750 occupants. But the distribution of lots had only just begun when Dinalupihan suffered extensive damage during the fighting at the outbreak of the war

 

WEB Pictures026APOLONIO R. DIAZ
1942-1944

Apolonio R. Diaz, a high school teacher, was introduced into politics while serving as municipal secretary to the Mayor Teodoro David. In November, 1942, he won over his uncle Emilio Reyes. International turmoil marked Mayor Apolonio Diaz’ administration.

 

On December 8, 1941, Pearl Harbor in Hawaii was attacked by the Japanese which signaled the start of the Pacific war and the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. USAFFE forces trooped to Bataan for a last ditch stand against the Japanese aggressors. In December 28, the residents of Dinalupihan were surprised with the arrival of many American and Filipino soldiers. In the heroic stand of Bataan during the Second World War, Dinalupihan played a pivotal part. The Abucay-Morong Defense Line had been acknowledged as the First Defense Line put up by USAFFE units against the advancing Japanese Army during the first months of World War II. But it was on records that the first confrontations between the two protagonists transpired in the vicinity of the Layac junction, in the so-called Dinalupihan-Hermosa Defense Line. The defense line was established primarily to delay Japanese forces pursuing the last USAFFE units into Bataan and buy time for more solid defenses to be set up in the peninsula. The line was laid parallel to the Almacen River, the major water tributary dividing the towns of Dinalupihan and Hermosa. It stretched across Northern Bataan, from the Colo area in Dinalupihan down to Barangay Almacen, Hermosa.

 

The Japanese Army, composed of the Imai, Tanaka and Takahas Detachments, arrived in Dinalupihan in full force on January 1, 1942. They pitched camp along the Bataan- Pampanga boundary. At the sight of the Japanese soldiers, Dinalupihan residents left the town in a hurry. Half of the population proceeded to the direction of Olongapo City while the other half went to Hermosa and other southern towns. Those who fled towards Floridablanca, Pampanga, via Barrio San Jose, were forced to climb the nearby mountains of Zambales after encountering the Takahas Detachment along the way. The Takahas soldiers came from Basa Air Base which was captured two days earlier. Assigned to defend the southern portion of the Defense Line were the 31st and 71st Division, as well as the 26th US Cavalry, all under the command of US Brig. General Selleck. The Japanese attack began in the morning of January 2. It started with heavy artillery fires and complemented by aerial bombings. It was followed by a Japanese tank advance. Japanese soldiers also pushed forward in various parts of the line to probe for weaknesses. But the numerous attempts by the Japanese to break through the line failed as the defenders were well-entrenched. Surprisingly, USAFFE units did not attempt a counter-attack. The Japanese made their way back to their original position before night fell. The defense of the Dinalupihan-Hermosa Line continued for the next five days. However, on the fifth day (January 6), the situation became very critical as the Japanese pushed even harder. Major General George M. Parker, overall commander of II Corps, had no choice but to order his men to withdraw to the Abucay-Morong Defense Line.


Dinalupihan was bombed on January 1, 1943. The people abandoned the town and fled to the surrounding forested hills, leaving the dead among the ruins. Mayor Apolonio Diaz ordered the rounding up of the wounded and the mass burial of the casualties of the heavy early morning bombing. After aiding the last families to evacuate, he and his officials joined their families in different safe evacuation areas, leaving the town proper open to the onslaught of advancing Japanese troops towards southern Bataan on the heels of the USAFFE troops. Upon the surrender of Bataan, the Japanese started hunting down residents of the town. They harmed the men and raped some women. The people, suffering then from lack of food and malaria begged their Mayor Diaz to do something to stop the atrocities. He then sought audience with the Japanese captain camped in town. He was assured that his soldiers would not harm the civilians if they “surrender” peacefully and come back to their homes. Mayor Diaz demanded a “trial coexistence” to make the residents trust the word of honor of the Japanese. Pita was designated a temporary townsite where some families started to live in some vacated houses. Indeed the Japanese soldiers came and befriended the people. More families came as “trust” started to build up because there was no more raid in Pita alone. The captain kept his word until the residents started to return to the town after the Fall of Corregidor. The captain allowed Mayor Diaz to pick “his relatives” among the soldiers passing Layak in the infamous Death March. Because food was scarce, his council ordered that no foodstuff be transported outside Dinalupihan. He stayed the wrath of the Japanese against the rise of the guerilla movement nestled in the hills. One of the guerilla groups held camp in the Mayor’s farm. Squirmishes between them led to the capture of guerilla leaders Generals Trinidad and Regala. They were sentenced to be beheaded in the town plaza. The Mayor pleaded for their lives. The Japanese agreed on condition that he be personally responsible to a pledge to abandon the movement and regularly report to the headquarters. These two officials, upon gaining their freedom, fled to their guerilla camps, putting the Mayor in a very dangerous position. He could no more beg for clemency for his townmate who suffered from the arrests that resulted from every “zona”. At this turn of events, he was pronounced pro-Japanese by the guerillas and must suffer the fate of all traitors to their cause. So Mayor Diaz was “invited” to his farm to confer with the guerilla officials there. He went in full trust that he was with friends for whom he had staked his own life. When he arrived in the camp, he was placed under trial, sentenced to death and was shot and buried in a grave, dug in his own farm, days before he was invited in September , 1944. President Quirino declared an amnesty for all civil cases filed against guerillas for various killings committed in the firm belief that the victim were pro-Japanese. The court trial led to the exhuming of the remains of Mayor Diaz to be given a more fitting resting place in a crypt in the church. It also laid bare the fact that his capture and death was politically motivated.

 

FRANCISCO TURLA
1944-1945


Francisco Turla was the vice mayor of Apolonio Diaz. He replaced Mayor Diaz when the latter was abducted by guerillas.

In August 26, 1945 General MacArthur returned to the Philippines to liberate the country. From January 19 to February 25, the Battle of Zigzag Pass raged in the mountains of Dinalupihan and Hermosa down to OlongapoCity. It was one of the historic battles between the American Liberation Forces and the retreating Japanese Army during the last months of World War II.  After the Liberation of Manila, the retreating Japanese Army split into two groups of Japanese. The first group led by General Tomoyuki Yamashita, proceeded to BaguioCity. The second group headed towards OlongapoCity where they hoped a new Japanese Armada will arrive from Japan via Subic Bay. Alarmed by the advance of the American and Filipino soldiers, the second group of Japanese established a stronghold at ZigzagPass, the hilly and mountainous areas in the boundary of Bataan and Zambales. The whole vicinity, starting from MountMalasimbu and Maite-Bamban (Hermosa) were fortified with dugouts and machinegun nests.

The Liberation Forces arrived in Dinalupihan on January 19, 1945. After a careful study of the Zigzag Pass, the Americans committed the 149th , 151st , 152nd Infantries, 113th Engineering Combat Battalion, 38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troops, 38th , 138th , 139th Field Artillery Battalions, 113th Medical Battalion, and the 38th Division Special Troops to destroy the Japanese stronghold. The attack on ZigzagPass started on February 2, 1945. Supported by the artillery, the Liberation Forces encountered fierce hand-to-hand combat with the Japanese. The defense was so tough the Americans were forced to use incendiary bombs and flame throwers to penetrate the tunnels occupied by the Japanese. General Douglas MacArthur arrived in Dinalupihan on February 3 to personally assess the situation. On February 5, he went to Hermosa to greet the residents. The Battle of Zigzag Pass lasted until February 25, a total of 23 days of grim struggles. Some 2,000 American and Filipino lives were lost in the battles. On the part of the Japanese, some 16,000 soldiers were killed. By September 2, World War II was over. Newly installed Philippine President Sergio Osmeña, Sr. recognized the national and local government units immediately after the war. Former Congressman Teodoro Camacho was appointed Governor of Bataan.

In 1946, a monument was constructed at the Layac Junction by the 38th Infantry Division, US Army, to commemorate the gallantry of the Filipino and American hero during the Liberation. The said monument was replaced by a new one.

 

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JOSE PAYUMO SR.
1945-1947

In September 7, 1945, Jose Payumo Sr. of Burgos was appointed by Governor Camacho as the fourteenth Mayor of Dinalupihan. He was re appointed by the succeeding Governor Joaquin Linao in 1946. It was during the administration of Mayor Payumo Sr. that the plan to install the Dinalupihan electric power plant was started by the Dinalupihan Local Government. By 1946, the population of Dinalupihan was registered at  11,000. The Philippine Government in 1948 bought 4,150 hectares of the Dinalupihan Estate and sold the lots to the settlers. Colo was recognized as a regular barangay of Dinalupihan in March 1.

 

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RAMON ISTANISLAO
1948-1951

Ramon Estanislao of Rizal St. was elected 15th Mayor of Dinalupihan and served up to December 31, 1951. Barrio Banicain of Zambales was annexed to Dinalupihan. Through his leadership, two noteworthy projects were accomplished which greatly improved the way of life of Dinalupihan. First was the opening of a new municipal cemetery as approved by the Department of Health. The second, was the installation of its own electric power plant. In July 31, 1950, the Dinalupihan municipal cemetery as approved by the Department of Health. The second, was the installation of its own electric power plant. In July 31, 1950, the Dinalupihan government unit applied for a P80,000 loan to be used for the establishment of an electric power plant. By May 25, 1951, the new Dinalupihan Electric Company started its operation.

Two major problems marred his administration. The residents of the Dinalupihan Estate wanted to own their lands claiming that they paid the lots that they have been occupying with Japanese war notes during the Japanese occupation. The Mayor and his council requested the National government to speed up subdividing the Dinalupihan Estate to be sold to landless residents. Yet some 600 hectares of the Tucop Estate was leased by the Pampanga Sugar Central in April 10. In this connection, Railway in Del Carmen, Floridablanca, Pampanga was extended in Dinalupihan through the Manila Railroad Company for the hauling of sugar cane.

Just like in many parts of Luzon, Dinalupihan was also affected by the HUK movements. So Mayor Estanislao requested for the stationing of an army detachment in Dinalupihan to combat HUK dissidents. First to be stationed in the area was the Charlie Company of the 18th BCT and was later replaced by the Echo Company. In December 2, 1951, HUK dissidents attacked Dinalupihan but soldiers of the Echo Company repelled the attack.
In education, an extension class for Grade V in Barrio Colo was opened.

 

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FEDERICO A. MULI
1952-1962

Federico A. Muli, a native of Luacan was the sixteenth Mayor of Dinalupihan. He was the Municipal Mayor from 1952 to 1962. Mayor Muli was a manager of a bus company plying the Zambales-Manila route when he was persuaded to run for Mayor of Dinalupihan. It was no less than Ramon Magsaysay, one time mechanic of the same bus company and current secretary of the Department of National Defense, who supported his candidacy. Ramon Estanislao, Jr. the incumbent mayor, proved no match to Muli. He was elected three times, in 1952, 1953 and 1960. Mayor Muli was responsible for the operation of a power plant in the municipality, the deployment of the 18th BCT to combat insurgency in various barangays, distribution of government owned lots to landless tenants, construction of irrigation canals, creation of Sto. Nino, New San Jose and Old San Jose as barangays (1962), establishment of primary schools in Colo (1953) and Sto. Nino (1957). He also appropriated P4,000 for the purchase of the lot owned by the Hocson family and this was used as the site of the new municipal building in Poblacion.

In 1953, he personally welcomed newly elected President Ramon Magsaysay who visited Dinalupihan to help in the distribution of Torrens Titles to the tenants of the Dinalupihan Estate. His closeness to the President made it possible for him to be appointed as acting governor of Bataan when the incumbent governor, Adelmo Camacho, was suspended due to abuse of authority charges. He took reign of the Capitol from April 23 to May 14, 1953. (Ruperto T. Estanislao was also appointed the acting Governor of Bataan from May 16 to July 15, 1955. That same year, when the position of deputy administrator of the Philippine Veterans Board was vacated, President Magsaysay appointed him to the post.)


Other Significant Events/Developments:
Start of the operation of buses in Dinalupihan like the Try –V-Trans, La Mallorca-Pambusco, Rabbit and Victory Liner.
Transco is converted into residential lots.
Valeriano Sta. Maria donated one-half hectares of land to be used as a school site in Pinulot.
San Benito, Dinalupihan (formerly owned by the Benedictine Fathers) was chosen as municipal nursery.
Carlo Club honored sons and daughters of Dinalupihan who passed government examinations.
Dinalupihan has three movies houses : Dina Threater in Rizal St. (owned by Leonardo Dizon, NormaTheater in Burgos St. (Owned by Ricardo Tulod) and GloriaTheater in Bonifacio (owned by Pilar David).
Construction of the Layac-Luacan road started in January 10, 1953
Sitio Corba, part of San Benito, was created as a barangay and named Magsaysay in March 31, 1959.
Don George Litton, well-to-do Dinalupihan businessman was convinced to file his income tax in Dinalupihan which bolstered the town’s financial condition.
Roosevelt Park was transferred to the Reforestation Administration from the National Park and Wildlife office.
The National power Corporation started servicing the electricity requirements of Dinalupihan.
Crispin Reyes, a famous and distinguished lawyer of Dinalupihan was assigned the Judge Advocate General’s Office (JAGO).
Saint JohnAcademy was founded in 1960 by Msgr. Florentino F. Guiao.


In 1962, Muli, along with Mayors Artemio Saldana of Samal and Benito Reyes were suspended from their respective offices based on oppression, abuse of authority and other administrative charges filed against them by several residents led by Leonardo Martin and Rosita Mallari. He was replaced by Vice Mayor Quintin Sta. Maria while the case were being heard by the provincial council. He remained under suspension until November 1963 when local election was held. He attempted to make a comeback by running for Mayor against newcomer Jose C. Payumo Jr. The attempt, however was unsuccessful. In September 25, 1969, Muli died in an ambush in New San Jose, Dinalupihan, Bataan.

 

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QUINTIN STA. MARIA
1963-1964

Quintin Sta Maria became the seventeenth Mayor of Dinalupihan, when he officially replaced Mayor Muli who was suspended by Governor Pedro R. Dizon. Acting Mayor Sta. Maria opened the San BenitoPrimary School as well as the PinulotPrimary School. Extension classes for Grade I & II opened in Magsaysay.

 

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JOSE C.PAYUMO JR.
1964-1986

Jose Cruz Payumo Jr. (1934-1986) was the eighteenth Mayor of Dinalupihan, He administered the affairs of the municipality for 22 years. He was elected and took his oaths of office as mayor in 1964, 1968, 1972 and 1980. His reign covered from 1964-1967, 1968-1971, 1972-1975, 1976-1989 and 1980-1986. Payumo was born on November 19, 1934 in Burgos, Dinalupihan. His father, from whom he was named, also served as municipal mayor from 1945 to 1947. His mother was Marcela Cruz. He has two siblings, Felicito (former Congressman and SBMA Chairman) and Laarni. After finishing his Bachelors Degree in Agriculture, Payumo worked as an agriculturist at the Bureau of Agriculture Extension (BAEX) in Dinalupihan. He married the former Lucila Penaflor in 1964. The same year Payumo took on the campaign trail for the mayoralty position against Federico A. Muli of Luacan who had served Dinalupihan as mayor from 1952 to 1962. Using Muli’s one year suspension on graft charges as a major issue, Payumo won easily at the polls


Since education was one of his primary concerns, upon assumption of his office, Payumo started the opening of barrio schools and went on constructing and completing both elementary and high schools:


1964 - San BenitoPrimary School / MagsaysayPrimary School
1966 - LuakanBarrioHigh School
1967 - PinulotElementary School
1968 - Primary Schools in San Pablo, Roosevelt and Bangal
San Benito became a complete Elementary School
1974 - Happy ValleyPrimary School
1975 - Roosevelt became a complete Elementary School
1980 - Bangal became a complete Elementary School


He also established the DinalupihanMunicipalHigh School, PagalanggangHigh School and Jose Payumo, Jr. Memorial High School.
To augment the financial situation of the municipality, Mayor Payumo created new barangays.


1969 - Bangal, Tabacan, Dalao and the former streets which were formerly part of the Poblacion: San Isidro, Del Pilar, Gomez, Burgos, Zamora, Mabini, Roxas, Torres, Bonifacio, Mabini Extension, Rizal, Padre Dandan and General Luna.
1971 - Pag-asa
1972 - Naparing, San Simon
1973 - Sapang Balas, Happy Valley
1974 - Kataasan, Sto. Nino
1975 - Pita
1982 - Payangan, Tubo-tubo, Maligaya, Bayan-Bayanan, Pentor, Aquino
1985 - JC Payumo
1988 - Tucop

Mayor Payumo developed RooseveltPark into a major Boy Scout jamboree camp and Nature’s park. He also completed various irrigation projects. He was responsible for building the new MunicipalBuilding in San Ramon. The new Dinalupihan Public Market was completed during his administration.

He was re-elected in 1968 against Ruben Vergara and continued serving Dinalupihan until 1979. He also won overwhelmingly over Reynaldo Muli, son of former Mayor Federico Muli, who challenged his leadership during the 1980 elections. On February 24, 1974, the Philippine government was able to purchase the remaining 4,150 hectares of the Dinalupihan Estate and sold them also to bonafide residents of the municipality. During his administration, another Payumo brought honor to Dinalupihan. Elsa Payumo was chosen as one of the Ten Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) in 1976. In 1982, Mayor Payumo established the initial 25 bed capacity, one storey hospital in Barangay San Ramon. It sits on a 1,900 square meter lot at the back of the Dinalupihan Municipal building. By 1985, Dinalupihan was re-classified as a second class municipality. In addition to his many accomplishments, Payumo also served as president of the Bataan Mayors League and the Central Luzon Mayors League starting in 1982. He was elected as Luzon’s National Vice President of the organization after beating former Mayor Luis “Chavit” Singson in 1983. In 1986, he made history by retaining his position as mayor even after all known political supporters of Ferdinand Marcos were purged from their government positions. He maintained his dedication to work in the company of new mayors and other appointed government officials in the province. In August 20, 1986, a group of armed men ambushed and shot dead Mayor Payumo in Barangay San Jose. The crime remained unsolved up to this day. In his place, his wife Lucila was installed as his replacement.

 

WEB Pictures040LUCILA P. PAYUMO
1987-1995

Lucila P. Payumo was appointed by then President Corazon Aquino as replacement of her late husband Jose Jr. who was ambushed and killed on August 20, 1986. She was the first woman mayor in the Philippines. She was elected to the same position in 1988 and 1992 despite the challenges put up by Amy Muli and Roberto Rubiano respectively. During her administration, Mrs. Payumo completed the smooth transfer of vendors from the old market to its new and present location in Barangay San Ramon. She is credited for building several barangay halls, barangay health centers, new roads and bridges and other major infrastructures in the municipality. She also initiated the construction of the Dinalupihan Sports Complex (Phase I) and the development of the RooseveltNational Park and the MountMalasimbuTourismPark. She was also successful in her CARP programs in Luacan, Daang Bago, Pagalanggang, Sapang Balas, Colo, Payumo, Layac, Old San Jose, Pita and Pag-asa.

Mayor Lucy also spearheaded the construction of Bataan State College after the then Congressman Felicito “ Tong” C. Payumo was able to pass a bill for its construction. It opened on Nov. 26, 1988 . She established new elementary schools in Dinalupihan and completed several primary schools by building additional classrooms. JC Payumo residents got their initial two-classroom primary school on June 4, 1988. In 1991, Mt.Pinatubo in Zambales erupted. Dinalupihan, the closest town to Pinatubo among the other municipalities in Bataan, suffered great devastation. Ashfall in the municipality was registered at two-feet deep. Several houses collapsed due to accumulated ash debris on the roof. Residents panicked and evacuated to several evacuation sites. Luckily, there was no casualty reported in the municipality. In 1993, RooseveltElementary School re-opened as a complete school. In 1994, two primary schools were opened, Maligaya and Pag-asa. Mayor Payumo added two more classrooms to MagsaysayElementary Schools and San PabloElementary School making them complete schools.  In June 1995, PagalanggangHigh School was opened.


After her stint in Dinalupihan, Mrs. Payumo ran and won as Board Member of the First District of Bataan. She represented Dinalupihan in the provincial board from 1998-2001 and 2001-2004. It was during her administration that Dinalupihan got its first Congressman when Felicito “Tong” C. Payumo was elected Congressman of the First District of Bataan.

 

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JOSE ALEJANDRE P. PAYUMO
1995-2004

Mayor Jojo, as he is more popularly known, is the eldest child of former Mayor Jose C. Payumo, Jr. – (Dinalupihan Mayor , 1964-1986) and Lucila Peñaflor Payumo (Dinalupihan Mayor, 1986-1995). He formally entered the political scene in 1995 after his mother, Mayor Lucila, decided to run for board member of Bataan after serving as Mayor of Dinalupihan from 1986 to 1995. He won over board member Ramonette Reyes. In 1998, he defeated another former board member, Dr. Rosario (Rose) Acuña of Barangay Rizal. He had another runaway victory during the 2001 elections against Marlon Susim.

During his nine-year reign as Mayor, Jojo Payumo has established the Dinalupihan Water District Phase 2 which serves the nine western barangays of Dinalupihan. He also instituted the first ever Waste Management System in Bataan by constructing the recycling plant for biodegradable waste in Pagalanggang. His Clean and Green Program was adjudged as the Best Municipality for Clean and Green Program, Category B in 1995 and 1996. His Land Zoning project, Gintong Ani Program, Municipal Irrigation System and Awareness Drive against drug abuse speak well of him as a true leader of Dinalupihan. In addition to the establishment of Sta. Isabel Elementary School, Mayor Jojo also initiated the third floor expansion of the Dinalupihan Municipal building which was inaugurated in June 2004. It was during his term that Mt. Malasimbo, based on a new SBMA documents, was shown to be within the municipal boundary of Dinalupihan. Dinalupihan was embroiled in a “political war” against the Gordons of Olongapo when its favorite son, Tong Payumo was appointed Chairman of SBMA by President Joseph Estrada. Richard Gordon, the incumbent Chairman, refused to vacate his position. Amidst heavy politicking and a fractitious workforce, he began a series of strategic moves to restore investor confidence and rebuild the Freeport’s organization. He opened the Morong Gate which ended the town’s six decades of isolation and ushered in development in that community. From 1998 to 2004, Mayor Jojo served as President of the Bataan Mayors League.

 

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JOEL JAIME P. PAYUMO
2004-2013

The 21st Mayor of Dinalupihan came from the political clan of Payumo. He is the son of two former mayors of Dinalupihan, Lucila P. Payumo and the late Jose Payumo, Jr. and the brother of the former Mayor, Mayor Jojo. His grandfather, Jose Payumo, Sr. was also a former mayor of Dinalupihan and his uncle, Felicito C. Payumo was a three-termer representative of the first district of Bataan and was a Chairman of SBMA. Reared and brought up for public service, and educationally qualified as well, (AB Economics (UST), M.A. Public Administration (UP). Joel was the most logical choice among the Payumo clan to replace his older brother Jose Alejandre who has completed his three-terms as Mayor of Dinalupihan. He won over former Board Member Reynaldo “Tikboy” Muli and businessman Marlon Susim.

As a neophyte mayor, Joel Payumo turned out to be a man of vision. In the field of educations, he was responsible for the:
- Completion of two classrooms in SapangBalasElementary School
- Completion of four classrooms in PitaElementary School to serve as annex building of PagalanggangHigh School
- Completion of six classrooms in PagalanggangHigh School, courtesy of JICA
- Completion of three classrooms, TetBuilding, JC Payumo Elementary School
- Completion of three classrooms, TetBuilding, in Naparing
- Completion of Tubo-tuboElementary School
With the “common tao”, especially the farmers close to his heart, he worked for the:

Mayor Joel also facilitated the construction of puericulture centers (RHU I) in Padre Dandan and (RHU II) in Colo.


For his socio-economic programs, he undertook the:
- Completion of the arcade and common terminal
- Construction of additional stalls at Common terminal
- Repair and upgrade of the DinalupihanCivicCenter and TownPlaza
- Re-organized and revitalized the different socio-educational arms of the municipality which spearheaded viable project. To name a few: Tourism Council, Educational Council and Historical Committee
- Launching of the Water Festival in Dinalupihan
- Final completion of the repair and third floor addition of the MunicipalBuilding.
- One of the most notable accomplishment of Mayor Joel was the re-classification of Dinalupihan into a first class municipality in March, 2006.


Another feather in his camp was the activation of the Ethics Committee. The “Common Tao” in the barangay level were able to find justice against abusive barangay officials. Without fear or favor, many abusive barangay chairmen, “kagawads” and “tanods” were suspended or reprimanded.

Barangays History

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BARANGAY is the basic territorial and political unit in the Philippines. It refers to any established community in a municipality.

At present, Dinalupihan has 46 regular barangays, about 19 percent of the total 244 barangays in Bataan. Back in 1961, the municipality has only 20 barangays, more or less..

The barangays in Dinalupihan are categorized into the following:

Town Proper Barangays – Aquino, Bonifacio, Burgos, Del Pilar, General Luna, Gomez, Mabini Extension, Mabini Proper, Padre Dandan, Rizal, Roxas, San Isidro, Torres and Zamora;

Periphery Barangays – Old San Jose, New San Jose, Daang Bago, Luacan, Layac, Sta. Isabel, San Ramon; and

Upland Barangays – Bangal, Bayan-bayanan, Colo, Dalao, Happy Valley, Kataasan, Magsaysay, Maligaya, Naparing, Pag-asa, Pagalanggang, Payangan, Payumo Jr. Pentor, Pita, Pinulot, Roosevelt, Saguing, San Pablo, San Benito, San Simon, Sapang Balas, Sto. Nino, Tubo-tubo and Tucop..

Each barangay is governed by the Sangguniang Barangay whose officials are elected by the residents. The council is composed of a barangay captain, seven barangay members or councilmen, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman, a secretary and a treasurer.

Elected members of the council exercise powers and perform duties and functions as provided for in the Local Government Code of 1991. Being the legislative body of the barangay, they enforce all laws and ordinances which are applicable within the barangay.

In the municipal level, barangays captains have organized the so-called Association of Barangay Captains.


BARANGAY AQUINO

AQUINO is one of the so-called town center barangays of Dinalupihan. It was part of the old Poblacion. It is bounded in the north by Barangay Roxas, in the south by Burgos, in the east by Del Pilar and in the west by Mabini Proper. The 400-meter long barangay is accessible via the New San Jose-Poblacion National Road (also called Burgos Street). Aquino Street runs parallel with Roxas Street and starts from the conrer of Burgos down to San Isidro.

The barangay was named after Melchora Aquino, the so-called “Mother of the Katipunan.” It was in her yard in Pugadlawin where Andres Bonifacio and his Katipuneros tore up their cedulas to pieces on August 23, 1896. The event marked the so-called “Cry of Balintawak.”

Former Jose C. Payumo Jr. was the one who initiated the creation of the barangay in early 1982. He decided to name the place after the recognized title of the barangay’s major street which was Aquino. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan approved the conversion of Aquino from a street block to barangay on May 3, 1982 together with Payangan, Tubo-tubo, Maligaya, Bayan-bayanan and Pentor.

Aquino is considered one of the smallest barangays in the old Poblacion. It covers four residential blocks with an estimated total land area of two hectares. In year 2000, the population of

the barangay was registered at 1,749. It has no barangay school of its own. Children who wish to finish primary education enroll and attend classes in nearby schools in New San Jose, San Ramon and Bonifacio-P. Dandan area where the Dinalupihan Central Elementary school is situated.

 

BARANGAY BANGAL

BANGAL is the westernmost barangay of Dinalupihan. It lies on the eastern side of the Olongapo City-Dinalupihan boundary. Its closest neighbor is Barangay Roosevelt. The mountainous barangay has a total land area of 4.85 hectares.

The barangay is accessible via the Gapan-Olongapo National Road. Four barangay roads were laid down within the barangay, namely Legaspi, Gerona, Santos and A. Gordon Streets, with a total length of 3.2 kilometers. It has a complete school and a water system complete with water tank.

Bangal allegedly took its name from the Tagalog word “banga” or clay pot used for cooking. Another legend suggested that its name was derived from the word “bangkal,” a common forest tree which was abundant in the area before the advent of World War II.

Bangal was created as a regular barangay on September 13, 1968. It was former Mayor Jose C. Payumo Jr. who instituted the proceedings to make Bangal a regular barangay of Dinalupihan, an unparalleled program of government he started in 1964.

Immediately after the creation of the barangay, Mayor Payumo also inaugurated a four-classroom primary school in the area. He completed the said school in 1980 while he was still the town mayor.

Initially a remote barangay, Bangal’s population increased tremendously after the SBMA-Tipo Gate opened in early 1990s. Transients who were employed or doing business inside the Subic Freeport made Tipo and the neighboring barangays, like Bangal, their temporary or permanent home. As of 2000, the population of Bangal was registered at 2,828.


BARANGAY BAYAN-BAYANAN

BAYAN-BAYANAN is one of the three recognized ethnic communities in Dinalupihan. It is an Aeta resettlement area located at the foot of Mount Malasimbu, a famous natural landmark of the municipality. Its neighboring barangays include Pita and Sapang Balas in the east and Mount Malasimbu in the southwest. It is accessible via the five-kilometer long Pita Road. There are five barangay roads within the barangay and has a total land area of 55.63 hectares.

Bayan-bayanan is a Tagalog word which literally means “a small community,” a settlement area to be exact. The barangay was known by the same name even before its formal creation.

The population of Bayan-bayanan in 2000 was registered at 797.

It was former Mayor Jose C. Payumo and members of the Sangguniang Bayan who adopted the Municipal Resolution No. 90, dated November 13, 1978, which called for the creation of the barangay. The resolution was approved by Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan on May 3, 1982.

Bayan-bayan belongs to the East District. It is among the four distant communities (Bayan-bayanan, Sapang Balas, Sta. Catalina and Pentor) which maintain their respective primary schools. Some Aeta children are currently enrolled in the said school. The pupils continue their studies in nearby Pita Elementary School.


BARANGAY BONIFACIO

BONIFACIO is one of the town proper barangays of Dinalupihan. It was originally an 800-meter long street in the municipality starting from the Caulaman-Gumain River in the east and all the way down to the Dinalupihan Public Market area in the west. It is accessible through the Rizal Street and the Bonifacio Extension Road.

The barangay is bounded in the north by Burgos, Zamora and Gomez, in the south by Rizal and P. Dandan, in the east by the Caulaman-Gumain River, and in the west by Mabini Extension.

The barangay was named after Andres Bonifacio, the founder of the Katipunan.

The creation of Bonifacio was based on a Municipal Resolution No. 159 which was passed by the Municipal Council on October 13, 1969. It was initiated by former Mayor Jose C. Payumo Jr.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan approved the said resolution on November 28, 1969, the effective date of its creation.

Bonifacio has a total land area of 2.10 hectares. It is populated by 510 people as of 2000 census.


BARANGAY BURGOS

BURGOS is one of the town proper barangays of Dinalupihan. Formerly a 450 meter long major street of the old Poblacion, it was created as a regular barangay by virtue of a resolution passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan on November 28, 1969
Former Mayor Jose C. Payumo Jr. initiated the move for its creation by approving the Municipal Resolution No. 154 which was passed by the Dinalupihan municipal council on October 13, 1969.

Barangay Burgos was named after Don (Fr.) Jose Burgos, a well-known secular priest. Accesible via the Tucop-Poblacion National Road, It is bounded in the north by Aquino, in the south by Rizal, in the east by Zamora and in the west by Mabini Proper. It has an estimated land area of 4.11 hectares.


Burgos takes pride in having several residents who have served as municipal mayor of Dinalupihan, namely Jose C. Payumo Jr., Lucila Payumo, Jose Alejandre Payumo, and Joel Jaime Payumo, the current town executive.

Felicito C. Payumo, former congressman and chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, resides in the barangay.


BARANGAY COLO

COLO is one of the southwestern barangays of Dinalupihan. It is about seven kilometers away from the town proper and accessible via the Gapan-Olongapo National Road. Residential houses abound on both side of the said highway. There are six barangay roads in the area, namely Liaban, Rosal, Everlasting, Ilang-ilang and Sampaguita. The total length of the roads is 4.28 kilometers.

The barangay is bounded in the north by Saguing, in the south by Hermosa, in the east by San Benito and in the west by Naparing.

It was initially created as a formal barangay on March 1, 1948, during the administration of Mayor Ramon Estanislao Jr. (1947-1951).

Colo is believed to have been established during the later part of the Spanish regime, at the time when it was the only inhabited place along the old Gapan-Olongapo Road. The name Colo is said to have originated from the Spanish word colocacion which literally means “a place of investment.” Old folks in the area claimed that Colo was once used exclusively as a stockyard for logs and timbers cut from the Zambales and Bataan forests. From Colo, the logs were then transported to the lowlands via the Almacen River.

The barangay was initially a vast area until it was subdivided into several communities, namely Naparing, San Benito and Happy Valley. The present barangay has a land area of 257.42 hectares.


BARANGAY DAANG BAGO

DAANG BAGO is the so-called “present north gateway” of Dinalupihan. It replaced Barangay (Old) San Jose which was the original entrance to Dinalupihan and Bataan coming from Floridablanca, Pampanga.

The barangay came into being in 1937, the year when the Lubao-Balsik-Layac Road (part of the Gapan-Olongapo National Road) was constructed to hasten the transport system between Pampanga and Bataan. It was also the period when road networks in Bataan were being developed in consonance with General Douglas MacArthur’s plan to prepare the peninsula as a military fortress.

Formerly a part of Barangay Layac, Daang Bago was created as a regular barangay the initiative of former Mayor Jose C. Payumo Jr. It took the name Daang Bago which literally means “New Road.”

Daang Bago is bounded in the north by the Caulaman-Gumain River (or Balsik, Hermosa), in the south by Layac, in the east by Pulo, Hermosa, and in the west by Sta. Isabel. It has a land area of

937.90 hectares and populated by 4,360, who occupy both sides of the national road. There are 18 barangay roads traversing the community, the longest of which is the combined Payumo-Manalansan-Osmena-Sapang Kastila Road.


BARANGAY DALAO

DALAO was recognized as a regular barangay on November 28, 1969. Its formal creation was based on Municipal Resolution No. 164 dated October 13, 1969. The change of status took a long time considering that the place was already inhabited by people as early as 1925. By 1930, the area was among the most populated upland communities in Dinalupihan. The settlers have also completed additional clearing of the forested areas in Dalao for agricultural purposes.

The present Dalao has a land area of 296.70 hectares. It is bounded in the north by Subic town (Zambales), in the south by Pita, in the east by Old San Jose, and in the west by Olongapo City. From the original 54 residents in 1950, the population ballooned to 300 in 1985. The number of residents was registered at 1,379 in 2002.

During the early months of World War II, Dalao was used as an informal evacuation center of civilians who fled from the town center upon the arrival of the Japanese soldiers. The place was also utilized as hideout of Filipino and American guerillas during the Japanese Occupation. It is said that Col. John P. Boone, commanding officer of the Bataan Military District (ECCGA), visited the guerillas encamped in the area many times.

After the war, the number of residents increased as some 47 former evacuees and guerillas decided to remain in the area which they started calling “Dalao.” Between 1950 and 1966, the population rose to 122 as more migrants came and settled in the area.

It was Esteban Layug Sr. who was appointed teniente del barrio of Dalao in 1966 who requested former Mayor Jose C. Payumo Jr. to pass a resolution for the recognition of the place as a regular barangay. Three years later, Dalao was formally included in the list of regular barangays of Dinalupihan.


BARANGAY DEL PILAR

DEL PILAR, formerly a minor municipal road of Dinalupihan, was created by the Bataan Provincial Council as a regular barangay on November 28, 1969. It was former Mayor Jose C. Payumo Jr. who initially approved the Municipal Resolution No. 152 dated October 13, 1969 calling for the creation of Del Pilar and other adjoining barangays located within the old Poblacion.
The barangay is bounded in the north by Aquino Street and by Bonifacio Street in the south. The 500-meter long Del Pilar Street runs parallel with Gomez and San Isdiro Streets. Del Pilar has a land area of 1.63 hectares and a population of 299.

The barangay derived its name from Marcelo H. del Pilar, the so-called “Great Propagandist” during the later part of the Spanish regime.

The barangay has a social hall, a day care center, health center but no elementary school. Children go and enroll at the Dinalupihan Elementary School for their primary education.


Marcelo H. Del Pilar was born in Bulacan on August 30, 1850. He finished his Law course from the University of Santo Tomas and his sense of justice led him early in life to campaign against the abuses of the Spanish friars. In 1882, he founded the nationalistic newspaper, “Diariong Tagalog.” While in exile in Spain, he took the editorship of the “La Solidaridad” and wrote scores of editorial and articles against the Spaniards under the penname “Plaridel.” He became the moving spirit behind the reform movement. He died on July 4, 1896.


BARANGAY GENERAL LUNA

GENERAL LUNA is a town proper barangay of Dinalupihan. It is bounded in the north by Aquino, in the south by Bonifacio (Extension), in the east by Mabini Proper, and in the west by San Ramon. It is accessible via the existing Olongapo-Poblacion Road where major bus companies ply their route.

It was created as a regular barangay based on Municipal Resolution No. 163 which adopted by the Municipal Council on October 13, 1969. It was approved by Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan on November 28, 1969, the effective date of its creation.

Instead of using another name, the residents merely adopted the original title of the major street in the area, that of General Antonio Luna, a colorful but very controversial military general who served under President Emilio Aguinaldo at the start of the Filipino-American War.

Barangay General Luna occupies both sides of its major street, as well as three minor thoroughfares, Narra (120 meters long), Mariano (120 meters) and Santos, the 130 meter long road which connects to the public market.

The barangay has a land area of 3.75 hectares and a population of 583 as of 2000.

General Antonio Luna was a Filipino propagandist who wrote articles for “La Solidaridad.” He also edited and partly owned another periodical called the “La Independencia.” At the onset of the Filipino-American hostilities, Luna served as a general of the Revolutionary Government under President Emilio Aguinaldo. On February 22, 1899, he attempted to recapture Manila but the Americans fought back and repulsed his army with heavy losses. On June 5, 1899, he went to Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija to talk to Aguinaldo. But he was shot and stabbed to death by Aguinaldo’s men. His assassins were never investigated nor punished for their crime.


BARANGAY GOMEZ

GOMEZ is among the smallest barangays in Dinalupihan in terms of land area and population. It is a two-block community and bounded in the north by Aquino, in the south by Bonifacio, in the east by Del Pilar, and in the west by Zamora.

Barangay Gomez is accessible via Bonifacio and Aquino Streets. It is close to the Dinalupihan Civic Center, and the Dinalupihan Elementary School where children enroll for their primary education.

Its creation as a regular barangay was approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan on November 28, 1969, together with other barangays like, San Isidro, Del Pilar, Roxas, Torres, Bonifacio and General Luna, among others. The said creation was based on approved Municipal Resolution No. 153 dated October 13, 1969.

The barangay was named after Fr. Mariano Gomez, a Secular priest from Cavite who was executed by the Spaniads in 1872, together with Fr. Jose Burgos and Fr. Jacinto Zamora. The three martyr-priests are more popularly known as Gomburza.

Fr. Mariano Gomez, together with Fr. Jose Burgos and Fr. Jacinto Zamora were regarded as trailblazers in the nationalist movement among the secular clergy. They were executed in 1872 on orders of Governor-General Rafael de Izquierdo. The unjust execution of the three Filipino priests was a turning point in Philippine history for it ushered in a new era, the reform movement.


BARANGAY HAPPY VALLEY

HAPPY VALLEY, formerly a part of Barangay Naparing and Pinulot, used to be a simple parking and rest area of cargo haulers and truckers doing business in Olongapo City and Zambales province. Early settlers of the place were simple farm workers. Gradually, fruit and food stallowners and traders started occupying both sides of the Gapan-Olongapo Road to conduct business with motorists and truckers.
In time, the place became an established community. Its population expanded further after an enterprising company developed the Happy Valley Homes, the housing subdivision intended for middle-income families. Since then, the place became more popularly known as Happy Valley.

It was former Mayor Jose C. Payumo Jr. who initiated the move to convert the area into a regular barangay in the early part of his third term as mayor (1972-1976). He sought the support of the municipal council which immediately passed Resolution No. 272 on October 16, 1972. But the provincial government’s approval came much later after Rogelio Arsua, former barangay captain of Pinulot, questioned the validity of the resolution. He claimed that the new barangay greatly affected the boundaries of the old Pinulot.

After hearing both sides of the argument, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan finally adopted the municipal resolution and proclaimed Happy Valley as a new barangay on November 15, 1973.

Barangay Happy Valley is bounded in the north by Maligaya and Payangan, in the south by Hermosa, in the east by Naparing, and in the west by Pinulot. In addition to the national road, the barangays is traversed by nine barangay roads (First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Streets, as well as Sampaguita, Ilang-ilang and Camia Streets) with a total length of 1.83 kilometers.

Happy Valley has total land area of 17.71 hectares. The barangay has a social hall and plaza, a complete school, a Catholic chapel and a Petron gasoline station.

 

BARANGAY KATAASAN
KATAASAN is a periphery barangay of Dinalupihan. It is accessible via the New San Jose-General Luna Provincial Road (also known as Pag-asa Street). Its entire length starts from corner of General Luna Street and up to Irrigation Street area, about one kilometer long.

Kataasan literally means “hilly area.” But in its case, kataasan was adopted to suggest “a place near a mountain.” It is bounded in the north by Sto. Nino, in the south by San Ramon, in the east by

Mabini Proper, Torres and Roxas, and in the west by Luacan. The barangay has four major roads: Pag-asa, Irrigation, Kataasan and Mulawin Streets. Pag-asa is 1.15 kilometer long while Kataasan Street measures 2.53 kilometers.

Kataasan was initially created as a regular barangay on March 22, 1960 and renamed Sta. Maria. A decade later, the barangay was involved in a boundary issue with the creation of Barangay Sto. Nino. After determining the boundaries of the “new” Kataasan and Sto. Nino, the municipal council passed another resolution for the recognition of the two barrios. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan approved the said resolution on March 7, 1974, the effective date of the creation of Kataasan and Sto. Nino.

Kataasan has a total land area of 140.58 hectares and with a population of 3,460, based on 200_ Census.

The barangay plays host to four cemeteries of the town, namely the Roman Catholic Cemetery, the Municipal Cemetery, Gate to Heaven Cemetery and the Family Shrine. The Dinalupihan Water District is also based in Kataasan.


BARANGAY LAYAC

LAYAC is the so-called crossroads of Bataan, Zambales and Pampanga. It is where the Gapan-Olongapo Road and the Bataan National Road intersect.

Layac is a hallowed ground. It was here where stiff fighting between the USAFFE and the Japanese Army took place from January 2 to 6, 1942. It was a military maneuver with the aim of holding the line long enough for other USAFFE units to enter Bataan. It was also in Layac where one Filipino soldier, Sgt. Jose Calugas, almost single-handedly took over a 75-mm gun and stopped a Japanese tank advance. For his feat, Calugas earned a U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor.

In honor of the men and women who fought and died in Layac during the war, a monument was erected at the center of the barangay, more popularly known as Layac Junction. The monument was built by the 38th Infantry Division, Army of the United States. The monument also marks the liberation of Dinalupihan from the Japanese on January 19, 1945.

The said monument was replaced by another shrine.

The present Layac is bounded in the north by Daang Bago, in the south by Palihan, Hermosa, in the east by Pulo, Hermosa, and in the west by Sta. Isabel. It has a total area of 40.45 hectares. As of 2000, the barangay registered a total population of 1,349.

The name Layac, according to local historians, was derived from the Tagalog word Labak, which literally means “marshland” or “low-lying watery ground.” They claimed that the constant flooding in the area during rainy season explains why it was called as such.

Recent researches conducted by the Dinalupihan historical committee, however, revealed that the name Layac came from two Spanish words laya (shovel) and layar (to dig with a shovel). Layac’s general appearance, it turned out, is likened to a shovel (spade) buried inside northern Hermosa, in the vicinity of Barangays Balsik, Pulo, Palihan, Culis and JRC-Mandama.

The committee also concluded that the place was already in existence during the Spanish period and that the watery condition of the area during rainy season only came about after the Daang Bago (Lubao-Balsik-Layac) Road was constructed in 1937.

The formal creation of the barangay was placed in 1915, during the term of Governor Maximino delos Reyes.

In addition to the Layac monument, the barangay has a hall, a chapel, complete school and hosts the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) office.


BARANGAY LUACAN

LUACAN is a periphery barangay of Dinalupihan. It is located south of the old Pablacion. It is bounded in the north by Sapang Balas, in the south by Almacen River, in the east by San Ramon and Kataasan, and in the west by Payumo and Saguing. It is accessible via the Gapan-Olongapo National Road (either through San Ramon or General Luna.

The barangay has two major roads, namely Pinili Avenue (1.02 kilometers long) and Federico A. Muli Avenue (896 meters long). On the north side, there is the Tambao Road (3.19 kilometers long) which connects to Sto. Nino while Maguindong Road (3.5 km. long) leads to Barangay Jose C. Payumo Jr.

Luacan occupies both side of the national road. It is one of the biggest barangays in town in terms of developed areas as well as in population.. It has well-planned housing areas with better road network. It has a barangay elementary school and takes pride in hosting the biggest of the four public high schools in Dinalupihan.

There is no exact explanation as to how it got its name. Local historians still disagree as to whether the name was derived from the Tagalog words Labakan (watery ground) or Kalawakan (vast area). Whatever is the real answer, residents are one in saying that Luacan was part and parcel of the on-going progress in the municipality.

Luacan, established as a barangay in 1915, has a total land area of 1,027.60 hectares and a population of 5,366.

 

BARANGAY MABINI EXTENSION

MABINI EXTENSION is a town center barangay of Dinalupihan. It is bounded in the north by Mabini Proper, in the south and east by Rizal, and in the west by San Ramon. It is accessible via the Rizal Street and the Gapan-Olongapo Road.

The barangay’s total road network is about 700 meters long. The existing roads include Mabini Extension Street, Lucio Reyes Street, B. Dizon Sr. Street, R. Estanislao Street and part of San Juan Extension and Dona Rosa Streets.

Mabini Extension was created as a regular barangay by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan on November 28, 1969 based on the approved Municipal Resolution No. 160 dated October 13, 1969.

The barangay has a land area of 3.10 hectares and a population of 712 people based on the 200_ Census.

In addition to Barangay Rizal, Mabini Extension partly plays host to the St. John the Baptist Church and the St. John Academy.

Apolinario Mabini is more popularly known as the “Brains of the Revolution.” Mabini, a paralytic, is a model in determination and an icon in heroism. He worked hard to earn a Law degree and used his knowledge in the service of his country. He was a member of Jose Rizal’s “La Liga Filipina.” It took hundred of men taking turns at carrying the paralytic Mabini in a hammock from Los Banos, Laguna to see Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite. Aguinaldo, upon seeing Mabini’s condition, thought he made a mistake in asking for his help in governing the new republic. But the firmness in Mabini’s voice helped Aguinaldo decide to make him his most trusted adviser. Envious enemies called Mabini the “Dark Chamber of the President.”


BARANGAY MABINI PROPER

MABINI PROPER is among the 14 town proper barangays of Dinalupihan. It used to a minor street about 500 meters long running parallel with Burgos Street. It originates from the corner of Bonifacio Extension Street in the south and ends up in Roxas Street in the north. Houses dominate both sides of the Mabini Street.

The original Mabini Street covered the span from Roxas Street and down to Dona Rosa Street in the south, about one kilometer long. But it was cut into half after Mabini Extension was separated and made into a separate barangay in 1969.

General Luna Street, an access road of Mabini Proper in the north, leads to Olongapo City. Another access road, the Bonifacio Extension Street, ends up at the public market.

Mabini Street was automatically converted into a regular barangay with new boundaries after a resolution was passed by the municipal council on October 13, 1969 calling for the creation of Mabini Extension. The said Municipal Resolution No. 156 was approved by Sangguniang Panlalawigan on November 28, 1969.

Mabini has an estimated area of 2.66 hectares. Its population was placed at 396 in 200_.

Apolinario Mabini is the so-called “Sublime Paralytic” and “Brains of the Katipunan.” He was born in Tanauan, Batangas and received his law degree from the University of Sto. Tomas in 1894. He became a paralytic in 1896. As Emilio Aguinaldo’s adviser, he prepared the initial draft of the Malolos Constitution. After its promulgation, Mabini was appointed as President of the Cabinet and Secretary of Foreign Affairs.


BARANGAY MAGSAYSAY

Originally known as Colo Corba (Colo road curve), Barangay MAGSAYSAY is situated along the stretch of the Gapan-Olongapo National Road, at the site where the very first of the many curves or zigzag along the said national road is located. It is bounded in the north by Pagasa, in the south by Almacen River, in the east by San Benito and in the west by Colo.

The barangay, measuring 59.61 hectares, was the site of a sawmill which operated in the area starting in 1950. The road condition at that time was at its worst as a result of the Battle of Zigzag Pass in the area during the Liberation period. It was during President Ramon Magsaysay’s administration (1953-1957) that the rough road leading to Olongapo City and Zambales was developed. It was during the operation of the sawmill that the place became populated.

The area, initially known as Sitio Corba and acknowledged as part of San Benito, was proclaimed as a regular barangay on March 21, 1959 based on an approved Municipal Resolution No. 19. The its final approval was shelved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

In 1964, Magsaysay was finally recognized as a regular barangay, one of the first acts of Mayor Jose C. Payumo Jr. He personally chose Magsaysay as its name to honor the memories of the popular Philippine president. That same year, the first classroom was built in the area. It took only a year before the said school was completed. It was a blessing to children who in the past were forced to enroll in Colo and San Benito to be able to complete their primary education.

The present population of Magsaysay was placed at 1,436 in 2000. A number of the residents are involved in agriculture and sawali and torch making. Others are employed at the Subic Freeport and in Olongapo City.

Ramon F. Magsaysay was the third President of the Republic of the Philippines. He served from December 30, 1953 until his death on March 17, 1957. Married to Luz Banzon-Magsaysay of Balanga, Bataan, he served as Secretary of National Defense prior to his election as president. He implemented the Magna Carta of Labor, established the Social Security System, National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA) and supported the founding of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization in 1954. He was a very popular president. He perished in a plane crash in Mount Manunggal, Cebu.


BARANGAY MALIGAYA

MALIGAYA was recognized as a regular barangay on May 3, 1982 through the effort of former Mayor Jose C. Payumo Jr. It is situated near the Dinalupihan-Zambales boundary, near the foot of Mount Malasimbu.

It is bounded in the north by Payumo, in the south by Pagasa, in the east by Saguing and in the west by Tubo-tubo. It has a total land area of 397.78 hectares and a population of 948 people, based on 200_ Census.

The barangay is accessible via Saguing, through Ilang-ilang Road which leads to the center of the Maligaya. It has a complete elementary school since 1994, through the initiative of former Mayor Lucila P. Payumo.

One of the noted occupations of Maligaya is tinapa-making although the major industries are farming, mango and banana growing.


BARANGAY NAPARING

NAPARING is among the eight barangays that are located along the zigzag portion of the Gapan-Olongapo National Road. Coming from the direction of the Dinalupihan town proper, Naparing is the second barangay next to Colo.

It was created as a new barangay on November 3, 1972.

Naparing is bounded in the north by Payangan and Tubo-tubo, in the south by Almacen River, in the east by Colo and in the west by Happy Valley. It has a total hectarage of 156.26.

There are eight barangay roads in the barangay, namely J. Payumo Street, Manalang, Vispo, Mendoza, De Jesus, De Leon, Ilao and Naparing Barangay Roads with a total length of 8.85 kilometers. Unfortunately, there is no existing record as to how the barangay got its name.

The barangay has a primary school. Children who wish to finish elementary education enroll in either Colo or Happy Valley.


BARANGAY NEW SAN JOSE

A periphery barangay, NEW SAN JOSE is situated along the Floridablanca-Dinalupihan National road. It covers both sides of the stretch starting from the Pita-Old San Jose Junction down to Sto. Nino-Poblacion Junction. The whole stretch is about 1.5 kilometers long. The total land area of the barangay is placed at 207.77 hectares.

New San Jose is bounded in the north by Old San Jose, in the south by Poblacion, in the east by Pampanga (Gumain River) and in the west by Sto. Nino. It has an intricate road network composed of 20 minor streets that has a total span of four kilometers, more or less.

The barangay grew out of the original barrio presently called Old San Jose which was established as a barrio in 1802, during the time when Dinalupihan was still a part of Hermosa.

As the new community expanded, Mayor Federico A. Muli had decided on creating two more separate and distinct barangays out of the old San Jose. A resolution creating Barangays Sto. Nino, New San Jose and Old San Jose (with new boundaries) was passed by the Municipal Council in 1961. It was approved by the provincial council on January 15, 1962. A complete elementary school was built in the area thereafter.

The population of the barangay was last registered at 5,249, one of the biggest in Dinalupihan.


BARANGAY OLD SAN JOSE

OLD SAN JOSE is one of the most progressive barangays of Dinalupihan. It is located in the northwestern part of the town, bounded in the north by Pagalanggang, in the south and east by New San Jose, and in the west by Pita. The barangay land area is measured at 95.73 hectares.

It was initially recognized as a distant barrio of Hermosa in 1802, at the time was the whole Dinalupihan was also part of its mother town. The original settlers of the barangay were mostly workers at the Dinalupihan Hacienda which was owned by the Archbishop of Manila.

The first chapel in the barrio was built in 1889. It was placed under the patronage of Saint Joseph whose image was donated by an old pious woman named Apong Unda. It was the same woman who donated a huge copper bell with inscriptions of San Jose.

Old San Jose who created as a regular barrio in 1915, during the administration of Governor Maximino delos Reyes. The first primary school in the barangay was established in 1918. Some of the pioneer teachers were G. Jaring, Selerio Evangelista, Agapito Dulce, Fabian de Leon and others. The school became a complete learning institution in 1953.

Late in 1961, Mayor Federico A. Muli decided on creating two more barangays out of Old San Jose. In 1962, Sto. Nino and New San Jose became new barangays of Dinalupihan. In effect, Old San Jose lost a lot of hectarage.

The 2000, the population of Old San Jose was registered at 1,431. Residents occupy both sides of the Floridablanca-Dinalupihan National Road and Manalang Street.


BARANGAY PADRE DANDAN

Formerly two minor but connecting streets in old Poblacion, PADRE DANDAN-DONA ROSA became a regular barangay on November 28, 1969. It was made possible by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan which approved Municipal Resolution No. 162 dated October 13, 1969. Former Mayor Jose C. Payumo Jr. initiated the move for the creation of the said barangay.

Padre Dandan refers to Father Pedro Dandan, a rebel priest who was elected as president of the Departamental Government of Central Luzon in 1897. The election was held sometime in May 1897 in Mount Puray, some 15 kilometers north of Antipolo, Rizal, which served as the camp of General Licerio Geronimo. Those who attended the election were representatives from Maila, Morong, Bulakan, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Tarlac, and Pangasinan

Dona Rosa refers to Rosa Sevilla, a great Filipino writer and staff member of the periodical La Independencia, partly owned by General Antonio Luna. The periodical was so nationalistic that the Americans tried to suppress it, but did not succeed.

The combined length of P. Dandan-Dona Rosa is measured at 500 meters long. Both sides of the connecting streets are lined with houses. Formerly the market site, Padre Dandan is presently the home of the Dinalupihan Elementary School, Civic Center and Health Center. The community is very thinly populated. In 2000, its population registered at 210 residents.


BARANGAY PAG-ASA

PAG-ASA, a 112-hectare barangay located north of Colo and Magsasay, was created by the Dinalupihan Municipal Council on October 11, 1971. The Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 63 called for its creation and was approved by Sangguniang Panlalawigan on December 10, 1971.

The barangay is bounded in the north by Tubo-tubo, in the south by Magsaysay, in the east by San Benito, and in the west by Colo. It is accessible via the Gapan-Olongapo National Road. Tubo-tubo River supplies water via an irrigation canal which traverses the barangay.

Records have it that Pag-asa used to be a vast area. Purok I and II were transformed into Barangay San Benito. Purok III, formerly a calamansi orchard, now belongs to Barangay Magsaysay. And lastly, Purok IV is now part of Colo.

Old folks still remember Fr. Badong, Fr. Elbano, and Fr. Esteban who initiated and completed the barangay chapel where the patron saint is Jesus of Nazareth. The priests also established a bakery in the area, an irrigation canal and a parochial school near barangay plaza. The three priests and residents left the place during the war after the houses and establishments were destroyed. People returned after the war and the population grew thereafter. This led to Mayor Payumo’s decision to formalize the creation of the area into a regular barangay. And to help the residents, he declared the area as municipal nursery.

Pag-asa has a day care center, barangay hall and plaza, water system, a chapel and a complete elementary school. It has 331 households and a population of 1,891 (2000 Census).

In naming the barangay, Mayor Payumo had decided to call it Pag-asa in honor of Pagasa Estanislao Pascual, wife of then Governor Efren B. Pascual.


BARANGAY PAGALANGGANG

PAGALANGGANG is presumed as one of the two oldest barrios in Dinalupihan. It was part of the old Dinalupihan Hacienda which was developed by former Manila Archbishop Juan Antonio Zulaibar in 1817, some 52 years before Dinalupihan was created as a regular town.

Records have it that it was in Pagalanggang, not Tucop, where the first sugar mill in Bataan was established in 1910. Railroad tracks and and rolling stocks for delivering sugar cane to the mill were laid out in the two agricultural barrios. It was former Governor Maximino delos Reyes who created the Pagalanggang and Tucop into regular barrios in 1915. Unfortunately, the sugar central was shut down and abandoned in 1919 (see Pagalanggang Sugar Mill).

There was a time when Pagalanggang was called “Pasot” by the residents.This was due to the fact that the biggest landowner then was named William Fassoth, a wealthy American who was known for his kindness to the locals.

The present Pagalanggang is bounded in the north by Tucop, in the south by New San Jose, in the east by Pampanga and in the west by Old San Jose. It has a land area of 311.64 hectares and a population of 3,524 people.

The barangay can be reached through the Floridablanca-Dinalupihan National Road. Inside the barangay is a network of barangays roads with a total length of 32 kilometers, more or less. The longest is Puko Road which is 4.7 kilometers long.

Pagalanggang has an elementary and high school facilities, barangay hall, day care and health centers. It also host the Dinalupihan Waste Management facility.

Barangay name: “Pag-galang/Gang”; paga- payment of wages; lanzar, to release paymen.


BARANGAY PAYANGAN

PAYANGAN is an upland barangay where a big number of Aeta families are settled. It was created as a formal community on November 13, 1978 as per Dinalupihan Municipal Resolution No. 90. The resolution was approved by Sanguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan on May 3, 1982, the exact date of its creation as a regular barangay.

It was former Mayor Jose C. Payumo, together with the municipal council, who took the initiative to change the status of Payangan from a mere sitio to a regular barangay.

The ethnic community is bounded in the north by Olongapo City mountains, in the south and west by Pinulot, and in the east by Tubo-tubo. It is accessible via San Pablo, and about four kilometers away from the Gapan-Olongapo National Road.

At present, there exists a mixed culture in Payangan. A big number of lowlanders have also settled in the community. The so-called “unats” have been successful in co-existing with the “kulots.”


BARANGAY JOSE C. PAYUMO JR.

JOSE C. PAYUMO JR., was a former sugar plantation known as Sitio Dulit. It was initially recognized as a sitio and part of Barangay Saguing. It was established as a regular barangay on October 25, 1989 based on SP Resolution No. 225 of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan.

It was no less than the late Mayor Jose C. Payumo Jr. who worked for the formal conversion of the sitio to a barangay. In return, the residents have unanimously decided to name the barangay “J.C. Payumo Jr.”

The barangay has a total land area of 102.19 hectares and has a population of 1,953 as of 2005. It is bounded in the north by Bayan-bayanan, in the south by Saguing (Lourdes), in the east by Luacan and in the west by Maligaya. It is accessible via the Saguing Road which connects to the Gapan-Olongapo National Road.

The original owners of the place were the Payumo and Penaflor families of Dinalupihan. In the absence of an administrator, the two families have decided to distribute the parcels of land to the farmers and long-time settlers of the area in the hope of making it more productive.

The barangay has a newly-refurbished barangay hall (built in 1998), day care center (1991), barangay jail (1995), health center, playpen, solar dryer, open canals, concrete roads and barangay plaza/basketball court.


BARANGAY PENTOR

PENTOR is a residential-agricultural community situated east of the old Poblacion. It is bounded in the north by San Isidro, in the south by Sta. Isabel, in the east by Caulaman-Gumain River, and in the west by Poblacion.

It is accessible via the Bonifacio Street that connects to Fermin and Napoleon Streets. Ten other minor streets comprised the road network inside the barangay.

The barangay has a land area of 207.87 hectares and a population of 2,121, based on 2000 Census.

Pentor is among the last batch of new barangays recognized by the government. It was created on May 3, 1982, together with Payangan, Tubo-tubo, Maligaya, Bayan-bayanan and Aquino.

In addition to a chapel, barangay plaza, day care and health center, Pentor has a primary school offering classes from Grades I to IV.

In July 2006, Pentor was declared a calamity area after the old Pentor river control project gave way to heavy floodwater and left the town impassable for two days.


BARANGAY PINULOT

PINULOT is an upland barangay accessible via the western Gapan-Olongapo National Road. It is bounded in the north by Payangan, in the south by Mabiga (Hermosa), in the east by Happy Valley, and in the west by San Pablo.

The barangay has a total land area of 464.98. The bigger portion of the area is located on the north side of the national road. A total of four barangay roads traverse the residential area of the barangay. The roads include Reyes, Pastolero, Planas and Cabilangan Streets which have a toal length of about 1.3 kilometers.

Pinulot has been in existence before the war. It was only formally created as a barangay on December 14, 1972, together with Barangay Happy Valley. Just like Barangay Roosevelt, the population of Pinulot expanded after informal settlers started building their abodes in the area. Unchecked, the population grew tremendously. As of 2000, the population was registered at 6,421. It is expected to increase further as new subdivisions are being planned in the area.

 

BARANGAY PITA

PITA, also known as Sta. Lucia is located northwest of Dinalupihan, at the foot of Mounts Isip, Teranus, Marikit, Aliabon, Basaw, Timawan, Marubao, Banasi and Kamang. It is bounded in the north
by Dalao, in the south by Sapang Balas, in the east by Old San Jose and in the west by Bayan-bayanan. It is about 4 kilometers away from the Pita-Old San Jose Junction (Floridablanca-Dinalupihan National Highway). It is accessible via the Pita (Tuazon) Provincial Road.

Pita was created as a regular barangay by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan on October 24, 1975 with the aid of an approved municipal resolution initiated by then Mayor Jose C. Payumo Jr.

There are 3 barangay roads existing in the area. The three major roads in the barangay include the Pita, David, and Don Roman Streets. A major creek runs through the barangay.

It is said that the name Pita was dervided from the Tagalog word pita-pita which means “muddy road.” It was the general condition of the place during pre-war when there were only 30 families residing in the area. People had to walk or ride on a caromata to bring their farm products to Poblacion. But even before the advent of World War II, Pita was fortunate enough to have a primary school which offered classes for Grades I and II. To complete elementary education, children enrolled at the San Jose Barrio School. It was only in 1985 when the school in Pita.

The present Pita is on its way to progress and development. The place is fully energized and has become a favorite tourist spot among the locals. In addition to its closeness to Mount Malasimbu, Pita hosts three inland resorts, namely Holoday Resort, Summer Hill and JI Garcia Resort. There is also a plan to put up a Bataan State College annex (College of Agriculture) in Pita in the near future.


BARANGAY RIZAL

Barangay RIZAL is acknowledged as the biggest town proper barangay in Dinalupihan in terms of land area. It measures about 15.46 hectares.

It is bounded in the north by Bonifacio, in the south by Sta. Isabel, in the east by P. Dandan, and in the west by Mabini Extension and San Ramon. It was created as a regular barangay by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan. The recognition was based on the approved Municipal Resolution No. 161 dated October 13, 1969.

Rizal used to be the name of one of the two major streets in the old Poblacion. The street had been in existence since the early 1800s but under another name. The barangay covers both sides of the 800 meter-stretch starting from the corner of Gapan-Olongapo National Road-Rizal Street Junction and up to the corner of Bonifacio Street. The barangay plays host to the St. John the Baptist

Church, St. John Academy, town plaza, Northern Bataan Institute, Coca Cola Sale Center, and the Mount Malasimbu CATV. The Immaculate Heart of Mary School, a private school established by the late Remegio Reyes, is also located in Rizal.

Dr. Jose Rizal (1861-1896) is the country’s national hero. He was a great reformist and propagandist who wrote two famous novels, “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo.” After four years of banishment in Dapitan, he left for Spain on board a ship. But before the ship could dock at Barcelona, he was arrested and returned to Manila. He was tried on charge of treason and complicity in the 1986 revolution. He died by musketry in Luneta.


BARANGAY ROOSEVELT

ROOSEVELT is one of the more popular barangays located in the western part of Dinalupihan. It is accessible via the Gapan-Olongapo National Road.

The barangay is bounded Olongapo City in the north, by Tipo and Sacrifice Valley, Hermosa in the south, by San Pablo in the east and by Bangal in the west. It occupies both sides of the national road.

Roosevelt has a land area of 101.72 hectares. It has 15 barangay roads with a total length of 7.23 kilometers. It has a barangay hall, plaza, complete school, chapel and a cemetery. And most important of all, the barangay takes pride of having the Dinalupihan Nature’s Park. The park, formerly a popular Boy Scout regional campsite, was transformed into an impressive inland resort, recreational facility and wildlife sanctuary.

The barangay was named after Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States of America (1933-1945). The said name was originally given to the park which was used as a command post the Americans troops during the Liberation. It became vone of the sites of the reforestration programs launched in Bataan in early 1960.

For many years, the park was the most frequented tourist spot in Dinalupihan. Later on, local residents and migrant workers started settling in the area. Squatting on public lands remained unabated and the population multiplied in just a few years. In 2000, the population of Roosevelt was registered at 5,535, making it the most populated upland barangay in Dinalupihan.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the 32nd president of the United States. He steered the country out of the deepest Depression and became the only president to serve more than two terms. He was elected to a fourth term in 1944 but died before World War II ended in 1945.


BARANGAY ROXAS

ROXAS is one of the 15 town proper barangays of Dinalupihan. It is bounded in the north by Torres, in the south by Aquino, in the east by San Isidro, and in the west by Sto. Nino. It is accessible via the Rizal-Burgos Street, also known as the Floridablanca-Dinalupihan National Road.

The barangay has a total land area of about 1.89 hectares and a population of 423 based on 200_ Census.

Roxas used to be a minor street in the old Poblacion. At present, it is purely a residential area, about four blocks long or exactly 434 meters. Back in 1961, former Mayor Federico A. Muli attempted to create the eastern portion of Roxas as another barangay. The lot, starting from the corner of
San Isidro, was declared as Barrio Bana. The declaration, however, was not fully implemented up to the present.

It was former Mayor Jose C. Payumo Jr. and the Sangguniang Bayan members who initiated the move to include Roxas (and the Bana area) to the list of 14 other areas to be created as new barangays of Dinalupihan. To effect the change in status, the municipal council passed Municipal Resolution Nos. 150 to 164 on October 13, 1969. The resolution was approved by the provincial government on November 28, 1969, the exact date of creation of Roxas.

Manuel A. Roxas, a former general, was the Philipine president from July 4, 1946 to April 15, 1948. He spearheaded the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the country ravaged by war. He established friendly relations with the US, Europe, Nationalist China and Japan. He died in his sleep on April 15, 1948 after delivering a speech in Clark Air Base, Pampanga. He was replaced by Vice President Elpidio Quirino.


BARANGAY SAGUING

SAGUING, also called Lourdes, is the immediate barangay located after Luacan when traversing the Gapan-Olongapo National Road going west. It is bounded in the north by Maligaya and Jose Payumo, in the south by Hermosa (Almacen River), in the east by Luacan, and in the west by Pag-asa. It is reachable via the Gapan-Olongapo National Road. It occupies both side of the said road.

The barangay has a total land area of 967.11 hectares and a population of 4,844 as of 2000. Saguing has a chapel, health center, elementary school, barangay hall and plaza.

Saguing was first known as part of Luacan. At that time, it had no chapel, no barrio lieutenant and no school of its own. In 1935, it was separated from Luacan and became a regular barangay through the initiative of former Mayor Teodoro David (1932-1935, 1935-1937).

Pedro Dulit became its first barrio lieutenant. Immediately thereafter, a chapel was built in the area through the leadership of Rufino Dimson, a wealthy haciendero from Lubao, Pampanga. During the early months of World War II, Dulit was arrested by the Japanese and was hanged to death from a mango tree somewhere within the barrio.

A public school was established in the barrio in 1948 using the chapel as classroom. The first school building was erected in the barrio in April 1951 and was occupied in July 1952. It was made possible through the initiative of former Mayor Federico A. Muli.

Barangay Saguing, incidentally, is the gateway to Barangay Bacong, Hermosa. Saguing-Dulit Road, meanwhile, leads to Barangay JC Payumo


BARANGAY SAN BENITO

SAN BENITO is a periphery barangay situated on the southern part of the Gapan-Olongapo National Road, between Barangays Saguing and Magsasay. It is bounded in the north by Pag-asa, in the south by Hermosa, in the east by Luacan and Saguing, and in the west by Magsaysay. It measures some 334.94 hectares and inhabited by 1,460 residents as of 2000.

It was recognized as a regular barangay in 1963, through the efforts of former Mayor Jose C. Payumo Jr. and the members of the municipal council.

Simeon Pulinday was the first elected barrio captain and served for 30 years continuously. A year after, a primary school opened in the area with Mrs. Paciencia de Guzman as the first multi-grade teacher. The school was completed in 1968. San Benito has its own Roman Catholic Chapel, an Iglesia chapel, health center, barangay hall and plaza.

San Benito is the gateway to Barangay Pag-asa in the north, and Bamban, Hermosa in the south.


BARANGAY SAN ISIDRO

SAN ISIDRO is a former minor street of the old Poblacion prior to its creation as a regular barangay. It was formally recognized on November 28, 1969 by the Provincial Government of Bataan. Its creation was based on a Municipal Resolution No. 151 which was passed by the Dinalupihan Municipal Council on October 13, 1969.

The barangay was named after its local patron saint, San Isidro Labrador, the patron of farm workers.

San Isidro residents occupy both sides of the 400-meter long barangay road which covers two residential blocks. It is bounded in the north by Barangay Roxas, in the south by Bonifacio, in the east by the Gumain-Caulaman River, in the west by Barangay Del Pilar. It is accessible via the Roxas Street in the north and by Bonifacio Street in the south.

Though a residential community, the eastern side of the barangay is being utilized for agricultural purposes, a major factor which differentiates San Simon from its 14 neighboring town proper barangays. The said agricultural area is being irrigated by a nearby creek.

The barangay has a hall, day care and health center but no elementary school. Children enroll at the Dinalupihan Elementary School for their primary education.


BARANGAY SAN PABLO

SAN PABLO is a periphery barangay located along the western end of the Gapan-Olongapo National Road. It is situated a few kilometers away from Barangay Pinulot. It was created as a regular barangay on May 3, 1982 during the term of Mayor Jose C. Payumo, Jr.

Let it be mentioned that the barangay lies in a very interesting location because immediately after San Pablo comes Tipo, Hermosa, and not Barangay Roosevelt. The situation is similar to the case of Balsik, Hermosa which also protrudes across the said national highway.

San Pablo is a mountainous area. It is not surprising that zigzag is present along the entire stretch of the barangay. Houses were built on both sides of the said highway. The barangay has a


hall, plaza, chapel, a complete elementary school and eight barangay roads. Xerox Road is the longest at 1.5 kilometers. It leads to Barangay Pinulot.
Some 1,151 people reside in the area, based on 2000 Census.


BARANGAY SAN RAMON

SAN RAMON is undoubtedly the most progressive barangays in Dinalupihan. It is also the seat of government in the municipality. It hosts the Dinalupihan Municipal Building.

The Dinalupihan public market and common terminal, Bataan State College, St. Joseph School, Land Bank of the Philippines, GSIS building, Pag-ibig Fund building, Jose C. Payumo Memorial Hospital and big commercial establishments such as ChowKing, Jollibee, Vercons, and Elizabeth Supermarket are all located in San Ramon. The Dinalupihan Track and Field Oval, the most complete sports facility in Bataan is also situated in the barangay.

The barangay is bounded in the north by Kataasan and Poblacion, in the south by Hermosa, in the east by Poblacion (Rizal and Mabini), and in the west by Luacan. It is situated at the crossroads of the Dinalupihan-Olongapo National Road and the Gapan-Olongapo (Diversion) Road. It has a total land area of 95.46 hectares and a population of 2,600 as of 2000.

San Ramon was established as a barangay on May 3, 1982, during the administration of former Mayor Jose C. Payumo, Jr.

In addition to the various government and commercial establishments in the area, San Ramon is also famous of its top barangay product: balut.


BARANGAY SAN SIMON

SAN SIMON was created as a formal barangay on November 15, 1973, during the administration of former Mayor Jose C. Payumo Jr. Its creation was based on a Municipal Resolution dated December 14, 1972.

San Simon, the northernmost barangay of Dinalupihan, is bounded by Lubao, Pampanga in the north, by Barangay Tucop in the south, by Pampanga in the east and by Zambales mountains in the west. In the north, it shares boundary with San Pedro Segundo, Lubao, Pampanga.

It is accessible via the old Floridablanca-Dinalupihan National Road. The barangay occupies both sides of the said thoroughfare. It has eight barangay roads, namely Guevarra, A. Montemayor, Santos, San Simon, M. Montemayor, Sudiam, N. Montemayor and P. Sison. The longest barangay road is A. Montemayor, about 2.1 kilometers long.

San Simon is presently inhabited by 877 people. It has a barangay hall, plaza and a complete elementary school.


BARANGAY SAPANG BALAS

SAPANG BALAS is a periphery barangay. It is surrounded in the north by Pita, in the south by Luacan, in the east by New San Jose and Sto. Nino and in the west by Mount Malasimbu (Bayan-bayanan and JC Payumo).

It is reachable through the Sapang Balas Barangay Road which leads to New San Jose. The barangay is bounded by irrigation canals on the north and south, and a creek on the eastern part. In addition to the main road, the barangay has seven other minor roads to include Edung, Kawa, Ricardo, Mateo, Abakahan, Kinon and Malunas. Kinon road alone measures about three kilometers long. Edung Road, the shortest, is one kilometer long and 10 meters wide.

Sapang Balas, named after a river originally called “Sapang Buhangin,” was created as a barangay by the Dinalupihan Municipal Council on March 5, 1973 as per Municipal Resolution No. 9. It was former Mayor Jose C. Payumo Jr. who initiated the recognition of the community as a barangay. Unfortunately, no existing document can be found in the records of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan with regards to the exact date of its final approval as a regular barangay.

The barangay has a total land area of 206.30 hectares and a population of 1,117 as of 2000.


BARANGAY STA. ISABEL

STA. ISABEL was created as a regular barangay of Dinalupihan on November 28, 1969 based on Municipal Resolution No. 150 dated October 13, 1969.

The approved name of the barangay, however, was “Tabacan.” But such name was never used. The residents insisted on calling their barangay as Sta. Isabel, the name of their patron saint.

Sta. Isabel is a periphery barangay with a land area of 82.98 hectares. It is bounded in the north by Pentor, in the south by Layac, in the east by Pampanga and in the west by San Ramon. The population of Sta. Isabel was placed at 1,543, based on the 2000 Census.

The barangay is famous for the trees lining up both sides of its major barangay road. Most residents are involved in agriculture and in the production of handicrafts made from bamboos.

In the absence of a regular school, a Day Care program was initially established in Sta. Isabel in 1995. It was followed by the construction of a two-classroom building in 1997. The school was completed in 2004.

 

BARANGAY STO. NINO

STO. NINO, formerly known as Homesite, was a former sitio of Old San Jose. At that time, the place was already inhabited by 50 families, more or less. They lived in abodes mostly made of wood, sawali for sidings and nipa or cogon for roofing.

As per records of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan, Sto. Nino’s conversion into a regular barangay was approved on January 15, 1962, together with New San Jose. It was made possible during the term of former Mayor Federico A. Muli

Let it be mentioned the a group of men called Seven Up Gang, composed of Dimas Miguel, Cianing Fernandez, Pedro Montemayor, Faustino Hizon, Isaac Bitangcol, Juan Montemayor and Bonifacio David were the ones who initiated the move to convert Sto. Nino to a regular barangay.

Another resolution defining the boundaries of Sto. Nino and its closest neighbor, Kataasan, had been approved during the administration of former Mayor Jose C. Payumo Jr. It was sent to the provincial council for deliberation. The said resolution creating the new barangays of Kataasan and Sto. Nino was approved by Capitol on March 7, 1974.

The present Sto. Nino, one of the most well-planned community in town, has a land area of 71.45 hectares. It is bounded in the north and east by New San Jose, in the south by Kataasan, and in the west by Sapang Balas. It is accessible via the Floridablanca-Dinalupihan National Road and

the New San Jose-General Luna Povincial Road. The four-kilometer long Tambao Street is the longest road in Sto. Nino. It extends to Barangay Luacan in the west.

The barangay population was registered at 3,269 in 2000.


BARANGAY TORRES

TORRES belongs to the list of 15 town proper barangays of Dinalupihan. It is accessible via the Rizal and Roxas Streets. It is bounded in the north by New San Jose, in the south by Roxas, in the east by Caulaman-Gumain River, and in the west by Sto. Nino.

The land area of Torres measured 1.54 hectares. Its population was registered at 651 in 2000.

It was among the 13 localities within the old Poblacion that was created as a regular barangay on November 28, 1969. Its creation was based on Municipal Resolution No. 158 which was approved by the Sangguniang Bayan on October 13, 1969. Former Mayor Jose C. Payumo Jr. is acknowledged as the “father” of Barangay Torres.

The name of the barangay was derived from Major Jose Torres Bugallon.

Major Jose Torres Bugallon was an officer of the Revolutionary Government during the Filipino-American war. He was considered as one of the bravest officers of General Emilio Aguinaldo. At the start of the Filipino-American armed clash, Mayor Torres was tasked to defend La Loma in Manila against the troops of General Arthur MacArthur. The Americans bombarded the Filipino positions near the Chinese cemetery with accuracy. It was here where Torres fell mortally wounded.


BARANGAY TUBO-TUBO

TUBO-TUBO is one of the three Aeta communities in Dinalupihan. It was formally recognized as a regular barangay by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan on May 3, 1982, together with Barangay Payangan, Maligaya, Bayan-bayanan, Pentor and Aquino.

It was former Mayor Jose C. Payumo and the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Dinalupihan who approved the SB Resolution No. 90 dated November 13, 1978 calling for the creation of the barangay.

Tubo-tubo has a land area of 8.26 hectares. It is bounded in the north by Mount Malasimbu and Zambales Mountain, in the south by Pag-asa and Colo, in the east by Maligaya, and in the west by Payangan. It is accessible via Leonora-Pag-asa Road, passing through Barangay Pag-asa.
The barangay covers the area starting from the Llaban (Tubo-tubo) Bridge and northward to Malasimbu. Its main road is the Leonora Street while the minor ones consist of Duhat and Marina Streets.

Of the three Aeta settlements, Tubo-tubo residents were fortunate to have their own cemetery which also serves the other Aetas of Payangan and Bayan-bayanan. In addition, a complete elementary school exists in Tubo-tubo.

 

BARANGAY TUCOP

As early as 1817, some 50 years before Dinalupihan was acknowledged as a regular town, Tucop was already known as a barrio. It was one of the two barangays prominently mentioned in existing documents found in the National Archives. The records showed that Tucop and Pagalaggang were the two barangays comprising the so-called Dinalupihan Hacienda. It was Manila Archbishop Juan Antonio Zulaibar who opened the rice and sugar plantation between 1817 and 1819.

The on-going free trade between the United States and the Philippines greatly encouraged Archbishop Zulaibar to order the clearing and development of the Tucop section of Dinalupihan for sugar cultivation. The remaining portion of the hacienda was devoted to rice production.

As sugar cultivation started, one Philip C. Whitaker, chief financial advisor of the Archbishop, built a sugar mill in nearby Pagalanggang. Railroad tracks were laid out for the delivery of sugar cane to the mill. Unfortunately, the mill closed after 10 years of operation.

Tucop remained a barrio and a sugar plantation at the same time throughout the American period. It was then called “Hacienda Arastia.” After the Philippine government bought and subdivided the former Dinalupihan estate, the land area of the barrio greatly decreased. On September 30, 1980, what was left of the old Tucop (about 500 hectares) was formally recognized as a regular barrio but with a new name: Sto. Cristo. Still, Tucop continued to be called by its original name,

The barangay (actually composed of Tucop I and Tucop II) is bounded in the north by San Simon, in the south by Pagalanggang, in the east by Caulaman-Gumain River, and in the west by Dalao. It is accessible via the Floridablanca-Dinalupihan Road, a national road. The residential part of the barangay occupies both side of the said road.

The barangay’s 12-kilometer long thoroughfare network is composed of 15 barangay roads, namely Cupang, Dabu, Apitong, Narra, Yakal, Mali, Malabo, Kasoy, Atis, Ipil, Patalastas, Lambingan, Makangkong, Kamias (concrete road) and Enfante. Mabucal Creek runs through the barangay.

Mother Margherita Catholic School, a Catholic International School has been established in the barangay by Italian nuns.

Tucop has a total land area of 479.18 hectares and a population of 3,369 as per 2000 Census.


BARANGAY ZAMORA

ZAMORA is a town proper barangay that is closest to Barangay Burgos. It is bounded in the north by Aquino, in the south by Bonifacio, in the east by Gomez, and in the west by Burgos. It was formally recognized as a regular barangay on November 28, 1969 together with 14 other barangays of Dinalupihan.

Mayor Jose C. Payumo Jr. and the Sangguniang Bayan members composed of Vice Mayor Jose L. Duero Sr., and Councilors Serafin Penaflor, Martin Cruz, Deogracias Mendoza, Lamberto Pangilinan, Ricardo Nacu, Damaso Mallari, Guillermo Morales and Rogelio Viray were responsible for passing and approving Municipal Resolution No. 15_ on October 13, 1969.


The two-block barangay, purely a residential community, has a land area of 2.11 hectares and a total population of 493 as of 2000.

The name of the barangay was taken from the original title of the locality’s lone street, Fr. Jacinto Zamora, one of the so-called martyr priests.

Fr. Jacinto Zamora of the Manila Cathedral was among the Gomburza triumvirate who were accused of agitating the growing sentiment against the Spaniards, specifically the friars. They were even blamed for the Cavite Mutiny which transpired in January 1872. The three were initially threatened with excommunication before they were executed in 1872

Dinalupihan History

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Pre Colonial Period


VATAN was the name of Bataan before the coming of the Spaniards. It was part of the vast Capampangan Empire that included what now are the provinces of Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and some portions of Bulacan, Zambales and Pangasinan. Dinalupihan then was a “sitio” of Llana. Hermosa, which was in turn under CAUMPAWI or CAVANPAVIT (part of Floridablanca now).
Dinalupihan, in the early times was like a paradise, consisting of lush green forests and healthy vegetation, a rich sanctuary for different kinds of animals, with tall, sturdy trees and beautiful wildflowers. Clear water runs through its deep rivers and waterfalls in the mountains. In short, nature was at its best, populated by different Aeta tribes, followed by the Kapampangan and the Tagalog. Life then was simple.
People subsisted on the rich natural resources of the area. They were hardy hunters and wood gatherers. People had a very close communication with each other. This factor, plus their fighting instinct served them well in the development of their community and in their defense against alien invaders and local criminals.

Dinalupihan Under Spain

The Spaniards arrived in Bataan in 1578. Bataan’s territory was divided between Pampanga and the corregimiento of Mariveles. It was only in 1754 that Bataan was created into a separate province through the efforts of Governor-General Pedro Manuel de Arandia. The new province included Balanga, Abucay, Samal, Orani, Llana-Hermosa, San Juan de Dinalupihan, Pilar, Orion (all formerly of Pampanga province), Mariveles, Bagac and Morong (formerly of the corregimiento of Mariveles).
In May, 1706, Hermosa was made a center of missionary activities and became a pueblo (town) and a parish. Dinalupihan remained a “sitio” of Hermosa administered by a capellan (chaplain).
The natives fought valiantly against the Spanish Conquistadores and were never vanguished through the use of force. (This was the basis for the Legendary origin of the name DINALUPIHAN. It was said that the place got so famous for its fighting spirit that it came to be known as “di-nalupigan” or not conquered. The name “Di-nalupigan” stuck, but as luck would have it, the letter “g” was inadvertently changed to “h” during the registration of its name. Thus, the town with a fighting heart is now known as Dinalupihan.)

1A) RELIGIOUS DOMINATION
It was only after more than a hundred years after the Spaniards started the colonization of the Philippines that Dinalupihan became a part of the Spanish colonial administration. This was made possible through the efforts of the secular priests who patiently worked hard to get the trust and confidence of the people. Through hard work, over a long period of time, they were able to convert the people to Christianity. It was only after the Christianization of the people that the political machinery of the Spaniards was gradually put into action. If should therefore be noted that Dinalupihan was “conquered” by the Spaniards through the “CROSS” and not through the “SWORD”. The town’s parish priests were not only the spiritual guides of the people, but in effect were the true rulers in the municipality. They controlled the fundamental forces of society.

What was then known as Dinalupihan was the Tucop-Pagalanggang area where the early settlers remained.

Dinalupihan became one of the vast properties of the Archdiocese of Manila. As early as 1756, the former priests of Hermosa had urged the people to make voluntary contributions of land to the Archdiocese. Parcels of Dinalupihan became the favorite donation. In time, the Diocese was able to accumulate vast tracks of land which became known as Diocesan Estate which later on was called as Dinalupihan Estate.

The Dinalupihan Estate was a vast land covering the Tucop-Pagalanggang agricultural area. It was the product of labor and perseverance of the original settlers who had cleared and worked on the land. Before they knew it, the Archbishop had already obtained a grant from the Spanish government making the church as the owner of the estate.

In 1786, it was recognized as a distant barangay of Hermosa, some 30 years after its mother town was founded in 1756. As a barangay , it was placed under the administration of the gobernadorcillo of Hermosa. Felipe Penaflor was appointed as its first cabeza de barangay. The vast Dinalupihan Estate, however, turned out to be incapable of producing revenue. From 1786 to 1800, its average annual income coming from the farms was not even enough to support a Diocesan facility in Manila. It was the time when the Diocese authorities began calling the place “Empty Lands” or “Dinalupihan”. It was derived from three Spanish words din, a, and lupia. Din signifies “cash, money” while a stands for “into”. Lupia means “small change”. When put together, Din-a-lupia translates to “Empty Lands”. From these three Spanish words, early settlers learned to call the place, Dinalupihan , its localized version in Tagalog. It was the name of the place even before. Dinalupihan became a regular municipality in 1865, separate from Hermosa.

Between 1817-1819, the Archbishop of Manila, Juan Antonio Zulaibar, attempted to make money out of the vast area. He ordered the conversion of the Dinalupihan Estate into a “hacienda”. He solicited funds from affluent Manila based Spaniards and spent P 15,000.00 for the development of the area into both sugar and rice fields. For the first three years, he sent 2,424 cavans of palay for seedlings and food for the farm managers or inquilinos.

Naturally, Archbishop Zulaibar expected big profits from the venture which he intended to use to support the San Carlos Seminary, an archdiocesan facility. Unfortunately, the operation of the hacienda was a failure. The fields continued producing stunted plants. The appointed estate managers insisted that it resulted from insect menace and regular flooding. It turned out, however, that the managers were simply not entering into the books all the rentals that they were collecting from the workers. After three years, the Archbishop closed the hacienda and opened another ranch somewhere else.

 

 

 

 

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The so-called Hacienda dela San Juan de Dinalupihan was founded by Fr. Antonio Zulaibar,Metropolitan Archbishop for the maintenance of the clergy of Real Seminario de  San Carlos

 

For many years, the hacienda became a grazing land because of its abundant grass and wild bushes. (It was only in 1915 that the abandoned estate finally changed into a flourishing township)

Sometime in 1820, or immediately after Manila Archbishop Juan Antonio Zulaibar stopped the operation of Dinalupihan Hacienda, Dinalupihan is believed to have been established as an informal pueblo (town)

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Parish Priest of Bataan

 

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Deed of Land of the Hacienda de Dinalupihan in favor of the Seminario Counciliar de San Carlos

 

 

Don Pedro Fermin Bernal, a secular priest from Lubao was the first recorded Filipino missionary assigned in Dinalupihan. He was the pioneer parish priest of Dinalupihan from 1839-1842. He is often compared to Fr. Damaso Lintag who worked for the establishment of Pilar as a regular town of Bataan in 1801.

Don Pedro was assigned in Dinalupihan to take care of the spiritual needs of the early settlers in the area who spent many years working in the sugarcane fields of Tucop and Pagalanggang, which were owned by the Archbishop of Manila. Starting from scratch, Don Pedro immediately built the first visita (chapel) of St. John the Baptist in 1839 on its present site. It was a wooden chapel with nipa roofing. It was the time when only two town roads were in actual use in Dinalupihan. These were the streets of Burgos and Zamora where the former Hacienda workers actually settled down while working in the sugarcane fields.

 

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A demand of 14, 258 pesos, 3 reales, 6 gramos which was said to be due to the Seminario Conciliar from the Hacienda de Dinalupihan

 

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Parish priests from different parishes gave their shares to the Hacienda

 

 

Don Pedro Bernal stayed in Dinalupihan for three years and was replaced by another secular priest, Don Bernardo Marcelo, in 1842.  The third secular priest was Don Mariano Miranda.  The latter stayed in Dinalupihan from 1847 until 1857, eight years before the former barangay of Hermosa finally became a regular town.  While working for the conversion of Dinalupihan into a vicariate, Don Miranda started building a semi-permanent church through the financial support of Governor-General Arandia.  He failed to complete the church including the additional rectory.

 

           

 

Don Victoriano Chevarria, another secular parish priest, replaced Don Miranda in 1858 and served until 1875.  Dinalupihan was raised into a parish in 1865 and was formally placed under the patronage of San Juan Bautista.  Don Chevarria and a wealthy hacienda tenant named Alberto Penaflor worked together for the establishment of Dinalupihan as a regular town.  The realization of such aspiration came in 1865 when Dinalupihan formally became the 10th regular pueblo of Bataan.  Don Chevarria became the first regular parish priest while Alberto Penaflor was appointed as the first gobernadorcillo.  By this time, just like the other municipalities in the country, Dinalupihan had its own Poblacion. (Poblacion is a Spanish word which literally means population, town or city.  It is commonly associated with the center of the town where the municipal building (presidencia) and the Roman Catholic Church  are located).  The said Poblacion grew out from the two original but still unnamed streets where farm workers built their houses while employed at the Dinalupihan Hacienda.  (The streets came to be known later as Burgos and Zamora Streets, in honor of the two of martyr priests “GomBurZa”).

 

            Being the town center, it was here where the St. John the BaptistChurch, the presidencia and public market were built.  And from the two original streets, new thoroughfares were added and new communities were developed.

 

            By the turn of the century, there were already 226 houses in the parish, bounded on the north by Taguan or Vigaa; on the south by Hermosa which is a league distant from it; on the east by the OraniRiver; and on the west by the Zambales mountains.  It had its convent, church, school, prison, municipal tribunal and cemetery.

 

 The seculars continued to minister the parish until after 1898. Additional works on the church were continued by other Secular priests who administered the parish from 1865 until 1898. The church suffered major damages during the 1898 Philippine Revolution.

 

 

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Letter of Don Mariano Almeida, Parish Priest of Dinalupihan to the Archbishop

 

 

B) POLITICAL DOMINATION

Spanish Colonization

           

The  colonization of Dinalupihan was actually started by the priests or the clergy.  It was only when the clergy were deeply entrenched in the community, when the political officials as well as the guardia civil followed.

            The pueblo of Dinalupihan was headed by a gobernadorcillo (little governor) popularly called Capitan. His wife was known in the town as Capitana (lady captain).  The first governadorcillo assigned in 1865 was Alberto Peñaflor.

            FELIPE PEÑAFLOR became the first kapitan municipal of Dinalupihan in 1895.  Kapitan Municipal was the title given to the town chief or mayor to replace the old title gobernadorcillo .  A Kapitan Municipal was elected by acclamation   during a Gran Tribunal .  He reigned for a maximum of two years.  Those who elected the Kapitan Municipal were the incumbent cabezas de barangay  and some individuals of high status in the society in the area.

           

In addition to the Kapitan Municipal, also elected were the teniente mayor (vice-mayor), teniente and cordillera (councilors).

           

The title Kapitan Municipal was replaced in 1898 by Presidente Actual or Current President.   Felipe Penaflor, however, used the title Kapitan Municipal until 1900 despite the order of President Emilio Aguinaldo to use the title President Actual starting in 1899. It was RAMON ESTANISLAO, SR. who formally adopted the new title when he was elected as Presidente Actual in 1901.   A new title, Municipal President or simply Mayor, replaced Presdente Actual in 1925.

 

A LIST OF GOBERNADORCILLOS OF DINALUPIHAN

 

1884 - 1885 - Nicolas Navarro
1885 – 1887 - Andres Joson
1887 – 1888 - Andres delos Reyes
1888 – 1890 - Pedro Espinola
1890 – 1893 - Rosendo Salvador
1893 – 1895 - Andres delos Reyes

 

           

 

            It was a known fact that during the Spanish regime, the welfare of the people and the community were never given due consideration by the Spanish authorities and, as a result, Dinalupihan was neglected inspite of the fact that it has ample agricultural and grazing lands which gave the government a sizeable amount of income.  The general appearance of the town remained shabby and unimproved.  Tall grasses were seen growing even in the hearts of the town itself.  Due to this sorry state of things, the first inhabitants of the town namely, the Peñaflor clan who were immigrants from Bulacan province, the Espinola clan who were immigrants from Pampanga  province, and the Delos Reyes clan from Pilar, Bataan were quite unsatisfied about the way things were coming to a  head.

           

From 1865 to 1898, a big number of farm workers in the Dinalupihan Estate were arrested, severely punished and oftentimes killed by Spanish authorities  on mere suspicion of stealing agricultural products from the Hacienda owned by the Archbishop of Manila.  Cruel forms of punishment such as whipping using carabao hides and long stick, the garrote, compulsory labor and death, were administered to the suspects.  The fatality count increased prior to the 1898 Revolution, from 1896 to 1898. Suspected  members of the Katipunan in Dinalupihan were immediately tortured and killed.  The participation of the inhabitants of this small municipality for the cause of freedom is now a matter of common knowledge.

It was said that these Filipinos who became head of pueblos became active Katipuneros and led the local revolutionary movement.  Many men from Dinalupihan joined and organized several pockets of resistance against the Spaniards.  Some joined the revolutionary group of Capitan Inggo Alonzo of Balanga.

 

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A list of some Dinalupihan revolutionaries during the 1896 Revolution

 

At present, there are three important existing church bells (relics) used by the parish during the Spanish period.

 

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The oldest bell has an inscription

“M.S.C.S.M. Trinidad Nacion de Tomas Micea Siendo Cura capillan de este pueblo Dinalupihan el P. Pedro Fermin Berl Ano de 1870”

           

            Rev. Msgr. Edilberto Cruz parish priest of St. John the Baptist Parish, landscaped the church patio and hung this (relic) bell by the left side of the church.

 

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Another bell with the inscription

            “Ano de 1888”

            This bell is still being used in the belfry of the San Juan Bautista Parish Church of Dinalupihan, Bataan.

 

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Another broken bell with an inscription

            “ Donacion de Dona Barbara Hocson al pueblo de Dinalupihan siendo parroco el presto D. Domingo Anonuevo.  Ano de 1894”

            This was used until 1993 when a crack was discovered on its side.  This bell is now under the care of the Dinalupihan Central School, Dinalupihan, Bataan.

 

 

American Regime

 

 

The Spanish – American war broke out and the Spaniards were defeated and in accordance with the Treaty of Paris of 1898, Spanish domination of the Philippines was transferred to the Americans.

 

The Americans established a military government in Bataan in 1901. Captain John Couldmar became the first military governor of Bataan in January.

 

An American bishop, Jeremiah Harty, took over as Archbishop of Manila. Hence, the Dinalupihan Hacienda, which was then largely a rice-producing land which were still being tilled by the inquilinos and aparceros was placed under his charge. The Archbishop was in large financial problem so they thought of ways of increasing revenues from the Dinalupihan Estate. Since sugar then was the leading agricultural product needed in the United States, large scale sugar cultivation was launched. Archbishop Harty assigned Philip Whitaker and Daniel Boone to manage the Estate.

Vision Mission and Values

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Vision

By 2022 Dinalupihan is the model agropolis in central luzon.

Mission

To uplift the quality of life of Dinalupiheños by practicing good governance that would result to enhanced municipal services and sound policies that create a business and eco-friendly environment

Values

INTEGRITY - We adhere to the highest ethical standards, transparency and accountability thereby earning public trust.
RESPECT - We treat everybody important irrespective of their status in life.
COURAGE - We stands firm and persevere in doing what is right despite difficulties.
RESPONSIVENESS - We anticipate and act quickly on the needs of the people.
EXCELLENCE - We are committed to provide the highest quality of effective and efficient service.

Municipality of Dinalupihan Organizational Structure

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