HISTORICAL PROFILE

Recent archaeological findings within the municipality show that Camalig had
been inhabited by people with developed social attributes by cultural, religious,
socio-political and economic relationships and organizations as early as the years
200 B. C. to 900 A. D., the period referred to as the early Iron Age in the Philippines.

Origin of the Name “Camalig”

According to Father Cayetano Sanchez, an OFM who made researches on

Bicol history at the Franciscan archives in Pastrana, Spain, in 1569, a Spanish
garrison led by Captain Luis Enriquez de Guzman came to Bicol Region accidentally
as they were scouting the neigh boring island in search for food supplies badly
needed by Legazpi’s soldiers stationed in Panay. From Sorsogon, de Guzman
ventured northward inland and went as far as Camalig where they came upon a
thriving and prosperous agricultural settlement (Rancheria) whose inhabitants kept
their farm products in title huts with grass roofs and without walls called KAMALIG,
in local language. After a brief rest n Camalig, de Guzman and his men went back to
Panay. So it is easy to deduce then, that Camalig got its name these native huts
used for storing harvests or crops.

Foundation of the Town

The settled or Rancheria founded by Captain de Guzman in 1569 was

evangelized first by the Augustinian friars and later by the Franciscans who came to
the Bicol Region in 1578. Camalig was founded as town in 1579 by the Franciscans
Missionaries, Father Pablo de Jesus and Father Bartolome Ruiz, who continued the
work started by the Augustian Chaplains of the early Spanish expeditions to the
religion. It is the earliest town to be founded in the province of Albay.

Camalig’s Ancient History

Before 1569, nothing was know about Camalig except for the insights
provided by the discoveries in January, 1973 by an American Franciscan, father
Cantius Kobak, OFM whose archaeological findings now from the core collection of
the Camalig Historical Committee’s museum housed at the town’s historical church.
After ten years of missionary work in Samar where he had archaeological
experience and made research work on Franciscans history in the Visayas, Father
Kobak was asked to do pastoral work in Camalig.

From 1972- 1973, Father Kobak found in the mountain sides of the town
broken shreds of porcelain belonging to the Sung and Ming dynasties of China.
These findings showed that Camalig had contacts with Chinese traders in the 9th to
12th centuries.
Pre-Chinese Period

Experts discovered that the classification of the ancient pottery unearthed in

Hoyop-hoyopan Cave in Barangay Cotmon belongs to the Kalanay Complex found in
the Visayas and Bicol Peninsula. Artefacts such as shell bracelets, shell beads,
figurines, human bones and teeth and pottery of varied size sand shapes were
found in this ancient burial ground. The presence of some iron tools which were
scarce showed that the Iron Age was just in its early stage. The way the ancients
Filipinos buried their dead confirmed the findings of archaeologists that there was
deep respect for dead. Their remains together with their precious early possessions
were contained in large burial jars. However, for ritual purposes, smaller jars with
food offerings were laid around the large jars. These burial jars were capped either
with lids or figurines marking the status of the person in the community.

This archaeological discovery has finally linked present Camalig with its past.
This shows that the early settlers of the town had their own culture even before the
advent of the Chinese traders and the Spanish conquistadores. These findings
opened the doors to Camalig’s almost forgotten history and gave an insight of what
transpired in the past through the corridors of time.

Spanish Period

In the decree of the Spanish Governor-General in the latter part of 18th

century ordering the change in the Filipino surnames, the natives of Camalig were
assigned names beginning with letter “M” and “N”. This peculiarity still exists in
Camalig and in other municipalities of the province which provides an instant
indication of the rate of immigration through judging the number of non-local
surnames.

Equally apparent reminders of the Spanish era in Camalig are the

architectural and engineering work of the town’s church and Spanish houses. It is to
be pointed that these were made possible through forced labor extracted from the
Filipinos by the Spanish ruling class.

During the last century of the Spanish rule in Camalig, the colonial
representation of the crews of Spain became arrogant, tyrannical and oppressive to
the native wherein they treated them like slaves. So, petitions and appeals for
redress of grievances were sent by the natives to the Crown. However, it was found
later that appeals never reached the Crown for they were mislaid somewhere. This
event n Camalig as well as in other parts of the Philippines accumulated to
unbearable proportions’ through the years and culminated in the Philippine
Revolution of 1896 which marked the exit of Spanish colonial power and paved the
way for the entry of American Occupation after the defeat of the Spaniards by the
application of the Treaty of Paris.
American Regine

In 1900, the Philippines became a colony of United States of America. The

coming of Americans spelled significant political and social changes in Camalig as it
did throughout the country. The American was no fewer colonialists than the
Spaniards and their cultural superimposition on the Filipino mind and society was
vastly more pervasive and revolutionary. Universal education and the idea that
power rests on the consent of the government held sway and led society to become
in caressingly open and friction-prone. American teachers were sent to teach
English language to the natives. The concept of government power emanating from
the people was translated in the form of elections of municipal officials through
secret balloting. Even the name, Cap de Pueo (head of the town) was changed to
Municipal President. The following were the Municipal Presidents of Camalig during
the American Regime:

Domingo Valenciano 1905-1907

Silverio Morco 1908-1910
Martin Guerrero 1910-1912
Marcelo Samson 1912-1914
Ramon Nasol 1919-1930
Diego Nolasco 1930-1934
Pablo Musa 1934-1940
Paterno Grageda 1940-1942
Jose Samson (Japanese Occupation) 1942-1945

Japanese Occupation

The Japanese occupied Camalig from 1942 to 1945 which a tragic chapter in
the town’s history. The period under the Japanese Occupation was particularly
trying and better for the town of Camalig. Confiscation of properties, oppressive and
repressive policies of the Japanese forces, abandonment of the farms and home and
residents fleeing to the mountains to escape and fight the Japanese tyranny n
disrupting the economic life of the Camaligueños. This was aggravated further by
the bitter fight for liberation in 1945 which made Camalig particularly the barrio of
Taladong, as the key battleground and the other parts of the town were in shambles
when the war ended in 1945.

Post-war Period

When the Americans liberated the country in 1944, the process of

rehabilitation began and the debris of war was cleared together with animosities
and bitterness. The social and economic life of the constituents started through the
aid of the Americans. Even agricultural produce found new markets and limited
employment opportunities became available as the conditions normalized.
Governmental functions started and elections for national and local officials were
held in 1946.

From the granting of independence in 1946 to the present, the following were
the elected Mayors of Camalig:
 Rafael Grageda 1946-1947
Engracio N. Vibar 1948-1959
Lauro Monilla 1960-1963
Mauro S. Nievmarks 1964-1967
Wilfredo Guerero 1968-1971
Florencio N. Muñoz, M.D. 1972-1998
Paz G. Muñoz, Ph.D. 1998-2000
Carlos Irwin G. Baldo 2002-present

It is with great value that the outstanding citizens and ideal public servants
who served the government and the people with honor and distinction be made part
of the history of Camalig for without their devoted service, dynamism and
selflessness, we cannot go through with the municipality’s march to journey to
progress. Among these prominent persons who held important positions was Felix
Samson, Judge of the Court of First Instance; Domingo Valenciano, Albay Provincial
Governor; and Justiniano Nuyda, Second District Congressman. On the other hand,
the prominent politicians have proven to the Camaligueños that they were worthy
of their local governance. As local chief executives, they tackled local issues,
problems and concerns with the implementation of prioritized development
programs which are responsive to the constituent’s needs. During their
incumbency, the socio- economic status and quality of life of camaligueños through
the increased opportunities in education, employment, health and social services
was improved. Among those public servants who made marks in their local
governance was Dr. Florencio N. Munoz who served the municipality for almost 25
years of dedicated service.He attained the goal of transforming Camalig into a third
class municipality ,from 5th class. He had gone through tougher challenges and
struggles until he achieved this fruition. He helped established the Mayon Cement
Plant as part of his industrial development plans for camalig, a pioneer project of
the whole Bicol Region. With his achievements in social, economic and
infrastructure development, the Camaligueños for sure will long remember Dr.
Florencio N. Muñoz, popularly known as “Doktor nin Kapobrehan” for having
transformed Camalig into a vibrant municipalty.
 SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH (CAMALIG)
AND IT’S CHURCH
Christianity was brought to Camalig by Capt. Luis de Guzman together with
Father Alonzo Jimenez, an Augustinian priest who came with the Legazpi expedition.
Evangelization was started in 1578 by the Augustinian missionaries. When the
Augustinians left, the Franciscan Father Pablo de Jesus and Bartolome Ruiz
continued their work.

In 1579 Camalig was formally inaugurated as a town and as a parish. The

original poblacion was placed in Binanua-an. The original church and “escuela
Catolica” was established in this place. In February 1814 Mayon Volcano erupted
and totally destroyed Cagsawa and parts of Camalig. This prompted the town
officials to transfer the church and the town government to the mountains. First, to
Palanog, to Kitapunte and then to Baligang. However, a big fire razed to the ground
the church and the nearby houses. The town government was brought back to the
original site in the poblacion and the church that was unscathed by the eruption of
1814 was re-occupied.

A great surge of economic progress brought prosperity to Camalig. In 1842 a

huge edifice built as the new church consumed all the volcanic stones of the town.
Yet, only the main body of the church and the belfry were finished that year. The
pyramid portion of the tower was added years later. Hundreds of stone-cutters
worked daily under the supervision of Spanish engineers and the parish priest. It
took another six years before the whole structure was complete in 1848. Camalig
then, could
Boast of having one of the strongest, most massive if not the most beautiful among
the church in the Bicol Region. According to Father Jose Maria Barrulo, a Spanish
Franciscans assigned in Camalig after the liberation of the Philippines from the
Japanese said that the church could compare to any of the cathedrals in Europe.

With such a structure to be proud of the more affluent residents and families
of the town vied with one another in providing the interior of the church with
expensive furnishings, be they in wood, in glass, in sliver, in gold, brass or copper,
including the altar linens and ceremonial vestments. The people generously
contributed for the bells, except for the Franciscans Order, together with the
Baptismal Font. Two other marble holy water fonts installed at the entrance and two
smaller ones on the west side door were donated by prominent families. Five
capitanes each donated a crystal chandelier.

Such was the glory of the Camalig Church, which could easily compare with
the European cathedrals at the time. This glory has outlasted three big wars: the
Spanish American War, World War I and World War II. It has weathered and braved
several eruptions of Mayon Volcano, strong earthquakes and typhoons. It has seen
good days and bad days. It has lived over the different historical periods of the
country-the Spanish, American and Japanese eras - up to the present.

Because of old age, however, this dear church has succumbed to the fury of
the super typhoon “Sisang” in 1987. The whole structure has been unroofed, the
beams and ceiling badly crumbled. But the people of Camalig would not stand
beaten by such calamity. They moved as one people to repair and restore their
church. All efforts were harnessed to get the materials and finances needed for its
reconstruction.

The administration, supervision and maintenance of the parish and the

church was taken care of by the Franciscans friars from 1578 to 1983, a total of 405
Vatican II there was a movement for the Filipinization of the parishes so in 1968
Father Antonio Luto. OFM was installed as the first Filipino parish priest. In 1983, the
Diocese of Legazpi took over the parish from the Franciscans. Father Ernesto
Alberto (now Msgr. Ernesto Alberto) was installed as the first diocesan pastor of the
parish of St. John the Baptist. After his term he was succeeded by the following
parish priest Msgr. Mariano S. Madrid. Father Lorenzo de Leon, Father Diogenes
Barja and now Father Leandro de la Cruz.

The interior of the church has also undergone many changes after Vatican II.
The first change was made by Father Antonio Luto, OFM. The main altar was made
to face the people. The communion rail was removed and the Blessed Sacrament
was placed in an altar on the east side of the church facing the west. Father
Herminigildo Salvosa worked for the electrification of Camalig ad the organization of
the Camalig Credit Cooperative. He also started Basic Ecclesial Communities in the
barrios, which died when he left. In 1978 during the term of Father Baltazar Obico
the roof of the church over the main altar was destroyed by typhoon Liling. So the
altar was removed and a wooden altar was made placed nearer to the
congregation. This altar was changed by Msgr. Madrid with a very spacious altar
and a baptismal font at the rear of the church based on the Neo catechumenal rite
of the liturgy of the Eucharist and Baptism. The altar has remained to the present.
The Blessed Sacrament was then carved in a niche on the wall of the eastern side of
the church facing the east. He also started the use of marble slabs on the main altar
and the cru cero. Father de Leon replaced the baked red tile flooring with marbles
slabs. He demolished the baptismal font and transferred the Blessed Sacrament
from the niche to the tabernacle where it is now. During Father Barja’s term, his
first project was to put up a good sound system and purchased a brand new electric
organ. He renovated the convent, the kitchen, comport rooms and refectory. He
greatly enhanced the cleanliness of the church and the convent. They are BURKOS-
Camalig. Father Camalig. Father de la Cruz is just starting his term so his plans and
projects still remain to be seen.

Mariners’ Polytechnic Colleges Foundation

Rawis, Legazpi City

Humanities
A research work
 Submitted to:

Dr. Renato R. Rex

Submitted by:

Group- 4
Mariz Jesseca M. Go
Jestoni Frando
Shiela Kristel Hatid
Ramil Marbella
Alyanna Marie Guerrero
Jay Van F. Guamos
Chester Notario

The Hoyop-hoyopan Cave

The inherent tourist attractions in Camalig are a greater potential for tourism
development in the entire province of Albay. Most of these sports are accessible to
transportation and the most popular of these is the Hoyop-hoyopan Cave at
Baranga Cotmon. It is a natural tunnel-like structure which derived its name “hoyop-
hoyopan” from the eternal whispering breeze which one would usually heard upon
entering this primitive habitat of the early natives. Before 200 B.C., it was believed
that this place was submerged under the sea, however, after thousands of years,
the place was elevated and used as ancestral burial grounds of the different cave
men which migrated from Java, Peking, etc. during the Spanish Regime in 1896,
local katipuneros used the area as a secret meeting place because the colonial
representatives were arrogant, tyrannical and oppressive who treated the natives
like slaves. During the Japanese Occupation in 1942 to 1945, the Japanese
confiscated almost anything they wanted so town folks took to the mountains and
joined the guerrilla to fight against these oppressors and used the cave as hiding
place which was surrounded by a thick forest. In 1972, some archaeologists found
different artefacts and potteries at the cave. This ancient pottery unearthed at the
cave belongs to the Kalanay Complex found in the Visayas and Bicol Peninsula.
Artefacts consisting of shell bracelets, shell beads, figurines, human bones and
teeth and pottery of varying sizes and shapes were found at said burial grounds.
The presence of iron tools show that the Iron Age was just in its early stage. The
way the ancient Filipinos buried their remains confirmed the findings of the
archaeologists that there was a deep respect for the dead among the early
villagers.

Their remains together with their precious early possessions were contained
in large burial jars. In 1973, the Department of Public Works and Highways
rehabilitated the roads which make the cave easily accessible to different modes of
transportations. From that year on the cave has been open to the public. However,
the place became too controversy because accordingly, certain government agency
converted the premises of the cave into a Disneyland of sorts complete with multi-
colours concrete statues of Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs and Juan Tamad.
However, when the news of the cave’s destruction reached the media, the ultimate
insult came when the materials intended supposed to improve the road leading to
the cave were hauled off and so construction was immediately stopped.

At this period, magnificent deposit of stalagmites and stalactites which took

nature thousands of years to form is found at this place. Visitor who usually visit the
place are amazed at the different stalactite formations such as chicken drumstick,
Mama Mary statue, hanging snake, hand formation, a sexy lady with long hair,
hanging man, moises statue and crocodile tail.
 The Museum of Camalig

Camalig’s Ancestral Homes

Nuyda’s House

Inside of the House

Nolasco’s House
Moyo’s House

Calabidongan Cave