TARLAC: Pagsulyap sa Kasaysayan, Kapiraso ng Kasalukuyan
SULYAP (Filipino; verb)
- glance; glimpse; passing look.
In the nationalistic sense of the word, "sulyap" is connotatively linked to remembering the nation's history. Not necessarily to relive the agonizing chapters of yesterday or to live in vain, but to be aware that the depressions and horrors experienced "need not be lived again."
In this context, every province has its own stories to be told, a product of the rich and diverse history it holds etched in the footprints of those who wandered in the motherland, continuously illuminating through the orb of existence of its people. Despite the bittersweet memories it sequesters in its palms, colonization after colonization, to preserve and mark the fragments of the past in the face of today is by looking back, immersing oneself, and taking pride in the tangible parts we can have access to and fortunately behold until now, allowing us to grasp the concept of the present and grab an opportunity to light the way of our future.
"Ang pagsulyap sa kahapon ay ang pag-unawa sa ngayon." - M. A. Del Carmen, 2023
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In this content, the focal point of discussion is Tarlac's history and the historically significant places it has to offer.
BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Several accounts show that Tarlac was once a thickly-forested area where tribes of nomadic Aetas thrived. Tarlac’s name first figured in written history as a praesidio or military port designated with the task of defending communities from the frequent lowland raids of the Negritos and Balugas.
Tarlac's name is a Hispanized derivation from a talahib weed called Malatarlak, a Pangasinan term. Tarlac was originally divided into two parts: the southern division belonging to Pampanga and the northern division belonging to Pangasinan. It was the last province in Central Luzon to be created by the Spanish colonial government and was inaugurated as a regular province on May 28 of 1873.
Tarlac was among the first to revolt against the Spaniards, being one of the "eight rays of the sun in the Philippine flag" the "terranos de guerra". Officially the revolution in Tarlac started on January 24, 1897, the so-called "Cry of Tagumpay". Also, the town of Tarlac became the seat of the Aguinaldo government from June 21 to November 10, 1899.
[Source: Family Search Organization (Verbatim from the LGU of Tarlac Province) and Wikipedia]
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10 Historically Significant Places in Tarlac
The Capas National Shrine was built and maintained by the Department of National Defense, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Military Shrines Service. This monument stands as a lasting memorial to the individuals who faced the terrible struggles and horrors of the Bataan Death March and brutal encampment of POW's during World War 2. The shrine was dedicated on December 7, 1991, by President Corazon Aquino. Located close to the New Clark City area, at the former Camp O’Donnell Prison Camp. Camp O’Donnell was a base for the Philippine Army’s 71st Division and after the United States return, a facility for the U.S Army. Camp O’Donnell was the final receiving station and prison camp for the Bataan Death March prisoners.
The center of attraction in the whole shrine is the 73-meter (240 ft) obelisk, but it is not your basic four-cornered obelisks; it is segmented into three posts that meet at the top. It is supposed to be a symbol for lasting peace and was completed and revealed on April 9, 2003. Surrounding the obelisk is an impressive black marble wall called “Wall of Heroes Memorial” with the engraved names of over 30,000 Filipinos who were imprisoned and died at Camp O’Donnell of disease, starvation, neglect and brutality. Some figures estimate that more than 400 Filipino POW's died each day until August 19.
From there, on 35 hectares (180 acres), a total of 31,000 trees were planted in Capas, Tarlac area to honor the same number of estimated individuals who suffered in this brutal event of World War 2 Filipino history. Additional inscriptions of poems calling for peace and camp statistics detailing the inhumaneness inflicted are notated in this area. Aside from the main shrine, three smaller memorials near it are dedicated to the countries whose nationals died at the camp: the Philippines, the United States, and the Czech Republic.
The Diocese of Tarlac (Diocensis Tarlacensis) comprises the whole province of Tarlac. Before its creation on Feb. 16, 1963, the province belonged to two different dioceses. Its capital town of Tarlac and the southern towns belonged to the then Diocese of San Fernando, Pampanga, and the northern towns to the Diocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. Today it is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Pampanga. It is the melting pot where Kapampangans, Ilocanos, Pangasinenses, Tagalogs, and the Aetas live together in harmony and peace.
The entire diocese is being renewed and evangelized in accordance with the spirit of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines. Large parishes are being divided into manageable sizes. Parish pastoral councils are undergoing revitalization along the lines of renewed evangelization. And the laity is gradually being introduced to new methods and concepts.
The Diocese of Tarlac has St. Sebastian for its titular patron. The Most Rev. Enrique V. Macaraeg is the current Bishop of Tarlac, who was appointed on March 31, 2016. He was ordained on May 24, 2016, and installed on May 31, 2016.
One of the most frequented pilgrimage sites in Central Luzon, the Monasterio de Tarlac is home to the most revered Relic of the True Cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified and died.
The Monasterio de Tarlac came about in 2003 initially as the hermitage house for monks of the Priory of the Servants of the Risen Christ (SRC), a congregation led by Frater Ronald Thomas Cortez, more popularly known as Fr. Archie. The most significant part of its history was in 2005 when Fr. Archie attended the World Youth Day in Essen, Germany, where he befriended Msgr. Volker Bauer who was in possession of a fragment of the True Cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified. Fr. Archie was stunned beyond belief when the Monsignor offered to “donate” the relic to his church.
Naturally, Fr. Archie was thrilled and started to make the necessary arrangements for the shipment of the sacred artifact. However, it was only on January 29, 2007 when the Silver Reliquary containing the portion of the Cross was flown in by Msgr. Bauer to the Church of the Risen Christ. Its dedication was performed by His Excellency Most Rev. Fernando Filoni, D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines at that time, together with Tarlac Bishop Florentino Cinense.
Many of these pieces of the Holy Cross were kept in secret by many Christians in Germany during the time when Communism in that country outlawed the practice of the Christian faith. Many Catholic churches were converted to museums and warehouses. The Christians who held on to those sacred pieces later gave them out to Catholic churches around the world. The relic at the Monasterio de Tarlac is the only one in Asia.
The Silver Reliquary containing the fragment of Jesus’ Holy Cross, widely talked about to be miraculous, is found underneath the altar of the baroque chapel on the monastery premises. To venerate the sacred relic, one lines up at the back of the altar, then kneels down to touch the Reliquary and pray.
One of Camiling's more notable historical sites is the church of St. Michael the Archangel, which dates back to the 1700s and is located in Tarlac's northwest. It was declared a parish in 1870 and is also referred to as the Camiling Church.
The enormous brick and stone church and the municipal building were constructed at the center of the town plaza as required by the Spanish colonial authorities. The building was extensively damaged in a 19th-century earthquake, and it was restored in the 1880s before undergoing numerous renovations in the years that followed. However, the original church has been in ruins ever since it was destroyed by fire in 1997. Despite numerous tries, none of the attempts to recreate the original church were successful.
In 2000, a new church was constructed. Because of the church facade's stone exterior, it may deceitfully appear older than it actually is. Both sides of the chapel are lined with stained-glass windows and arched entrances. Additionally, wooden beams within highlight the ceiling's peak's height. The spectacular church's golden retablos retablos stand out against the immaculate white walls beneath the dome.
5. Morales Ancestral House
Located in the town of Moncada, Tarlac, the Morales Ancestral House was the residence of Don Luis Morales y López, who became a lawyer and politician and was the son of Urbano Morales and Carmen Morales. Luis Morales Park, located in the Plaza of Moncada, was named after him.
Senator Morales obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the Liceo de Manila. He completed his Bachelor of Laws degree from the Esculea de Derecho and passed the bar in 1908.
Senator Morales entered politics when he was elected to two consecutive terms in the House of Representatives from the first district of Tarlac from 1916 to 1919, and from 1919 to 1922, he served as floor minority leader. He was elected senator from 1926 to 1928 and was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1934, representing Tarlac.
In Tarlac City, one of the most popular educational Tarlac tourist spots is the Aquino Center and Museum. According to the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (previously Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. Foundation), they established the Aquino Center and Museum to enshrine and continuously learn from the valuable lessons of our people’s struggle to restore freedom, democracy, and genuine development. It was created by renowned Filipino architect, Francisco Manosa, and was formally inaugurated on August 21, 2001 during the eighteenth anniversary of Ninoy Aquino’s martyrdom.
The main feature is the museum as it houses photos and memorabilia of Ninoy and Cory Aquino including a collection of photographs and artifacts which exhibits the contribution of the Aquino family’s past to the history of the Philippines. It also chronicles the proud recent history of the Filipino’s fight to restore democracy and the demonstration of 1986 People Power that inspired the world. The jacket worn by the late Ninoy Aquino when he was shot to death at the terminal of Manila International Airport is one of its famous unique displays. However, the last day of the original exhibit will only be until November 27, 2022 since the Foundation will prepare for the new exhibit to include former President Benigno Simeon “PNoy” Aquino III’s section.
The Bamban WWII Museum honors World War II veterans, particularly those who took part in the Battle of Bamban Hills. The museum was constructed in 2004, but wasn't finished with modifications until 2008. There are numerous exhibits inside that show what happened during World War II.
It is one of Tarlac's lesser-known tourist destinations, but one that history buffs will want to see. Bamban Museum is run by Rhonie dela Cruz, whose grandfather and uncles took part in the Second World War battle at Bamban Hills. Along with several items including artillery, helmets, and uniforms, it also exhibits old and fresh images of local war veterans and members of the indigenous community who fought with their fellow Filipinos.
Along with providing historical information, the owner also includes personal anecdotes about the conflict and accounts of his interactions with living relatives of Japanese and Filipino war soldiers.
Hacienda Luisita is a 6,453-hectare sugar plantation located in the province of Tarlac, Philippines. The hacienda spans 11 barangays in three towns of Tarlac province. Most of the original farmworkers reside in 10 villages – Barangays Balete, Cutcut (or Sta. Catalina), Lourdes (formerly Texas), Mapalacsiao (formerly Luisita), Asturias, and Bantog in Tarlac City; Barangay Motrico in La Paz town; and Barangays Parang (formerly San Sebastian), Mabilog (formerly Pasajes) and Pando in Concepcion town. The original estate includes the Central Azucarera de Tarlac (CAT) sugar mill and a golf course. The eleventh village is Barangay Central in Tarlac City which houses the CAT sugar mill, the St. Martin de Porres Hospital and the Our Lady of Lourdes Church. It features Luisita Golf and Country Club, a golf course and Las Haciendas de Luisita Subdivision, a 5-interconnected luxury subdivision.Originally owned by the Compañía General de Tabacos de Filipinas (Tabacalera), it is now owned by the family of Jose Cojuangco who acquired the hacienda in the late 1950s. The estate's incorporators, who control 70 percent of Hacienda Luisita's stock shares, are Pedro Cojuangco, Josephine C. Reyes, Teresita C. Lopa, José Cojuangco Jr., and María Paz C. Teopaco, all siblings of the late former President Corazón C. Aquino who, on the day she became President of the Philippines, bequeathed her shares to her five (5) children and the Daughters of Charity and other non-profit organizations. The remaining 30 percent of the stock shares was given to farm workers under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program's stock distribution option scheme.
Several land reforms programs announced that Hacienda Luisita would be distributed to the farmers, nevertheless the government failed to fulfill their promises. One of them was Cory Aquino, that when she officially announced her candidacy on December 3, 1985, land reform was one of the pillars of her campaign. Nevertheless, on January 22, 1987, eleven months into the Aquino administration, the Mendiola massacre happened, where peasant protesters asking for land distribution were killed. They were demanding fulfillment of the promises made regarding land reform during the Aquino campaign, and distribution of lands at no cost to beneficiaries. At least a dozen protesters were killed in the violent dispersal. On June 10, 1988, Aquino signed the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (Republic Act No. 6657). Soon after, Hacienda Luisita was put under the Stock Distribution Option (SDO) that Aquino included in the law. Through the SDO, landlords could comply with the land reform law without giving land to farmers, only by distributing the stock shares of the land. In compliance with the CARP, 4915.75 hectares of Hacienda Luisita were folded into Hacienda Luisita Inc. (HLI) on 23 August 1988, in order to comply with a stock distribution agreement between the landowners and farm workers. In accordance with the SDO agreement, there would be a 30-year schedule for distributing and transferring the stocks to the farmers. In 2003, hacienda workers filed a petition to have the SDO agreement revoked, claiming that the SDO had failed to improve the lives of the more than 5,000 farmer beneficiaries.
It was on November 16, 2004. Some 5,000 farmworkers, all members of the United Luisita Workers’ Union (ULWU) joined by about 700 sugar mill workers under the Central Azucarera de Tarlac Labor Union (CATLU), protested to have a P9.50 increase on their weekly wage, but they were brutally dispersed. They demanded, in particular, the reinstatement of 73 sugar plantation workers who have not received their separation pay and the confirmation of their CBA demands that include wage increases and hospital benefits. The sugar farm workers also demanded the revocation of the Stock Distribution Option (SDO), a scheme adopted in 1989 by the Hacienda Luisita owners Cojuangcos as a mode of agrarian reform. They want the hacienda subjected to land reform. Seven of the people participating in the rally were killed, they were David, Jhaivie Basilio, Jesus Laza, Jessie Valdez, Juancho Sanchez, Adriano Caballero Jr. and Jaime Pastidio, an estimated number of 121 people, adults, and children were injured, and 133 people were arrested and detained. This event is popularly known as the Hacienda Luisita Massacre.
Maria Cristina Park, located in Tarlac City, is situated at an altitude of 56 meters, with its coordinates being 15°28'53"N latitude and 120°35'17"E longitude.
Did You Know?
Maria Cristina Park was named after Maria Cristina Galang who was one of the Tarlaqueño beauty queens that took home the Miss Philippines title and was crowned in 1953 by Armi Kuusela of Finland, the first-ever winner of the Miss Universe pageant. Maria Cristina, daughter of 1945 Tarlac Governor Alejandro Galang, was escorted by the young Ninoy Aquino on the coronation night. To honor the victory she brought home for the Province of Tarlac, the park in front of the Provincial Capitol was named after Maria Cristina.
The highest seat of political power of the province is located at a hill in Brgy. San Vicente, Tarlac City. The present structure was finished in 1909. During the Japanese occupation, the provincial capitol was vacated and used as the provincial headquarters of the Imperial Army. The capitol suffered great damages during the Second World War, but afterwards, in 1946, the United States of America helped rebuild and improve its structure. Because of its historical background, the picture of the capitol façade appears in the current 500 peso bill.
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Being able to periodically revisit these conserved elements as Tarlaqueños gives us a sense of place and maintains continuity between our history and our present by keeping a record of how we got to where we are and who we are today. It gives us the impression that we are a part of something much bigger. It humbles us while inexplicably making us feel stronger, because we come from a long line of survivors, and special because we are part of this vast chain of humanity.
"Kalakip ng pag-unlad ang hindi paglimot sa nakaraan. Karugtong ng pag-angat bilang isang lipunan ang pagsulyap sa nakalipas na humubog sa ating pagkakakilanlan bilang mga anak ng ating bayang sinilangan. Tatak Tarlac, Angat Tarlac!"
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References
https://clarksubicmarketing.com/capas-national-shrine-tarlac-philippines-new-clark-city/
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Tarlac
https://www-ucanews-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.ucanews.com/directory/amp/dioceses/philippines-tarlac/415?amp_gsa=1&_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM%3D#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=16859672172126&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ucanews.com%2Fdirectory%2Fofficials%2Fphilippines-tarlac%2F415
https://manilastandard.net/lifestyle/314233897/the-mesmerizing-monasterio-de-tarlac.html
https://philippinefaithandheritagetours.com/st-michael-the-archangel-parish-camiling-tarlac-city/
https://www.bria.com.ph/articles/top-historical-and-pilgrimage-sites-to-visit-in-tarlac/
https://guidetothephilippines.ph/destinations-and-attractions/bamban-museum-of-history
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hacienda_Luisita
http://humiliticianstarlaqueno.blogspot.com/2016/10/maria-cristina-park.html?m=1#:~:text=Do%20you%20know%20that%20Maria,the%20town%20and%20its%20periphery.
http://tarlacprovincialcapitol.weebly.com/about.html#:~:text=During%20the%20Japanese%20occupation%2C%20the,rebuild%20and%20improve%20its%20structure.