106. LAND OF THE GOLDEN GRAIN

LAND OF THE GOLDEN GRAIN

Troy Alexander G. Miano

05 November 1990

Little is written of local histories. Oral narrations of histories by our ancestors are slowly fading and becoming inaccurate as time pass by. It is believed that to be able to love our country, we must first know the background of our hometown. Having knowledge of our town’s history make us understand the struggle of our pioneers in their quest for a community of their own and their contribution to the growth of our country as well. The Land of the Golden Grains (researched since 1990) is a detailed historical account of the Municipality of Cabatuan, Isabela. It narrates the start of this settlement in the Magat region until it flourished to be known as the land of giant rice mills, agriculture and hardworking Ilocanos. It offers the young Cabatuanenses of today a glimpse of the past and sees the transformation of Cabatuan as it is now known as The Land of the Golden Grains.

EARLY CABATUANENSES

The land where Cabatuan now nestles was once teeming with vegetation, wildlife and fish, nurtured by the mighty and winding Magat River. Its history started when one of the indigenous people of the mountain provinces settled down in the vast valley of Cagayan where the Apayaos, Dumagats, Gaddangs, Ibanags, Ifugaos, Igorots, Itawes, Palananons and the Yogads were living. This tribe is known as the Kalingas, the name believed to have come from the Ibanag and Gaddang word “kalinga”, which means “headhunters”.

The Kalinga villages were strategically located along the banks of the Magat River in southwestern Isabela, near the boundary of Ifugao province, surrounding the locality now known as Sili, Bolinao, Dalig Kalinga (these places are now barangays of Aurora town) and Subasta (now a sitio of Barangay Saranay in Cabatuan). The early Cabatuanenses were generally known to be of medium height, with dark complexion and lissome with high nose bridges. Physically, they were very sturdy and well-built so that their war-like bearing feature made them more like soldiers. They lived in tree-houses and depended on hunting, fishing and a little of poultry and agriculture. The Kalingas were believed to be the descendants of the second wave of Malay who came to the Islands from Borneo between 200 B.C. and 1500 A.D. These pagans were headed by several able leaders like: Ronsan and Ngolan (both from Sili in Aurora town), Balindan, Melad and Gombi (from Bolinao, also in Aurora town), Tullayao Bayudoc (from Subasta, Saranay in Cabatuan) and the grand old chieftain Materig (also from Sili in Aurora town). The Kalingas preferred to stay in the Cabatuan area of jurisdiction rather than in Aurora because the town proper of Aurora then was located in Dalig, now a barangay of Burgos town. When the Christians arrived, the Kalingas attached the word “Infiel” before their native name to fulfill their yearning for a second name like those of Christians. The name “Infiel” was derived from “ynfieles”, a Spanish friar’s term for non-believers of the Christian faith.

The whole territory of what is now Cabatuan was part of the Friar Lands Estate formerly owned and administered by Spanish missionary priests. A decree of Governor-General (February 28, 1877- March 20, 1880) Domingo Moriones y Murillo Zabaleta y Sanz, Marqués de Oroquieta (1823-1881) gave lands to the religious orders on October 25, 1879 for the purpose of formenting the production of tobacco. The Augustinian missionaries were given 14,000 hectares of land in Calanusian (now Reina Mercedes town), Alamo (now Luna town) and Cauayan where the present-day Cabatuan belongs.

The PIONEERING ILOCANOS

Governor-General (1880-1883; 1897-1898) Fernando Primo de Rivera y Sobremonte issued a decree on January 15, 1881 allowing Ilocanos to migrate to Cagayan Valley to plant tobacco and retain the industry after the Tobacco Monopoly. Droves of Ilocanos came to Isabela but it was only during the administration of Cauayan, Isabela Municipal President (1907-1910), a former Katipunero, Bernardo Dacuycuy y Cadiz that the Cabatuan area would be conceptualized as an Ilocano settlement. Don Bandung, the popular moniker of Presidente Municipal Dacuycuy, instructed a certain Salvador Uao to survey the vast track of friar lands southwest of Cauayan near the Magat River. Seeing that the locality was suitable for settlement, Don Bandung invited his relatives and close friends in Ilocos Norte to migrate to southern Isabela.

The pioneering Ilocanos from the North started arriving in 1912, bringing with them their families, relatives and friends. Sailing off the coast of Bacarra, Laoag and Currimao in Ilocos Norte, they followed the coastline of northern Luzon. They braved the South China Sea and the Babuyan Channel and reached the delta-town of Aparri, Cagayan. Using balanghais (banca), they sailed south, trekking the crocodile infested Cagayan River passing through the old towns of Lal-lo, Gattaran, Alcala, Amulung, Solana, Iguig, Tuguegarao, San Pablo, Cabagan, Tumauini, Ilagan, Gamu and Cauayan. Their travel ended in the town of Angadanan, particularly in Barrio Pissay, where the width of the great river narrows. When the Angadanan-Echague-Jones area became populated, the pioneers decided to sail back towards Turayong in Cauayan town. And from this point, the pioneers disembarked and traveled either by foot or cariton (in caravan) passing by Antatet (now Luna town) and reached the area where the Magat Bridge, in Barangay San Andres, is now located.

The first Ilocano pioneers were: Juan Cadeliña (with Maria Galutira, arrived March 5, 1912), Pedro Acob (with Dorotea Foronda, arrived June 1912), Francisco Alejo (with Sergia Pedro, arrived November 1913), Leocadio Acio (with Escolastica Padron, arrived February 1914), Bernardo C. Dacuycuy (with Maria Dacuycuy, arrived March 14, 1913), Agapito A. Pilar (with Cañuta A. Sales, arrived April 12, 1914), Cirilo A. Guerrero (with Genoveva Bagain, arrived May 2, 1914), Rafael Padron (with Guillerma Vea, arrived May 1914), Roman Rivera (with Anacleta Acoba, arrived June 1914), Felipe Aczon (with Aniceta Sales, arrived August 1914), Pablo DC. Marcelo (with Margarita Juan, arrived August 1914), Mariano Acosta (with Marcelina Vea, arrived September 1914), Pedro Labasan (with Liberata Ramones, arrived November 1914), Donato Tejada (with Rafaela Basilio, arrived in 1914), and Apolinario Visaya (with Alejandra Rivera, arrived 1914). 

Other pioneers who came in batches were: Teodoro Abad, Gregorio Abad, Juan Acedo, Vitaliano Acoba, Agapito R. Acosta, Sabas Basug, Maximiano dC. Borromeo, Jose Castillo, Fructuso Cadeliña, Juan Constantino, Tito V. Diego, Arcadio Domingcil, Pantaleon Domingcil, Protacio R. Domingcil, Alvaro Galapon, Desiderio M. Guillermo, Ignacio Juan, Isidro Lazaro, Domingo Llamelo, Victor Llamelo, Teofilo Mercado, Feliciano A. Ramos, Martin Sales, Teodoro Tejada, Baltazar Vea, and Miguel C. Yanuaria.

The KALINGA-ILOCANO ENCOUNTERS

The Ilocano Christians first settled in the forest-covered land far from the river, but the natives in “bahag” (g-strings) who were living along the riverbanks considered it an intrusion, which later led to nightly tensions. As soon as the sun sets, the able bodied natives raided the settlers’ homes and stole their personal properties. And when they resisted, the indigenous habitants caused them trouble and harm. To protect themselves from the Kalingas, the Christians stocked piles of stones around their sleeping chambers. Whenever the sound of the tangguyob (horn bugle) was heard, the Christians would be cautioned that the Kalingas has arrived. The Christians had defended themselves by throwing stones at the natives. This went on until a certain Bonifacio Bangug, a native of Piddig town in Ilocos Norte and had long lived with the Kalingas, initiated a peace pact. A successful peace negotiation ensued. Don Bernardo Dacuycuy headed the Christians while a certain Infiel Ulleg represented the Kalingas. Finally, an agreement of friendship came up between the two parties.

To strengthen the developing friendship, the Christians distributed used clothing, kitchen and table utensils and farm equipments to the natives. The Christians also traded salt in exchange for Kalingan goods. After years of friendship, Kalingas were converted to the Christian faith and whenever a Kalinga child was baptized, their parents adopted the Ilocano godparent’s surname for their child to legally use. Soon the Christians and Kalingas lived in peace and harmony and enjoyed the fruits of the rich land they tilled.

How the name CABATUAN came to be

Before the Christians arrived, the place was always referred to as “Ambatuan”, a Kalingan word, which means “no stones”. However, the new settlers found an abundance of stones along the Magat.

Another reference states that they branded the place “Ambatuan” on the very act when the Christians and Kalingas were throwing stones at each other during the pioneering period.  As time passed by, the name “Ambatuan” evolved to “Cabatuan”.

However, in the 1906 Report of the Philippine Commission to the United States Secretary of War, the name “Cabatuan” (or Sili) was mentioned by Isabela Governor Blas Villamor antedating the founding of the Cabatuan settlement by six years.

The BARRIO of CABATUAN

In 1914, during the American Regime, Cabatuan was incorporated with the Municipality of Cauayan, Isabela with Señor Agapito A. Pilar as the first Barrio Teniente. Others who assumed the post were: Florencio Abad, Leocadio Acio, Pedro Acob, Felipe Aczon, Tomas Camungao, T. Damunglo, Jose Castillo, Cirilo Guerrero, Platon Guillermo, Ignacio Juan, Felipe Pascual, Feliciano A. Ramos, Roman Rivera, Iñigo Sales, Francisco Salvador, Tirso Santos, B. Sumawang, Juan Ventura. Don Bernardo C. Dacuycuy, the acknowledged founder of Cabatuan, was appointed by Governor-General (October 14, 1921-August 7, 1927) Leonard Wood as President of the Confederate Districts of Antatet (now Luna town), Dalig (former poblacion of Aurora town and now a barangay of Burgos town), Bolinao and Sili (now barangays of Aurora town). Later on, Cabatuan was sub-divided into four districts. District 1, comprises what is now the barangays of Sampaloc and Saranay. District 2, the barrio proper, comprises what is now the barangays of Centro and San Andres. District 3, comprises what is now the barangays of Del Pilar, Magdalena and portions of Paraiso. And District 4, comprises all populated areas upstream the Magat River like Macalaoat, Culing and Diamantina.

OTHER PIONEERS

After the Ilocos Norte migrants, several waves of settlers particularly locals from Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan and Central Luzon region came to Isabela. The first pioneers of the old barrio of Namnama who hailed from Pangasinan were: Brigido Antonio, Leon Gallo, Andres Navarro, Francisco Navarro, Hermogenes Ruiz, Cipriano Tenefrancia and Teodoro Torio. Other Pangasinenses who settled in the poblacion were: Benito Monte and Zacarias P. Muñoz. The pioneers of the old barrio of Culing who came from Ilocos Sur were: Gavino Aquino, Senen Angco, Lorenzo Aquino, Flaviano Bulan, Dionicio L. Mendoza, Pedro Queja and Pablo Valdez. The old barrio of Caggong is pioneered by the Gaddang people headed by Felicisimo Taganas who originated along the Siffu and Mallig rivers in northwestern Isabela. The old barrio of Canan is pioneered by Basilio M. Antonio who came from Laoag, Ilocos Norte while old Diamantina was founded by Patricio A. Visaya.

Some of the Tagalog migrants who settled in the poblacion were: Carolino O. Munsayac (Nueva Ecija), Atanasio H. Dayrit (San Fernando, Pampanga), Atty. Rafael M. Tomacruz (former mayor of Hagonoy, Bulacan and Provincial Board Member), Damian S. Tomacruz (Hagonoy, Bulacan), Anselmo S. Esmino (Licab, Nueva Ecija), Felipe Pamintuan (Pampanga), Andres R. Alivia (Bongabon, Nueva Ecija) and Antonio V. Altoveros (Bongabon, Nueva Ecija).

In 1932, Don Fernando Garcia y Garcia, who hails from Barcelona and Asturias province in Spain, arrived in the locality to manage the Compania General de Tobacos de Filipinas or Tabacalera situated in what is now Barangay San Andres.

The Chinese also migrated to Cabatuan and opted to permanently reside in the locality and inter-married with young Ilocano maidens. The bulk of the Chinese migrants came from Amoy (now Xiamen), China in the 1930s. Some of the Chinese migrants were: Clemente Paggabao (married Andrea Labasan), Eusebio Uy (married Lourdes Visaya), Juan Uy (married Felisa Acio), Mariano Uy (married Lourdes dela Cruz), Kaya Uy (married Carmen Rambac), Inocencio Uy (married Mercedes Domingcil), Francisco Uy (married Mercedes Llamelo), Guillermo Uy (married Marcelina T. Abad vda. de Padron), Lorenzo Uy (married Teodora Visaya), Venancio Tio (married Monica Acorda), Vicente Pua (married Sabina Ventura), Joaquin Pua (married Entonia Labayog), Pedro Pua (married Isabela Guerrero), Kiana Uy (married Claudia Manuel), Pascual Pua (married Carmen Uy), Densoy Ty (married Maxima Uy), Tomas Uy, Miguel Dy, Mariano Tio, Julian Pua (married Felicitas Bagcal), Eusebio Tan (married Eusenia Lomotan), Jose Uy (married Adelina Ventura), Ben Chong (married Gue Eng Tio), Alfonso Uy (married Engracia Uy), Sytong Uy, Uwa Uy (married Avelina Gervacio), Ben Co (married Maria Vea), Pedro D. Uy (married Salud Bacallan), Pedro Yan (married Maria Aczon), Tio Nga Luy (married Pelagia Acosta), Alfredo Uy (married Ruperta V. Pancho) and Tomas Pua (Loreto Acosta).

EARLY POLITICS

The desire to have a representation for the Magat region prompted the Cabatuanenses to support the candidacy of several of their barrio folks. Thus, the administrations of Cauayan Municipal Mayors Guillermo Blas (1938) and Zoilo Cuntapay (1938-1941), had municipal councilors from Cabatuan: Paz P. Sales-Cruz, Francisco Razon and Atanasio H. Dayrit. Realizing that men and women of Barrio Cabatuan has the potential and ability to lead the whole town of Cauayan, the Cabatuanenses rallied behind the candidacy of Federico P. Acio as mayor. Acio won in the December 10, 1940 elections and assumed office on the first day of 1941 but his term was cut short on May 1942 when the Japanese Imperial Army occupied the valley. Acio was replaced with the appointment of Jose M. Canciller.

EARLY BARRIO LEADERS

The following were the lieutenants of the barrios adjacent to old Cabatuan before 1949. Barrio Canan: Daniel Ganado, Benito A. Bartolome, Teodoro A. Reyes and Filadulpo J. Carorocan. Old Barrio Culing: Angel Reginaldo, Flaviano Bulan, Pantaleon G. Bulan, Sabas Aguinaldo, Senen F. Angco and Hilario Visaya. Barrios Villa Visaya & Diamantina: Patricio A. Visaya, Isabelo Cadeliña and Paulino G. Visaya. Barrio Sarrateña (Luzon): Sebastian Ballesteros, Alfredo Corrales, Mateo dela Cruz and Tomas S. Acosta. Barrio Macalaoat: Gerardo M. Gabriel and Florencio R. Abad. Barrio Magdalena: Ruperto A. Carnate and Guillermo G. Domingcil. Barrio Namnama: Leon Gallo, Cayetano K. Rosario, Nicolas T. Almirol and Hermogenes B. Soriben. Barrio Caggong (Rang-ay): Antonio Balacano and Anacleto R. Taganas. Barrio Tandul Viejo: Juan V. Tumamao and Florentino S. Manipon.

The SECOND WORLD WAR

When the Second World War erupted on December 1941, several sons and daughters of Cabatuan were involved in various encounters in the countryside. The brave and freedom loving Cabatuanenses who fought for democracy in Bataan were: Victoriano B. Agustin, Ventura D. Frogoso, Elpidio A. Galiza, Domingo J. Marcelo, Ranulfo P. Navarro, Andres N. Palado, Cenon B. Ramos, Jose M. Rivera, Antonio B. Rodriguez, Simeon B. Santos, Victoriano C. Santos (missing in action), Lorenzo T. Sunga, Manuel T. Talimada, Damian S. Tomacruz and Hermogenes S. Tomas. The following who fought in Bataan and suffered the infamous Death March were: Norberto V. Abad, Dominador Acob, Leopoldo Cadeliña, Alejandro A. Cadiente, Juan B. Molina and Florencio B. Sacaben.

Though the island of Corregidor and the peninsula of Bataan became the concentration of the war, many provinces in Luzon Island also participated in the ordeal. The Cabatuanenses who fought outside Bataan were: Benedicto A. Acosta (Ilocos), Teodoro P. Asuncion (died in action in Tuguegarao, Cagayan), Sebastian M. Ballesteros (Ilocos), Rizalino M. Camungao (died in action in Batangas), Florencia M. Dacuycuy (Women’s Auxilliary Service in Ilocos) and Enrique V. Padron (died in action in Tuguegarao, Cagayan).

As the Japanese Imperial Army fully occupied the valley after the Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942, strong resistance continued. Many gallant Cabatuanenses joined the underground “guerilla” movement, locally known as the Bolo Unit as they continue their quest for freedom. It was officially registered as the 1^st Guerilla Regiment of the United States Forces in the Philippines, Northern Luzon (USFIP, NL) with Major Manuel P. Enriquez as Commander of the 1^st Batallion, which includes Isabela province. It was later renamed to 14^th Infantry USAFFE. The Guerillas from Cabatuan were: Federico P. Acio, Damaso A. Acosta, Mariano P. Alejo, Antonio V. Altoveros, Nestor R. Altoveros, Alvaro C. Antolin, Rufino D. Apostol, Benito G. Bauzon, Osmundo S. Bungay, Pacifico S. Cabantac, Felix C. Cadeliña, Norberto Cadiz, Felino Cariaga, Demetrio dela Cruz, Leonides R. Dacuycuy, Gavino K. Enerlan,  Bonifacio Estioco, Fernando A. Ferrer, Apolonio R. Galicano, Patrocinio Gamiao, Venancio M. Galingana, Feliciano D. Gaspar, Santos D. Gonatise, Iluminado Grande, Lino P. Gumaru, Jose G. Hermogela, Nicolas Labayog, Juan R. Labuguen, Felix M. Lacaden, Enrique C. Limon, Celestino G. Lomboy, Cenon S. Manibog, Venancio G. Manibog, Apolonio C. Manuel, Juan G. Manuel, Isaac I. Martinez, Julian Marzo, Remigio Marzo, Cipriano D. Mercado, Nicolas A. Meria, Miguel O. Monte, Andres E. Nomina,  Juan E. Parayno, Domingo Pedro, Nemesio N. Ramil, Cayetano K. Rosario, Teodulfo D. Rumbaoa, Maura A. Sales, Domingo P. Salgado, Severino Tarapia, Juanito S. Topinio, Juan P. Valeroso, Avelino A. Villanueva, Vicente Villar and Juan G. Visaya.

Mayor Acio was one of the remaining mayors at that time in northern Luzon who did not surrender to the Japanese. The foreign invaders tried to make Acio surrender by torturing his wife, Josefa Ventura-Acio, through “water treatment”. The poor Mrs. Acio never knew the whereabouts of her husband and so her suffering continued until before Liberation.

The tabacalera (almasin), owned by Don Fernando Garcia, in District Dos (now Barangay San Andres) became the chief garrison (Center of Command) of the invading foreigners. Other prominent Japanese garrisons were the residences of Federico Acio, Francisco Acob, Atanasio H. Dayrit and Daniel Crisologo. The ever-fighting guerillas continued their underground activities and were fully supported by the barrio people. The Niponggo troops made plans to liquidate this stubborn resistance. The Japanese soldiers hired Filipinos to serve as “magic eyes” (Makapili) to pinpoint those who were supporters and members of the movement. The civilians who were unfortunate to be tagged and assassinated were: Catalino Pascual, Ireneo Acedo, Severino Tarampi and a certain Mr. Gomez. There was also an incident wherein the Japanese kidnapped a lady by the name of Genoveva A. Agsalda (residing in what is now Barangay San Andres) while reaping tobacco in her field in Sili (a barrio of Aurora town) and was never found again.

When the “liberating” American warplanes sweep the valley on December 1944, a house in District Dos (now San Andres) where at least two families were residing was mistakenly identified as a Japanese camp. The house was bombed killing all the inhabitants of the compound. The fatalities were: Agustin Duldulao and wife Josefa Mercado with sister, Teodorica M. Visaya. The Duldulao children were: Aprecion, Emeteria, Severo, Angel, Teofilo and the eldest, Demetrio and wife Demetria Aczon with their three-month old baby girl, Angeles.

Cagayan Valley which includes Isabela and Cabatuan was liberated by the USAFFE in June 1945.

JAPANESE ROYALTY

On June 7, 1945, Chichibu-no-miya Yasuhito Shinno (1902-1953), also known as Prince Yasuhito left behind their trucks in Santiago and followed the course of the Magat River to the north. Just before sunset, they encountered five guerillas two miles west of Barrio Cabatuan. After a heavy firefight, three of the escorts were killed. The prince instructed his houseboy Ben Valmores to bring with him the waxed maps in leather map case and go home in Bambang town in Nueva Vizcaya province. The prince later reached the shoreline of Babuyan Bay, south of Santa Ana town in Cagayan on July 25 and boarded a submarine for Tokyo, Japan. In a book about Yamashita’s gold, authors Peggy and Sterling Seagrave postulated that Prince Yasuhito led from 1937 to 1945 what the authors called the “Golden Lily (Kin no yun) Operation” by which members of the imperial Household allegedly were personally involved in stealing treasures from countries invaded by Japan during World War II.

POST WAR

After Liberation, on June 12, 1946, Federico P. Acio was appointed as mayor of Cauayan. His councilors residing from the vicinity of Barrio Cabatuan were: Pablo C. Marcelo, Jose Castillo and Luis B. Gomez. Months later, Acio was replaced with the appointments of Leon Babaran (1946) and Teodoro Laggui (1947) as mayors. Another appointed councilor from Cabatuan was Lorenzo A. Aquino (Culing).

The continuous political-fever of the Cabatuanenses catapulted four out of the six slot in the Cauayan municipal council in the November 11, 1947 elections. They were: Leon Gallo (Namnama), Jose Castillo (Cabatuan - Sitio Sampaloc), Nicolas Almirol (Namnama) and Severo C. Macugay (Luzon).

Other Cabatuanenses who shared the distinction of having served the town of Cauayan were: Geronimo P. Medina (Municipal Clerk), Severo C. Macugay (Municipal Treasurer), Teodulfo D. Rumbaoa (Municipal Secretary, 1941-1942 & 1945), Jose D. Dacuycuy (Chief of Police, 1941-1942) and Filomeno S. Miguel (Chief of Police, 1945).

The CREATION of CABATUAN as a TOWN

Seeing that Barrio Cabatuan boldly maintains its image of being a political threat to the Cauayan leadership, the municipal council under the administration of Cauayan Mayor Jose Africano (1948-1955) agreed and endorsed the segregation of Cabatuan from the mother-town. Through the initiative of incumbent Cauayan Councilors Gallo, Castillo, Almirol and Macugay, former Mayor Federico P. Acio, former Municipal President Bernardo C. Dacuycuy and the independent-loving people of Cabatuan, a delegation to Malacañang was formed to ensure and witness this historical turn of events. The delegates were: Federico P. Acio as Secretary, USAFFE Capt. Damian S. Tomacruz as Treasurer, Councilor Severo C. Macugay as Records, Atty. Luis B. Gomez as PRO, Provincial Secretary Jacinto U. Dumaliang as Liaison and the grand-old man of Cabatuan, Don Bernardo C. Dacuycuy as Chairman.

The MUNICIPALITY of CABATUAN

On the fifth day of November 1949, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of the Interior and pursuant to the provisions of Sec. 68 of the Revised Administrative Code, His Excellency President (April 16, 1948-December 31, 1953) Elpidio Quirino y Rivera (1890-1956) signed Executive Order No. 293 in Malacañang, which gave birth to the Municipality of Cabatuan, Isabela. The new born town was initially composed of twelve barrios with Cabatuan as the seat of government and its integral parts are: Buenavista, Caggong, Canan, Culing, Diamantina, Luzon, Macalaoat, Magdalena, Namnama, Tandul Viejo and Villa Visaya including the sitios of Nueva Era, Sampaloc and Saranay. Executive Secretary Teodoro Evangelista confirmed the Presidential Order two days later.

On November 30 of the same year, Governor (1946-1951) Silvino M. Gumpal headed the inauguration ceremony with the cutting of the ribbon at the foot of the Macañao Bridge in Barrio Luzon. He also inducted into office appointed Mayor Teodulfo D. Rumbaoa at the Social Hall in District Dos (now the A. Bonifacio Park). Former Cauayan Councilor Nicolas T. Almirol of Namnama was appointed vice mayor and the municipal councilors were: former Cauayan Mayor Federico P. Acio, Sofronio N. Corpuz of Macalaoat, Atty. Luis B. Gomez of Diamantina, former Cauayan Police Chief Filomeno S. Miguel and USAFFE Capt. Damian S. Tomacruz. On that same day, Mayor Rumbaoa made the first inaugural address signaling the independence of Barrio Cabatuan from Cauayan, Isabela.

The first seat of the municipal government was situated at the Gozum residence in Barangay Saranay and the first chosen municipal officials and employees were: Ramon A. Acosta (Municipal Secretary), Atty. Dominador C. Mina (Justice of the Peace), Norberto V. Abad (Chief of Police), Luis C. Monforte (Municipal Treasurer/Postmaster), Wilfrido T. Dayrit (Municipal Agronomist), Maura A. Sales (Puereculture Center Nurse), Rafael M. Gozum (Principal Clerk), Rodolfo Cagabi (Internal Revenue Clerk), Benecio H. Bartolome (Land Tax Clerk), Ciriaco Aguinaldo (Market Collector) and Antonio Padua (Sanitary Inspector). The municipal government stayed in the private Gozum residence up to June 30, 1950 until it was moved to what is now Barangay Centro where a temporary shelter made of cogon and bamboo was erected.

The TERM of MAYOR GOZUM

The first local election was held on November 1, 1951 with Principal Clerk, Rafael M. Gozum elected as municipal mayor and Teniente del Barrio Ireneo F. Junio of Canan as his vice mayor. The elected municipal councilors were: Juan A. Ganal of La Paz; USAFFE Sgt. Celestino G. Lomboy of Saranay; Cauayan Municipal Councilor Severo C. Macugay of Luzon; Miguel O. Monte of Centro East; Teniente del Barrio Hermogenes B. Soriben of Namnama; and USAFFE Capt. Damian S. Tomacruz of Centro West.

On November 30, 1954, the cornerstone of the proposed town hall was laid on a 13,500 square meter lot donated by the founders of Cabatuan led by Señor Leocadio Acio in what is now Barangay Centro. The funds for the construction of the municipal town hall came from the civic and patronal town fiestas. The municipal town hall was inaugurated on January 1, 1956.

Mayor Gozum ran again on November 8, 1955 and won with re-electionist Vice Mayor Ireneo F. Junio. The elected members of the municipal council were: Dr. Jose S. Pilar of Magdalena; Atty. Iñigo B. Tejada of Sampaloc; re-electionist Major Damian S. Tomacruz; Atty. Jose D. Dacuycuy of Centro East; Barrio Teniente Enrique C. Limon of Macalaoat and former appointed councilor Atty. Luis B. Gomez. Months later, Councilor Tomacruz resigned and his position was filled-up by the appointment of Cipriano C. Diaz of Calaocan on May 22, 1957 by the Commission on Appointments. On September 1959, Vice Mayor Junio resigned and was replaced with the appointment of Felix C. Cadeliña of Centro West as vice mayor. Councilor Pilar also resigned upon filing of his certificate of candidacy and his post was taken by the appointment of Dr. Anacleto F. Angco of Centro East.

The TERM of MAYOR RUMBAOA

Former OIC-Mayor Rumbaoa won in the next mayoralty race on November 10, 1959 and took office on January 1, 1960 with his vice mayor, Fermin P. Medina of Centro West. Their municipal councilors were: Andrea S. Pilar-Acosta of Del Pilar; Simeon D. Ancheta of Centro West; Evaristo A. Patricio of Luzon; Estelito G. Mendoza of Calaocan; Sofronio N. Corpuz of Macalaoat; Amado P. Bareng of Sampaloc; Rufino D. Apostol of La Paz; and Jose M. Rivera of Diamantina. The elections of 1959, was the first political party line-up which won straight from mayor down to the last councilor.

Months before Mayor Rumbaoa’s term ended, he resigned to become provincial secretary under the governorship of Melanio T. Singson. Vice Mayor Fermin P. Medina assumed the position of mayor on September 15, 1963 by virtue of succession and continued the remaining unexpired term of his predecessor. Councilor Estelito G. Mendoza assumed as vice mayor and the vacant position was filled up with the appointment of Cirilo D. Pagatpatan of Calaocan as municipal councilor.

The TERM of MAYOR ACOSTA

Dr. Benedicto A. Acosta, a World War II veteran from Del Pilar, became the next mayor when he was elected on November 5, 1963. He held office on January 1, 1964 with his vice mayor, Estelito G. Mendoza. Their municipal councilors were: Atty. Artemio R. Alivia of Magdalena; Tomas O. Monte of Centro East; re-electionist Andrea S. Pilar-Acosta; Herminio T. Domincil of Sampaloc, Engr. Jonorio P. Visaya of Nueva Era, Atty. Norberto C. Maramba of Luzon, re-electionist Simeon D. Ancheta; and Engr. Corazon R. Albano of Del Pilar. Councilor Albano resigned early in his term and was replaced by the appointment of Teniente del Barrio Leopoldo R. Almirol of Namnama as municipal councilor. While Councilor Visaya, who was busy assigned in the Magat project, was substituted by the appointment of Barrio Captain Severo B. Antonio of Tandul as municipal councilor.

Mayor Acosta was re-elected unopposed in the November 14, 1967 national and local elections with Tomas O. Monte as vice mayor. Their municipal councilors were: Jaime T. Tio of Magdalena; Atty. Ernesto A. Miguel of Centro; re-electionist Herminio T. Domincil; Rizalino R. Uy of T. Abad; Engr. Faustino S. Salvador of La Paz; Romulo R. Alivia of Del Pilar; Jaime G. Rumbaoa of Magdalena; and Ponciano K. Rosario of Namnama. Vice Mayor Monte and Councilor Alivia resigned on September 1971 upon filing their certificates of candidacy in the upcoming elections. Councilor Tio was elevated to the position of vice mayor and Marciana B. Ramos-Gozum of Saranay was appointed municipal councilor.

Seeking another term, Mayor Acosta ran and won on November 8, 1971 and had Romulo R. Alivia as his vice mayor. Their municipal councilors were: Sol T. Dayrit-Reyes of Centro; re-electionist Herminio T. Domincil; Dr. Rolando P. Dacuycuy of Centro; Teofilo P. Uy of Saranay; re-electionist Jaime G. Rumbaoa; Engr. Crispulo S. Santos of Macalaoat; Purisimo J. Marcelo of Sampaloc and re-electionist Rizalino R. Uy.

Cabatuan’s first Municipal Agronomist (1949-1951), Wilfrido T. Dayrit, was elected as Senior Provincial Board Member of Isabela. The term of Mayor Acosta and the rest of the elected officials were extended further due to the declaration of Presidential Decree 1081, otherwise known as Martial Law. However, Councilors Dacuycuy and Rizalino Uy resigned for they believed that their terms should have ended on December 31, 1975.

Upon the creation of the Kabataang Barangay (Presidential Decree 684) in 1975, Andy P. Bagaoisan was elected and represented the youth in the municipal council. In compliance with Presidential Decree 826, additional officials were appointed to the municipal council as sectoral representatives. They were: Juanito F. Munsayac of Centro representing the professionals; Rodolfo C. Co of San Andres representing the business sector; former Mayor Teodulfo D. Rumbaoa representing the agriculture and labor sector; and the barangay affairs representatives were: Barrio Captain Saturnino V. Acosta of Nueva Era; Barrio Captain Baldomero A. Adaoag of San Andres; Barrio Captain Cipriano D. Mercado of Del Pilar; and Barrio Captain Pedro B. Ramos of Macalaoat. It was also in this period when MLGCD Memo Circular 96-75 was implemented Filipinizing the name “municipal council” to “sangguniang bayan”. Former mayor Teodulfo D. Rumbaoa was also appointed member of the sangguniang panlalawigan and served from 1976 to 1980.

After Martial Rule was lifted, Mayor Acosta was elected unopposed in the January 30, 1980 elections with re-electionist Vice Mayor Romulo R. Alivia. Their sangguniang bayan members were: Fred L. Subillaga of Del Pilar; re-electionist Sol T. Dayrit-Reyes; re-electionist Herminio T. Domincil; re-electionist Purisimo J. Marcelo; re-electionist Teofilo P. Uy; re-electionist Jaime G. Rumbaoa; re-electionist Crispulo S. Santos; and Ederlina G. Bulan-Gammad of Calaocan.

Former Senior Provincial Board Member Wilfrido T. Dayrit of Centro was elected as Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) President. Dayrit was elevated to the position of ex-officio sangguniang panlalawigan member and Barangay Captain Antonio E. Bagaoisan of Saranay, the league’s vice president assumed the post vacated by Dayrit in the sanggunian

Emerging winner in the May 17, 1982 elections for Kabataang Barangay President was Eugene I. Acosta of Centro and. In 1983, Jose P. Dacuycuy, Jr. of Magdalena was elected ABC President.

The TRANSITION PERIOD

One of the aftermaths of the popular People Power revolt in February of 1986, was the appointment of new leaders. The roster of officials of the municipality, which were selected by Local Government Minister Luis Santos; Gregorio G. Isidro  of Centro as OIC-mayor and Liliosa R. Gozum-Miano of Saranay as OIC-vice mayor. The appointed sangguniang bayan members were: Ernesto Y. Acosta of Centro; Mario A. Arreola of Nueva Era; Federico T. Dayrit of San Andres; Dr. Mario P. dela Fuente of Magdalena; Alfredo G. Galicia, Jr. of Magsaysay; Ferdinand N. Gomez of Diamantina; Guillermo G. Manuel of Centro; and Engr. Ricardo U. Ty of Magdalena. Heading the Association of Barangay Captains was Dr. Sergio A. Uy of San Andres while the youth was represented by Mariano S. Sales, Jr. of Magdalena. However, elected KB chair, Eugene I. Acosta, imposed his right and sat in the sanggunian.

On November 11, 1987, the Philippine Constabulary - Integrated National Police (PC/INP) headed by Police Captain Gregorio A. Pua and Mayor Isidro, in coordinated efforts with the elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), had an encounter with the New Peoples Army (NPA) at Barangay Culing West. One rebel was captured and four others were killed in the incident. Recovered were: three M-16 rifles, an AK-47 rifle, a hand-held radio and several subversive documents. The encounter lasted until November 14, 1987.

On December 5, 1987, former Mayor Rafael M. Gozum was appointed town-head to oversee the first free elections of the new government. His vice mayor was former Councilor Purisimo J. Marcelo. The appointed sangguniang bayan members included: Ricardo A. Coloma of Macalaoat; Santiago A. Ganal of La Paz; Valentin A. Salazar of Centro; Juanito A. Tio of Calaocan; Barangay Captain Flaviano M. Torio of Magdalena; re-appointed Ricardo U. Ty; and Barangay Captain Ireneo A. Visaya of Diamantina.

Emerging triumphant in the January 18, 1988 local race was long-time serving mayor, Dr. Benedicto A. Acosta. He held office on February 20, 1988 with two time Sangguniang Bayan Member Engr. Crispulo S. Santos as vice mayor. Their sangguniang bayan members were: Helen B. Meris-Gammad of Calaocan; Assistant Municipal Treasurer Hermogenes P. Asuncion of Culing East; Franklin P. Macugay of Nueva Era; Engr. Arturo Y. Laurado of Sampaloc; Rolando G. Velasco of Saranay; Matias C. Cargo of Sampaloc; Edwin S. Santos of Saranay; and Danilo C. Alivia of Magdalena.

Dr. Sergio A. Uy was elected on March 28, 1989 as Association of Barangay Captain (ABC) President and Eugene I. Acosta as re-elected Kabataang Barangay President. On March 1992, ABC President Sergio Uy was elevated to the position of ex-officio sangguniang panlalawigan member, representing the Association of Barangay Captains.

The TERM of the MAYORS ATANASIO JR., ALMA and CID DAYRIT

In the May 11, 1992 national and local elections, Dr. Atanasio T. Dayrit, Jr. of San Andres, won as municipal mayor with re-electionist Crispulo S. Santos as his vice mayor. The sangguniang bayan was composed of re-electionist Danilo C. Alivia; re-electionist Hermogenes P. Asuncion; re-electionist Rolando G. Velasco; re-electionist Franklin P. Macugay; Rodrigo A. Padron of Centro; re-electionist Edwin S. Santos, former OIC Sangguniang Bayan Member Ernesto Y. Acosta; and Barangay Kagawad Amelia Flor R. Gozum-Carreon of Saranay.

In 1992, the Kabataan Barangay was changed to Sangguniang Kabataan and Darrel N. Alivia of Del Pilar was the first elected Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President on December 4, 1992. Dr. Sergio A. Uy served his third term upon his election as Pangulo ng Liga ng mga Barangay (formerly ABC) on May 9, 1994. LMB President Uy also served as an ex-officio member of the sangguniang panlalawigan while LMB Vice President Barangay Captain Eliseo L. Orodio was elevated to the position vacated by Dr. Uy in the Sanggunian and served from August 1994 to October 1995.

On June 26, 1993, a monumental edifice, the Magat Bridge was inaugurated by His Excellency President Fidel V. Ramos. The bridge which was a part of the Santiago-Tuguegarao Highway was a pet project of Her Excellency President Corazon C. Aquino for Isabela under the recommendation of Isabela’s first senator, Heherson T. Alvarez. The project connects permanently the towns of Cabatuan and Aurora.

In the midnight of October 26, 1993, the Municipal Town Hall was reduced to ashes. All records, equipments, furniture and fixtures were burned. Only the concrete parts of the building withstood the towering inferno. The municipal officials and employees moved to the TCGI Building, the temporary residence of the Consultants for the construction of the Magat Bridge at the Sports Complex in Barangay Sampaloc. The officials of Cabatuan exhausted all means to build a new town hall. And through the joint efforts of the national leaders headed by Senator Heherson T. Alvarez and the civic-minded citizens of Cabatuan, a new town hall was built and was inaugurated on April 28, 1996.

Vice Mayor Santos and SB Member Alivia resigned on March 23, 1995 as they filed their certificates of candidacy for mayor and vice mayor, respectively. SB Member Asuncion was elevated to the position of vice mayor by virtue of the law of succession and Feliciano D. Gaspar of Sampaloc and former OIC-Sangguniang Bayan Member Ireneo A. Visaya were appointed municipal councilors.

In the local elections on May 8, 1995, Mayor Dayrit won a second term with two-time Sangguniang Bayan Member Danilo C. Alivia as his vice mayor. Their sangguniang bayan members were: re-electionist Rolando G. Velasco; re-electionist Amelia Flor R. Gozum-Carreon; re-electionist Hermogenes P. Asuncion; re-electionist Franklin P. Macugay; re-electionist Ernesto Y. Acosta; Engr. Jaime V. Cadeliña of Diamantina; Barangay Kagawad Noel A. Dawang of Saranay; and Jesse C. Suguitan of Sampaloc.

Resty Ian A. Dacuycuy of Centro was elected Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President on May 6, 1996 while Dr. Sergio A. Uy was again elected as Pangulo ng Liga ng mga Barangay on May 12, 1997. SB Members Velasco and Asuncion resigned on March 27, 1998 to file their certificates of candidacy. Former Barangay Captain Bugtong C. Sarmiento of Tandul and Engr. Orlando Y. Reginaldo of Culing West were appointed sangguniang bayan members to fill-up the vacant positions.

The result of the May 11, 1998 local elections catapulted Mayor Dayrit into his third term as local chief executive. Vice Mayor Alivia won his second term and the sangguniang bayan members were: re-electionist Jaime V. Cadeliña; re-electionist Amelia Flor R. Gozum-Carreon; Troy Alexander G. Miano of Saranay; former Sangguniang Bayan Member Edwin S. Santos; Roman B. Manibog, Jr. of Sampaloc; re-electionist Jesse C. Suguitan; two-time Punong Barangay Septy D. de Belen of Sampaloc; and former KB President Eugene I. Acosta.

Cabatuan’s first lady local chief executive was Alma A. Aspilla-Dayrit of San Andres, wife of three-term Mayor Atanasio T. Dayrit, Jr. She emerged as the winner in the May 14, 2001 polls with Dr. Mario I. Acosta of Centro as vice mayor. Elected members of the sangguniang bayan were: former Sangguniang Bayan Member Hermogenes P. Asuncion; re-electionist Jaime V. Cadeliña; former Sangguniang Bayan Member Rolando G. Velasco; re-electionist Roman B. Manibog, Jr.; Bernardo A. Garcia, Jr. of San Andres; re-electionist Edwin S. Santos; re-electionist Eugene I. Acosta; and Atty. Randolph Joseph P. Arreola of Nueva Era.

The July 15, 2002 barangay elections catapulted two lady officials, Vilinda J. Hamor-Bernardo of Sampaloc as Pangulo ng Liga ng mga Barangay and Aizza A. Daquioag of Sampaloc as Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President.

The May 10, 2004 elections resulted in the return of three-time mayor, Dr. Atanasio T. Dayrit, Jr. with long time public servant Hermogenes P. Asuncion as his vice mayor. The sangguniang bayan members were: Dr. Cid A. Dayrit of Centro; re-electionist Rolando G. Velasco; re-electionist Edwin S. Santos; re-electionist Roman B. Manibog, Jr.; re-electionist Bernardo A. Garcia, Jr.; re-electionist Eugene I. Acosta; former Sangguniang Bayan Member Jesse C. Suguitan; and former Sangguniang Bayan Member Rodrigo A. Padron of Del Pilar.

In the May 14, 2007 elections, Mayor Dayrit and partymate Vice Mayor Asuncion were re-elected. The members of the Sangguniang Bayan were: sixth-termer Rolando G. Velasco, re-electionist Cid A. Dayrit, former three-time Sangguniang Bayan Member Jaime V. Cadeliña, former Sangguniang Bayan Member Troy Alexander G. Miano, re-electionist Rodrigo A. Padron, re-electionist Bernardo A. Garcia, Jr., Punong Barangay Marval S. Crisologo of Saranay and three-time Punong Barangay Alfredo Y. Laurado of Namnama.

On August 10, 2007, SK Federation President Daquioag resigned her post and was replaced by the federation’s vice president, Aris A. Calamayan of Del Pilar. In the October 29, 2007 barangay and SK elections, second termer Santiago R. Ganal, Jr. of La Paz and Gregg Benedict I. Navarro of Centro were elected Liga ng mga Barangay President and SK Federation President, respectively.

The national and local elections on May 10, 2010 resulted in the victory of two-time Sangguniang Bayan Member Cid A. Dayrit with runningmate six-time Sangguniang Bayan Member Rolando G. Velasco. The winning Sangguniang Bayan Members are: Charlton L. Uy of Del Pilar, re-electionist Jamie V. Cadeliña, re-electionist Troy Alexander G. Miano, former Liga ng mga Barangay President Vilinda J. Hamor-Bernardo, former Sangguniang Bayan Member Roman B. Manibog, Jr., Leonardo C. Alivia of Del Pilar, former Sangguniang Bayan Member Eugene I. Acosta, and Punong Barangay Renato J. Monte of Centro.

Liga ng mga Barangay President Ganal was re-elected to his old post while the elected Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President was Benjamin Isabelo R. Dy of Calaocan. Sangguniang Bayan Member Bernardo resigned on December 7, 2010 to accept the appointment as sectoral representative for women at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. The vacancy was filled-up with the appointment of three-termer Punong Barangay Ma. Nita D. Silverio-Uy of San Andres.

The TERM of MAYOR UY

In the May 13, 2013 midterm local elections, Senior Sangguniang Bayan Member Charlton L. Uy became the ninth municipal mayor of Cabatuan with coming back Mario I. Acosta as his vice mayor. The Sangguniang Bayan Members elected are: former Vice Mayor Hermogenes P. Asuncion, re-electionist Troy Alexander G. Miano, re-electionist Leonardo C. Alivia, re-electionist Jaime V. Cadeliña, re-electionist Renato J. Monte, Chanda A. Gonzales-Uaje of Centro, former Sangguniang Bayan Member Bernardo A. Garcia, Jr., and former Sangguniang Bayan Member Marval S. Crisologo.

Former Sangguniang Bayan Member, Atty. Randolph Joseph P. Arreola was elected as Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member of the third district of Isabela while sectoral Representative for Women and Ex-Officio Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Vilinda J. Hamor-Bernardo was re-appointed in the same position.

On December 11, 2013, Punong Barangay Jimmy V. Go of Magsaysay was elected as Liga ng mga Barangay President. On September 16, 2015, Sangguniang Bayan Member Miano resigned to accept the position of Assistant Provincial Planning & Development Coordinator of Isabela. The vacated post was filled-up with the appointment of Jasmin C. Lapuz-Miano of Saranay.    

In the May 9, 2016 national and local elections, Mayor Uy and Vice Mayor Acosta were elected on their second terms. The elected Members of the Sangguniang Bayan were: re-electionist Hermogenes P. Asuncion, former Vice Mayor Rolando G. Velasco, re-electionist Bernardo A. Garcia, Jr., appointed Sangguniang Bayan Member Jasmin C. Lapuz-Miano, coming back Sangguniang Bayan Member Roman B. Manibog, Jr., re-electionist Leonardo C. Alivia, Julian A. Dayrit and Randy G. Britanico.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Randolph Joseph P. Arreola was re-elected while sectoral Representative for Women and Ex-Officio Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Vilinda J. Hamor-Bernardo was re-appointed in the same position.

On June 5, 2017, former Punong Barangay Rafael G. Sandan, Jr. of Del Pilar was appointed sectoral representative for agriculture in the Sangguniang Bayan.

On July 7, 2017, Hon. Manibog died in office and his position was filled up by the appointment of Barangay Kagawad Jomar D. Jarvinia of Nueva Era on July 31 of the same year.

In the May 13, 2019 midterm elections, Mayor Charlton L. Uy and Vice Mayor Mario I. Acosta ran unopposed and the whole slate of their line-up also won. The elected Sangguniang Bayan Members are: former Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Benjamin Isabelo R. Dy, re-electionist Rolando G. Velasco, re-electionist Randy G. Britanico, re-electionist Jasmin C. Lapuz-Miano, Andres C. Alivia III of Magdalena, appointed Sangguniang Bayan Member Jomar D. Jarvinia, coming back Sangguniang Bayan Member Marval S. Crisologo and former Punong Barangay Patchy M. Labuguen of Sampaloc.

On July 1, 2019, Rafael G. Sandan, Jr. was re-appointed as sectoral representative for agriculture while former Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member (sectoral representative for women) Vilinda J. Hamor was appointed sectoral representative for women in the Sangguniang Bayan on August 1, 2019.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Randolph Joseph P. Arreola was re-elected on his third term while Sangguniang Bayan Member Jasmin C. Lapuz-Miano assumed as Philippine Councilors League (PCL) President of the Isabela Federation on July 1, 2019 and served as Ex-Officio Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member up to September 15 of the same year.

On July 25, 2019, Sangguniang Bayan Member Marval S. Crisologo died in office and his post was filled up with the appointment of Barangay Councilors League of the Philippines (BCLP) Cabatuan Chapter President Arnel M. Castillejos of Luzon on August 1, 2019.

The EARLY SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE

The early socio-economic status of Cabatuan was attributed to the diligence of the early pioneers composed of Ilocanos, Chinese, Pangasinense, Kapampangans, Tagalogs and the tabacalera management.

In 1932, the Compania General de Tabacos de Filipinas or Tabacalera (founded in 1881) established office in barrio Cabatuan situated in what is now barangay San Andres. Since Cabatuan is originally a tobacco country, the tabacalera which was managed by Spaniard businessmen, one of which was Don Fernando Garcia y Garcia, was a great help in the economic boom of the young barrio.

In the late 1940s, the La Suerte Distillery was founded by Eusebio Tan and wife Eusenia Lomotan in what is now barangay Del Pilar. The town’s first brewery (gin) and softdrink maker had a great economic impact in the locality as it provided employment to many Cabatuanenses and prestige to the town as a gin maker of olden days.

In the field of transportation, Pablo C. Marcelo and Demetrio Razon were the first public transport owners to ply the Cabatuan - Cauayan route while Anselmo Esmino and Emilio Mangulabnan were the pioneers in the calesa transport industry. Clemente Paggabao operated the first water transport over the Magat River by banca and by landing barge and the first amphibian was owned by Silvino G. Bonifacio. The first freight-trucking to Manila was also operated by Paggabao. In long distance travel, the pioneering bus companies in the locality were: Rural Transit, Luzon Bus Line, Red Line and the Rodan Bus Line.

In the agriculture-related industry, Carolino O. Munsayac was the first rice and corn mill (kiskisan) operator. While the first commercial rice mill and oldest in operation is the Cabatuan Rice Mill followed by the Three Star Rice Mill, Chuakay Rice Mill and Santiago Rice Mill. Wilfrido T. Dayrit was the owner of the first Agri-Chemical Farm, Poultry, School and Office Supply Store.

The Luzon Agricultural Development Corporation (LADECO) was the first mechanized farming in Cabatuan and the first noted agricultural dam was the LADECO Dam both owned by agricultural-entrepreneur Severo C. Macugay. The pioneer in the sugar and basi making industry were Ponciano Tumaneng and Teodoro Tejada. Marcelo Domingcil, on the other hand, was the first blacksmith, cart and agricultural equipment maker and repair shop owner.

Cabatuan’s first studio photographer and goldsmith was Nicolas Labayog. The first lumber in the locality, were: the Standard Lumber, Filipinas Lumber, Modern Lumber and Renew Lumber. While the first noted sawmill was the Eastern Sawmill.

Felimon D. Andres and Eustaquio Pascual owned the pioneering tailoring shops in the area. While the first motor welding and repair shop were the Munsayac Motor Welding and Vulcanizing Shop and Tamuyao Welding Shop. Simeon Agustin, on the other hand, was the prime initiator in the calesa making and funeral parlor business.

The first noted restaurant in Cabatuan was the Altoveros Restaurant while Zacarias P. Muñoz owned the first hotel, the Norma’s Inn. Recognized, as the first butchers were Simeon D. Ancheta and Benito Monte while the first bakery was the Toms Bakery (originally named Rex Bakery) owned by proprietress Nicanora B. Tomacruz.

Engr. Manuel Salanga erected the first television reception tower in Cabatuan and the first CATV Station, the Central Cable Systems, was owned by the Suguitan family. The first in the printing industry was the Master Printing Press and the first local newspaper was the Isabela Vanguard both owned by Herminio T. Domincil. Cabatuan Rural Bank was the first banking institution founded by Severo C. Macugay while Atanasio H. Dayrit owned the Farmacia Magat, the first drugstore. The Esso Gasoline Station, owned by Gregorio G. Isidro and the Mobil Gasoline Station managed by Juanita G. Muñoz, were the pioneers in the gasoline industry.

Ruperto Senad owned the first movie house in Cabatuan, which was located adjacent to the Garcia almasin. While the Gabriel family (Juanito, Segundina and Felino) runs the first bowling lanes located in the heart of the town. Proprietors Mariano Gumabao and Vicente Alvarez owned the first ice plant while Flor Nicolas managed the first electric company.

The RELIGIONS

When the Ilocanos arrived, they also brought with them their religion, the Independent Church of Filipino Christians (Aglipayan). A lot owned by Feliciano A. Ramos, near the old market place, was donated to accommodate the church edifice and the local folks extended free labor to build the religious structure. The first parish priest assigned to Cabatuan was Father Felimon H. Ver followed by Father Pacifico H. Jamias. And honored as the first Cabatuan Aglipayan Bishop was Miguel A. Pascua. The Church structure was later transferred to Barangay Centro. 

The missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette started their ministry in Cabatuan on September of 1949 headed by Father Paul Douillard, MS followed by Father André A. Lussier, MS. The first Holy Eucharistic Celebration was held at the residence of Damian S. Tomacruz. The private house was used as a temporary house of worship until a permanent Church was built in District Dos (now Barangay San Andres) in 1955. To spread the ministry and  to spread more the Christian faith and because of the rapid growth of population and believers, additional churches and chapels were built in Barangays La Paz, Diamantina, Culing West, Rang-ay (Sitio San Carlos) and Luzon.

On March 20, 1948, the first worship of the Iglesia ni Cristo was held at the residence of Francisca R. Alivia in Barrio Magdalena and was officiated by Bro. Rolando Palting. The membership increased which paved way for the establishment of other places of worship (locale) in La Paz (1949), Paraiso (1951), Tandul (1986), Calaocan (1986),  Malasin (2015) and Namnama (2015).

Other religions were also introduced in Cabatuan. Some of them were: Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons), Seventh Day Adventists, Baptist, United Methodist Church, Jehovah’s Witness, Pentecost and Born Again Christians.

The ACADEME

On March 2, 1916, the pioneers of Cabatuan established the first school, Cabatuan Primary School (now the Cabatuan West Central School). The lot was bought from the Bureau of Lands and the first teacher was Maria de Roca from Cabagan town. Other pioneering teachers were B. Allam (from Palattao, Reina Mercedes town) and Emilio Aggari. During those days, Cabatuan was a part of the Cauayan District and the school supervisor was Gaspar Suguitan. The school became a complete elementary in 1925. Soon, the population of Barrio Cabatuan increased rapidly which paved way for the creation of more school: Culing Elementary School (1934), Luzon Elementary School (1946), Namnama Elementary School (1946), S.G. Diamantina Elementary School (1947), La Paz Elementary School (1948), Macalaoat Elementary School (1950), Cabatuan East Central School (1951), Canan Elementary School (1955), L.B.G. Tandul Elementary School (1957), Calaocan Elementary School (1959), Rang-ay Elementary School (1970), D. Munsayac-Nueva Era Elementary School (1971), Ortiz-Saranay Elementary School (1978), Paraiso Elementary School (2000) and Del Corpuz-Ramento Elementary School (2004). In 2003, Cabatuan District was divided into two with Dr. Pacifico C. Lopez as Officer-in-Charge in Cabatuan East District while Renato L. Gozum remains the head in Cabatuan West District.

On September of 1946, the Chinese migrants established the first high school to provide their descendants a chance to learn the Chinese tradition and social values. One of the migrants, Lorenzo Uy supervised the school with Cu Cui Hong as the first principal. The new-born school was first located in a private residence in front of the present A. Bonifacio Park owned by Teodoro Padron, which was later transferred near the Garcia almasin. The Chinese school is now known as Philippine Yuh Chiau School.

In 1951, the Cabatuan High School was organized and administered by the Suguitan family with Andres Suguitan as president and Charlemagne G. Suguitan as principal. The new school was located in Barrio Magdalena and was later transferred to Barangay Saranay in 1968. After over six decades, the school closed in 2015.

In 1952, Sofia Sebastian established the Cabatuan Fashion School to mold young artistic Cabatuanenses in the art of dress-making and fashion designing. The female dominated school lasted for more than half a decade.

In 1966, the Catholic parishioners clamored for a secondary school that would cater to the Catholic families in Cabatuan, thus, the La Salette of Cabatuan was born. On May 1967, Father André A. Lussier, MS, assisted Bishop Teodulfo Domingo, DD on the laying of the cornerstone of the new school with Father Rutillo B. Mallilin as the first rector. In 1989, the La Salette of Cabatuan expanded with the establishment of an elementary department with Editha B. Subillaga as the first school head.

In 1993, through the joint efforts of the DECS leadership, Renato L. Gozum, PTCA led by Sangguniang Bayan Member Edwin S. Santos and the municipal officials headed by Mayor Atanasio T. Dayrit, Jr., the Cabatuan National High School was created. They were able to acquire a land to accommodate Cabatuan’s first public high school in Barangay Del Pilar with Eliseo D. Vea as the first school head. In the effort to offer affordable education to the growing public, the La Paz and Diamantina campuses were opened during Mayor Alma A. Dayrit’s term. In 2006, another extension of the public national high school established the Culing campus but due to the small enrollment, it was temporarily closed in 2008.

In 1995, a private primary and intermediate school was established by Dr. Gertrudes T. Acosta. The school was named Nazareth School of Cabatuan. It was first stationed in Barangay Centro within the Angco compound and was later transferred to Barangay Magdalena.

NATURAL CALAMITIES

Cabatuan was not spared from natural calamities that struck the country. Significant catastrophes and natural disasters include: the Great Flood of 1936, Earthquake of 1949 and the Super Typhoons of 1993, 1998 and 2003.

In 1936, the Magat and Cagayan Rivers overflowed after continuous heavy rains and flooded the riverbanks of the river-barangays along their courses. One of the greatly affected villages was the Barrio of San Lucas located adjacent Barrio Sarrateña (now Barangay Luzon) near the municipal district of Antatet (now Luna town). The grand overflow submerged the community, which prompted the residence to seek shelter in the neighboring Barrio of Sarrateña. The great flood subsided except in some areas like San Lucas, which remained underwater for a long time. This made the evacuees decide to remain in Sarrateña. The great flood of 1936 left Barrio San Lucas abandoned and ceased to exist as a community. The 1936 flood also submerged the barrios of Buenavista, Caggong, Diamantina, Culing, Macalaoat, and Cabatuan (poblacion). The subsequent overflow of the Macañao creek, a tributary of the Magat, also flooded the barrios of Canan, Namnama and Tandul Viejo.

On December 29, 1949, the new-born town of Cabatuan and the rest of Luzon experienced one of the greatest earthquakes remembered in the history of the region. The terrain in the poblacion and the adjacent barrios opened up and created big ditches swallowing everything on its path. Deep wells crumbled and the water from within sprung like fountains high in the air. Recorded at intensity VII, the epicenter of the earthquake was located instrumentally in the vicinity of 17°00’N latitude and 121°38’E longitude in Isabela province west of the Cagayan River. The first major shock occurred at 11:05 in the morning. Over 50 aftershocks were felt in the vicinity of the epicenter the following week. The earthquake was decidedly of tectonic origin due to readjustments of the rock strata within the earth’s crust. Water and sand came out of fissures in the ground and gave off a sulphurous odor due to rotting vegetation in the lower deposits. Other strong earthquakes, which were felt in Cabatuan were: the Great Earthquakes of August 2, 1968 (Ruby Tower) and July 16, 1990 (Baguio and Cabanatuan City).

Supertyphoons did not spare Cabatuan. The most recent and most significant disastrous (signal No. 4) typhoons were: Goring, Iliang and Harurot. Goring (June 23-27, 1993), international code named Koryn 9302, was spotted near Truk Island in the Pacific on June 23 in the morning with a climatological speed of 20 kilometers per hour (kph) and by the afternoon of June 25, its winds peaked to 220 kph and reached Isabela with sustained winds of 150 kph towards Mountain Province. Goring downed numerous houses in Cabatuan, others were stripped off their roofs and millions of agricultural products were damaged.

Iliang (October 11-16, 1998), international code named Zeb 9810, originated in an area north of Caroline Islands and with central winds of 240 (kph). By eight in the morning of October 14, it slowly crossed over Cagayan Valley to Balintang-Bashi channel. Iliang caused numerous trees uprooted in the national highway of Cabatuan and damage to millions worth of palay and other crops. Electric poles and lines were down and the Magat River reached the level of the dikes at its banks.

Harurot (July 19-23, 2003), international codenamed Imbudo 0307, developed east of Guam and with maximum winds of 190 to 230 kph. It reached Palanan, Isabela on July 21 and brought very severe damage to crops and property. Cabatuan was in darkness for over a month due to the destruction of main lines and post and other ISELCO facilities. 

Juan (October 18-20, 2010), international codenamed Megi, was one of the most intense tropical cyclones on record. Juan made its first landfall in Isabela, its second landfall over Zhangpu in Fujian, China and killed 31 people and caused $255.1 million in damage over Luzon, making it one of the costliest typhoons in the Philippines.  

Other disastrous cyclones that passed through Cabatuan area since 1948, which brought rains and strong winds creating extensive loses to properties and crops were: Typhoon of August 28-September 2, 1948, Iris (May 2-9, 1951), Louise (July 27-31, 1951), Cora (November 13-18, 1953), Ruby (November 5-9, 1954), Sally (November 12-22, 1954), Charlotte (August 26-29, 1956), Wendy (July 12-15, 1957), Kit (November 9-16, 1957), Freda (November 13-18, 1959), Luding (August 10-14, 1963), Seniang (August 4-7, 1964), Dorang (October 3-5, 1964), Miling (July 9-14, 1965), Trining (October 14-18, 1967), Huaning (August 17-20, 1968), Nitang (September 24-29, 1968), Pitang (September 8-12, 1970), Luding (June 11-12, 14-16, 1972), Luming (October 2-9, 1973), Bising (June 8-11, 1974), Iliang (July 18-20, 1974), Susang (October 8-12, 1974), Tering (October 14-17, 1974), Wening (October 25-28, 1974), Aning (November 4-7, 1974), Didang (May 15-26, 1976), Openg (September 14-20, 1977), Nitang (July 18-22, 1980 and Osang (July 22-27, 1980), Ditang (May 10-21, 1980), Bidang (December 7-11, 1982), Weling (October 12-15, 1982), Klaring (May 17-22, 1982), Warling (November 17-27, 1983), Welpring (November 14-22, 1983), Kuring (June 20-24, 1985), Weling (November 18-24, 1986), Pepang (October 21-25, 1987), Ising (August 12-20, 1987), Karing (July 10-14, 1987), Toyang (October 19-21, 1988), Huaning (July 16-18, 1988), Unsing (November 16-23, 1989), Tasing (October 13-20, 1989), Openg (September 7-12, 1989), Goring (July 13-16, 1989), Bising (June 17-23, 1990), Klaring (June 24-29, 1990), Warling (November 8-14, 1991), Trining (October 24-31, 1991), Husing (October 28-November 2, 1993), Adiang (September 30-October 7, 1993), Ritang (August 4-7, 1994), Gening (August 25-31, 1995), Seniang (October 14-19, 1996), Gloring (July 21-27, 1996), Konsing (May 11-17, 1996), Viring (October 30-November 2, 2003) and Egay (June 13-18, 2003). Cabatuan (and Isabela province) was visited with a total of 11 tropical depressions, 21 tropical storms and 24 typhoons from 1948 to year 2000.

The BARANGAYS

Upon the creation of Cabatuan in 1949, twelve barrios were extracted from the mother-town of Cauayan. They were: Cabatuan (the seat of government), Buenavista, Caggong, Canan, Culing, Diamantina, Luzon, Macalaoat, Magdalena, Namnama, Tandul Viejo and Villa Visaya. The three sitios were: Nueva Era, Sampaloc and Saranay.

In 1951, a major re-organization was made creating the new barrios of: Calaocan (from Culing), Centro East (from the old Barrio of Cabatuan-poblacion), Centro West (from the old Barrio of Cabatuan-poblacion), La Paz (from Canan and Namnama), Nueva Era 1 (from Culing), Nueva Era 2 (from Culing), Sampaloc and Saranay. Barrio Buenavista, on the other hand, was joined with Barrio Caggong while Barrio Villa Visaya was also incorporated with Barrio Diamantina.

In 1956, two additional barrios were formed. Barrio Del Pilar was created from Magdalena while Barrio Del Corpuz was extracted from Nueva Era 1.

In 1964, Barrio Centro West was renamed to T. Abad honoring one of the founders of Cabatuan, Señor Teodoro Abad while Barrio Centro East was simply called Barrio Centro. Also the same year, Barrio Caggong was re-christened to Rang-ay while Barrio Tandul Viejo was simply called Tandul. Barrio Nueva Era 1 was renamed to Culing West while the remaining fraction of old Culing was called Culing East. Barrio Nueva Era 2 was plainly called Nueva Era.

In 1969, Barrios Culing East, Culing West and Del Corpuz were chopped to accommodate a new barrio and was named Culing Centro.

The continuous re-organization of the barangay administrative and political set-up divided Barrio Macalaoat and in 1972, the Barrios of Magsaysay and Paraiso were created. The territory of Barrio Magsaysay was derived from the western portion while Barrio Paraiso got its land area at the eastern side of Macalaoat. Also in the same year, Barrio T. Abad was again renamed to San Andres to honor Cabatuan’s patron, Saint Andrew the Apostle.

Today the Municipality of Cabatuan has 22 barangays, to wit: Calaocan, Canan, Centro, Culing East, Culing Centro, Culing West, Del Corpuz, Del Pilar, Diamantina, La Paz, Luzon, Macalaoat, Magdalena, Magsaysay, Namnama, Nueva Era, Paraiso, Rang-ay, Sampaloc, San Andres, Saranay and Tandul.

CABATUAN PROFILE

Cabatuan is a fourth class municipality located at the southwestern part of the province of Isabela. It is bounded by the Municipality of Luna in the east, City of Cauayan in the south, Municipality of San Mateo in the west and the Municipality of Aurora in the north. The land terrain is generally broad and level plain covering 8,077 hectares with the following rivers and streams: Magat, Macañao, Ubbog, Pacarcar, Diamantina, Gaddanan, Marabullig and Balaobao. Official census undertaken in the year 2000 revealed a population count of 31,659 densely scattered among the twenty-two barangays. The mother tongue is Ilocano with 94% while 4% speak Tagalog and the remaining other minor dialects. Cabatuan is considered as one of the rice granary of the region having the following giant ricemills: Apollo Ricemill, Cabatuan Ricemill, Farmer’s Grain Ricemill, Fortune Ricemill, Four Season’s Ricemill, Golden Harvest Ricemill, Jimmy’s Ricemill, Mapalad Ricemill, Valiant Ricemill and Victory Ricemill. Numerous rice dealers are scattered within the municipality.

Cabatuan is the site of the Magat Bridge, considered one of the longest bridge in the country. It is also the crossroad of two major highways, the Daang Maharlika and the STR (Santiago-Tuguegarao Road). Cabatuan is also the home of the luscious Kankanen Festival, a showcase of native delicacies made of glutinous rice worth mentioning is the moriecos. Mayor Alma Dayrit and the Rural Improvement Club started this annual tradition in 2003 and done on the Foundation Day rites of every year. Cabatuan’s official folk dance is the Sinilyasi which was launched in 2008. Saint Andrew the Apostle is the patron and his feast day is celebrated by the Roman Catholic and Aglipayan Church (Independent Church of Filipino Christians) every 30^th of November.

Cabatuan, with the official tagline “Land of the Golden Grains”, is one of the melting pots of the region where travelers, merchants and migrants from Ilocos, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Tarlac and provinces from the Tagalog region came to settle in the town upon learning of the fertile land and hospitality of the Cabatuaneneses.