179. NANANG
Nanang, as we fondly call our maternal grandmother would have been a hundred
and nine years old today. Relatives and fellow Cabatuanenses call her
“Cianing”, a shortened version of her official baptismal name, Marciana.
The parents of Nanang were Ilocanos. His father, Feliciano “Ciano” Agustin
Ramos (June 9, 1880-January 26, 1979) was the son of Leon Ramos and Josefa
Agustin who all hailed from the old pueblo of Bacarra in Ilocos Norte. While
her mother, Juliana “Ulling” Dela Cruz Borromeo (January 27, 1883-October 10,
1978) was the daughter of Gregorio Borromeo and Simeona Rumbaoa Dela Cruz, all
residents of the capital town of Laoag (now a city), also in the same province.
The couple decided to migrate to Cagayan Valley around 1912 in search for
greener pasture and to follow their relatives who travelled earlier. Sailing
off the coast of Ilocos Norte, they followed the coastline of northern Luzon
and braved the South China Sea (now West Philippine Sea) and the Babuyan
Channel and reached the delta-town of Aparri, Cagayan. Using bancas, they
sailed south, trekking the crocodile infested Cagayan River passing through the
old towns of Cagayan, entered Isabela province and settled in Barrio Addalam in
the then Spanish-pueblo of Echague, Isabela together with their daughter,
Nicanora (later Mrs. Tomacruz). Addalam became a part of the newly created
Jones town in 1921. It was here on July 12, 1914 when Nanang was born. After
two years, another sibling, Cenon, was added to the growing family.
In 1919, the Ramos family decided to continue their migration, this time
heading to the west where the mighty and winding Magat River rests. From
Turayong, Cauayan, they rode a cariton and settled in Barrio Cabatuan where
their relatives were now situated and established. Two other children were
born: Apolonia (Mrs. Santos) and Jose. They helped erect the Aglipayan Church
on a lot donated by them. Nanang grew up and studied at the Cabatuan Barrio
School and eventually became a master merchant of dry goods at the barrio
public market in what is now the Bonifacio Park in Barangays San Andres and Del
Pilar. She was a member of the Cabatuan Civic Circle, the organization of young
professionals and sons and daughters of the founders of Cabatuan. Her father,
Ciano was elected a barrio lieutenant and served from 1928-1930 while her
mother Ulling, was a respected elder woman of the barrio and usually was
responsible in giving blessings and advices to soon-to-be couples.
During the Japanese Occupation, the Ramos family evacuated to Barrio Bolinao in
Dalig town (now the town of Aurora, Isabela) where they owned a vast track of
agricultural land stretching up to the hills of Potia (now Alfonso Lista),
Ifugao. After Liberation, she met and was courted and eventually married the
municipal clerk (assistant treasurer) of Cordon town, a Capampangan by roots
(Macabebe) - Mr. Rafael Maniego Gozum (October 24, 1919 - July 24, 2007) on
July 6, 1946 at the Our Lady of the Pillar Parish Church in the mothertown of
Cauayan, Isabela. Nineteen exchanges of love letters are still intact up to
this day and were compiled in book form. The couple had eight children: Librada
(Mrs. Liquigan), Renato, Victor, Liliosa (Mrs. Miano, my mother), Sylvia (†),
Amelia Flor (Mrs. Carreon), Rafael Mateo Jr. and Milagros Andrea.
Nanang was witness, in many occasions, how the Barrio of Cabatuan was planning
for segregation from the mothertown of Cauayan. It was in the residence of her
older sister Orang (Nicanora & husband USAFFE Captain Damian S. Tomacruz)
where the mission was finalized. On the fateful day of November 5, 1949,
Executive Order No. 293 was signed by President Elpidio Quirino in Malacañang
creating the independent Municipality of Cabatuan, Isabela. It was in the
residence of Nanang and Tatang where the appointed municipal officials headed
by Mayor Teodulfo D. Rumbaoa held office from January to June 1950, free of
charge, until they transferred to a structure of cogon and bamboo in what is
now the present site of the townhall. Nanang served as a hostess not only for
the officials but to all Cabatuanense who would visit their abode.
For the next eight years, Nanang continued to extend her hospitality including
financial assistance to the common tao when her husband was elected mayor in
the first municipal election of Cabatuan in 1951 and was reelected in 1955,
serving eight years from January 1, 1952 up to December 31, 1959.
After her social responsibility as a "mayora", Nanang served as
manager of the Philippine Tobacco Administration and for the next three decades
as an Underwriter of the Philippine American Life Insurance Company. As an
insurance agent, she was outstanding and received many awards, citations and
commendations. Her numerous respectable and rich clients were a sign of her
untainted reputation.
During the second term of Mayor Benedicto A. Acosta, MD, Nanang was appointed
as municipal councilor to fill up the vacancy brought about by the resignation
of a partymate who sought a higher office. She took her oath before Isabela
Governor Samuel F. Reyes at the Provincial Capitol on September 9, 1971. One of
her legacies was the illumination of dark street corners in the poblacion.
As a mother, Nanang was able to bring all her children to school and all
graduated with a baccalaureate degree. As a grandmother, she was always present
in almost all graduations rites of her apos. She once again became the
"mayora" of the town when her husband was appointed mayor from
December 2, 1987 up to February 5, 1988.
Nanang was extra religious. She was an active and founding member of the
Catholic Women's League of Cabatuan and the Adoracion Nocturna. She also love
to travel and at one time visited her relatives in the United States and her
daughter in the United Arab Emirates. On her last years on earth, she visited
the countryside and resided in Manila. She went home to Cabatuan where she
peacefully joined our Creator on June 13, 2004.
Nanang, Mrs. Marciana Borromeo Ramos-Gozum, is a concrete example of a very
caring sister, loving mother, affectionate grandmother, hardworking
businesswoman, model employee and selfless public servant. Nanang’s ninety
years stay on earth surely made a big positive difference in the lives of her
children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, relatives, peers and her beloved
Cabatuanenses in the town she saw rise and prosper.
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