Quick History: Bayambang Through the Years
It has been 411 years since the founding of Bayambang in
1614. Known then as Malunguey and part of Binalatongan town (now San Carlos
City), the town started as a flourishing settlement of native inhabitants.
Largely an agricultural town to this day, it is a survivor of the ravages of
time: from economic woes and the impact of colonization and war to natural
calamities and man-made destruction. From being a typical sleepy provincial
town, Bayambang of today dares to dream big and soar high against all odds.
TIMELINE
Pre-colonial times
According to the records obtained from the awarans
of our old folks, such as Bernardo Gutierrez and Honorato Carungay, and also
from the testimonies of some of their contemporaries, Bayambang was founded in
the early sixteenth century by an Aeta known as Agalet.
In the early days, the Aeta founder led in forming the town
by organizing his own tribe. He formed barangays composed of small villages.
The town was first located in what is now barrio Inirangan and Hermosa (or
Hermoza) and later on moved to the barrio of Telbang and part of southern
Poblacion just at the old Spanish Catholic Cemetery which is better known as
the old Bayambang. The old Municipal building was found near the public market
until finally moved to its present location.
1614
Bayambang, known then as Malunguey or Balonguey, became
a visita (a settlement of families under the jurisdiction of
the motherhouse regularly visited by a religious functionary for its religious
needs) of the Vicar of Binalatongan (now City of San Carlos).
1619
Malunguey was accepted as one of the vicariates of the
Dominican Order at the Provincial Chapter of 1619 under the patronage of Saint
Vincent Ferrer. It became independent from its matrix Binalatongan.
1660
In October, an uprising in Malunguey broke out, though this
was immediately quelled by Spanish forces. When the Malong revolt broke out two
months later, the people of Malunguey joined Andres Malong in their disgust
over the excesses of the Spanish authorities. Malunguey, along with
Binalatongan, were the two remaining rebel towns at the end of the revolt.
Telbang, a native settlement, was placed under the
jurisdiction of Malunguey.
1741
The original church and convent of Malunguey was transferred
from its original location to a more elevated place called Bayambang, the
present town, after the recurrence of destructive flooding.
The name of the town, Bayambang, is thought to be have come
from the colibangbang tree (with culibangbang and kulibangbang as
variants), Bauhinia or Piliostigma acuminata or malabarica,
which used to thrive in the area. However, this is contested since "colibangbang"
is an Ilocano word for "butterfly," and there exists another plant
that is, in fact, called “bayambang” in Tagalog, the Amaranthus
spinosus (Linn.) or uray or kulitis, and
then another, Celosia or Deeringia polysperma, an
ornamental amaranth species. Then again, "balangabang" or “balangbang"
is also another local word for "colibangbang." Incidentally,
"bayangbang" is also a Tagalog term for the sword fern
or Nephrolepis hirsutula. To complicate matters, in Pangasinan, the
word "bayambang" is a native term that refers to a place that
is "madanom" (Pangasinan for "matubig" or
"waterlogged"), which exactly describes some flood-prone barangays of
the town today lying along Agno River. Furthermore, "balangbang"
is the term for hip in the Pangasinan language. What further complicates the
origin story further is another theory that Bayambang might have come from
"bayang-bayang," an old native term for the scarecrows used to
scare off the anuyais birds from the rice fields.
1763
On March 1, rebels under the command of Juan Dela Cruz
Palaris, the leader of the Palaris revolt which started on 1762, mounted
captured cannons in a bridge in Bayambang towards the direction of the
Spaniards. In the said battle, the Spanish forces were able to capture the
staff of the rebels. However, they didn’t pursue the rebels but instead
returned to their home base on Bacolor, Pampanga.
1792
Under the Spanish regime, the first chief executive of the
town was Vicente Cayabyab who held office as gobernadorcillo. This
office was held from 1792 to 1891, with Julio Gloria as the last gobernadorcillo.
1813
The construction of the church and the convent, made of
bricks and stone, started this year.
1834
The Alcalde Mayor of Pangasinan submitted a petition to
acquire two big boats for use in the transport of mails between Bayambang and
Paniqui in Tarlac, and for use during floods.
1838
Camiling became independent of Bayambang.
1855
Domingo Junio dela Cruz, then the town’s gobernadorcillo or
mayor, submitted a petition to construct a new town hall to the office of the
Alcalde Mayor of Pangasinan. He was supported by the town’s parish priest, Fr.
Raymundo Barcelo.
1865
Agapito Dison was the gobernadorcillo del pueblo.
The first Pangasinan-Spanish dictionary produced by Father
Lorenzo Fernandez Cosgaya was compiled in Bayambang.
1875
On May 25, Catalina de Seña led a petition where the people
of Barrio Hermoza requests to separate from Bayambang due to its immense
distance to the town center. The petition forwarded to the Alcalde Mayor of
Pangasinan.
A petition from the people of Dangla, a barrio of Bayambang,
to become a separate town was granted with 11 cabecerias or
barrios composing the new town which was later named Alcala.
1877
The gobernadorcillo del pueblo was Pedro
Bautista.
1880
On March 6, the Alcalde Mayor of Pangasinan elevated to the
office of the Governor General the request of Doña Modesta Leonarda Mendoza to
operate public school for girls.
One of the first three rice mills in Pangasinan was
installed and operated in Bayambang by British firm Smith, Bell and Company.
1892
The title of local chief executive was changed to Capitan
Municipal, with Mauricio de Guzman as the first capitan. His
successors were Honorato Carungay, Lorenzo Rodriguez, a Spaniard, and Julian
Mananzan, who was the last of the capitanes.
At the time of Capitan Municipal Mauricio de Guzman, the
Juez de Paz was Ramon de Castro, the Cura Parroco was Padre Feliciano Fernandez
Martin, and public education (instruccion publica) was handled by
Profesor Juan Sison and Profesora Francisca Navarrete, there were rice milling
machines, warehouses, and traders, and there were groceries and shops. The one
in charge of the rice mills (maquinas para mondar arroz) was Mr. Bray of
Smith Bell & Co. which was a British investor in rice buying and
exportation, and the grocery (comestibles) proprietor was Manuel
Espinosa.
1896
On April 6, Fr. Feliciano Martin started the construction of
the first stone-fenced cemetery, which was completed under the leadership of
secular priest Fr. Frangno Fernandez. (Today, only its entrance arch remains,
with Heritage Rd., Brgy. Cadre Site as its address.)
On June 1, in the midst of the ongoing revolution against
Spain, an inventory of church properties was conducted with the intent that
whatever result the uncertain times might bring, the properties were properly
accounted for.
1897
"The Katipunan contingent attempted to raid the town's
Spanish detachment, to engage in an agaw-armas activity, and
the Spaniard's reaction may have affected the Katipunan's activities in the
province.”
"In retaliation, General Ricardo Monet, the Spanish
commander of the Bayambang detachment, put the town of Bayambang under
the juez de cuchillo (literally judge of the knife, meaning
justice of the sword). The Spanish army rounded up the suspected Katipuneros of
Bayambang and massacred them. Then they burned the poblacion of
Bayambang. Finally, General Monet issued a warning that he would place any town
[in Pangasinan] under the juez de cuchillo if the rebels
attacked any Spanish guardia civil. This must have tied the hands
of the Pangasinan Katipuneros."
“Bayambang thus became the first town in Pangasinan to go
through juez de cuchillo, with many of the prominent men of the
town executed and almost all their houses razed to the ground. The rich and
poor alike had to flee for their lives because of the cruelty of the Spaniards.
It was only through the intervention of a Spanish-Filipino general that
the juez de cuchillo ended.”
1898
Bayambang was a pueblo with 8,505 inhabitants, according to
the "Anuario del Comercio de la Industria de la Magistratura y de la
Administracion" (1898). Local farmers produced rice, corn, sweet potato,
banana, sugar, tobacco, coffee, cocoa, coconut oil, indigo dye, and mung beans.
During the Revolutionary period, Saturnino Junio was
appointed the Presidente (chief executive) of the town.
Julian Mananzan was Vice-Presidente, Mateo Mananzan and
Felix Tamondong were Komandante, and Juan Fajardo was Juez Ynstructor.
1899
In June, General Antonio Luna had his brief encampment in
Bayambang to prepare the defense of General Emilio Aguinaldo. Here, he received
a telegram from General Aguinaldo ordering him to report to Cabanatuan, Nueva
Ecija to see the General.
Gen. Gregorio del Pilar went to Bayambang in hot pursuit of
Gen. Antonio Luna and his men.
Jose Palma, a staff member of the Revolutionary Government’s
newspaper “La Independencia,” wrote a Spanish poem, “Filipinas,” that became
the lyrics of “Marcha Nacional Filipina,” now the Philippine National Anthem.
He penned the poem in Bautista, then a sitio of Bayambang.
On November 12, Bayambang became the 5th capital of the
short-lived Philippine Republic when General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first
president of the Philippine Republic, transferred the seat of government here.
At the same time, the regular army was disbanded and the revolutionaries
resorted to guerrilla warfare in dealing with the Krag-wielding American army.
While Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and company were on their way to
Bayambang, his daughter Flora Victoria died of undisclosed cause, and when they
reached the town, she was buried at the local church.
Around this time, an equally historical event was the
stealthy publication of an issue or issues of "La Independencia,"
the First Philippine Republic's newspaper. Originally edited by General Antonio
Luna, this issue must have been edited by poet-soldier Jose Palma. Recounts
historian Ricardo Jose in his book on the history of local journalism, "As
the Americans advanced, the press moved northward (right inside the coach of
the Ferrocarril de Manila-Dagupan): to Angeles, Tarlac and finally to Bautista,
Pangasinan."
"Due to the difficult conditions and shortage of
printing materials, the size of the paper shrank and the number of pages
dropped to two. Paper was never totally lacking, as loyal Filipinos somehow
were able to maintain the supply of newsprint, but the difficulties of putting
out the paper under siege conditions finally became so great that the press and
its materials were buried near the final office of the paper. Palma and his
compatriots then escaped to Camiling, Tarlac."
An account of General Elwell Stephen Otis reveals that the
American army was eventually able to retrieve the buried printing press. How
they were able to locate the printing press in its place of concealment is a
mystery.
Ricardo Jose also wrote that, apart from "La
Independencia" in Manila, "there were other local nationalistic
papers" published between 1899 to 1900 in the Philippines, and
"Bayambang, Pangasinan had Babasaey Ombaley, a bilingual paper
in Pangasinan and Ilocano."
1900?
When the military government was inaugurated by the
Americans, Evaristo E. Dimalanta was appointed president.
1900?
At the inauguration of the American-era civil government,
Laureano Roldan was appointed first president of the town. The succeeding
presidents according to their terms of office were Albino Garcia, Gavino de
Guzman, Mateo Mananzan, Marciano Fajardo, Agustin Carungay, Emeterio Mananzan,
and Eusebio Camacho.
“There was only one main street in the Poblacion area. Lined
up along the main street were the houses of the original families, most of whom
were attributed to as prominente or buenas familias or
considered affluent and belonging to the upper echelon of society. They were
looked upon as superior by those living in the barrios, who usually were
tenants of the prominente familias.”
“As years went by, the divide between the prominente and
non-prominente familias slowly diminished and the Poblacion was
peopled by families living on common grounds.”
1901
Bautista, a sitio of Bayambang, became a separate town.
1903
On October 13, the US colonial government declared 289
hectares of land in Bayambang as Camp Gregg Military Reservation, covering 12
barangays. American forces established camps and posts in different parts
of Bayambang.
1906
Gavino de Guzman became Municipal President up to 1907.
1908
The Philippine Postal Savings Bank opened a branch in
Bayambang two years after it opened for business in 1906.
1910s
“The main thoroughfare of the Poblacion was always flooded
at the onset of the rainy season. The townsfolk resorted to using an outrigger
boat (baluto or banca) as a means of transport. In
events like this, the ladies and bachelors enjoyed each other’s company while
riding boats. The ladies wore takuko (a wide-brimmed native
hat) on their heads to protect them from rain.”
“The wooden-bamboo bridge connecting Bayambang and Bautista
(now Calvo Bridge) was a favorite hang-out of the young ladies and bachelors in
the absence of parks and other recreational spots. Another hang-out
was the pagoda with the bell located at the old H.E. Building of the Bayambang
Normal School.”
“In the absence of an auditorium, big social events were
held at the public market where a makeshift stage was built. Some of these
events were the coronation of beauty queens during the town fiesta and Garden
Day and holding of Costume Balls.”
1910
According to historian Ian Alfonso, on July 17, “Major
Eugene Randolph Whitmore, M.D. administered the first anti-rabies vaccine shot
to an American soldier, believed to have been bitten by a rabid dog, at Camp
Gregg in Bayambang. From then on, the Philippine government began its quest to
eradicate rabies through vaccination.”
1914
Bayambang Central School was built by virtue of Act No. 1801
framed by Assemblyman Isauro Gabaldon of Nueva Ecija. It was reportedly built
on land donated by Don Apolonio Perez Mataban’s family. The original building
was the one that used to house the school library for the longest time.
1916
“The Calvo Bridge, completed in 1916, was a crucial
infrastructure project that improved transportation and connectivity in the
region. Built at a cost of ₱87,779.51, it symbolized the Philippine
government's investment in modern road networks during the American colonial
period.”
1919
Dr. Raymundo O. Camacho became Assemblyman of the third
district of Pangasinan in 1919-1922 and 1922-1925. He became the founder of the
Pangasinan Medical Society and the first director of the Pangasinan Provincial
Hospital.
1920
Eusebio C. Camacho became Municipal President up to 1925. He
held office for two terms but died during the second year of his second term.
He was succeeded by his vice president, Eustaquio Bautista.
1922
Gabaldon buildings were erected at the old Bayambang Central
School campus and the present site of Pangasinan State University - Bayambang
Campus. The Bayambang Normal School started operations to produce much-needed
public school teachers until it was temporarily closed in 1935.
1926
Emeterio C. Camacho became Municipal President up to 1928
when he won the election against Enrique M. Roldan.
Farmacia San Rafael, Bayambang’s first drug store, was
established.
1929
Enrique M. Roldan started his three terms as Municipal
President up to 1937.
1930
Victorina Cayabyab (Brillante) was crowned as Miss
Bayambang, possibly the earliest on record.
1933
On January 21, the Mangabul Fishery Reservation was
established by virtue of Republic Act 4041, with usufructuary rights awarded by
the national government to the Municipality of Bayambang.
In September 16, Bayambang Normal School, through the the
BNS Student Council headed by BNS Student Association President Sixto Sanchez,
served as a venue for the gathering of Pangasinan secondary schools, resulting
in the creation of the Secondary Students' Federation. BNS Principal Richard
Patterson enthusiastically lent his support to the organization's aims. (The
Tribune, 1933)
1930s
The local parish church was popularly called a shrine of
Saint Vincent Ferrer. Everyday, devotees from other towns would visit the
church because of what they believed was the saint’s miraculous
power. People who were suffering from certain ailments would walk
with their knees from the last pew up to the altar, then up to the statue of
the saint. The church was open wide daily, as devotees came and went, with the
devotees claiming they felt well after paying homage to the saint.
Bubon nen San Vicente Ferrer near M.H. Del Pilar St. became
popular with devotees as a site in which to bathe or to procure what they
professed to be healing water.
In the latter part of the decade, the original plaza was a
vast uninterrupted expanse of open space extending to the lot occupied by the
old accessoria that included the lot occupied by Royal Mall
today right along the Agno River.
?1920s
The town’s Puericulture Center opened, and it was managed by
a private organization under Dr. Santos.
According to Perfector Beltran’s recollection, Dr. Dimalanta
was the first Puericulture Center physician, Dr. Anselmo Gomez the first
private medical practitioner, Dr. Pacia the first dental practitioner and
school dentist, Mrs. Felomena Ferrer the first Puericulture Center
nurse/midwife. Other doctors were Dr. Mateo Aguirre and Dr. Lamberto Paragas,
who both trained in the US and practiced in Bayambang.
1934
The public bandstand was erected, and was fashioned to look
like a giant crown. A gazebo or pavilion-like structure in the middle of what
is now the Public Auditorium, the bandstand was constructed under the
administration of Atty. Gerundio Umengan, Sr., then Presidente (the old term
for Mayor) from 1937 to 1940. The roofless structure was designed by the
renowned architect Juan Arellano in the Art Deco style. Surrounding the gazebo
are coconut-like concrete structures that once served as posts of big white
globular lights which illuminated the plaza at night.
1935
Mary Help of Christians Institution, Bayambang’s first
private Catholic school, was founded under the administration of the RVM
sisters. It is now known as Saint Vincent Catholic School of Bayambang Inc.
1936
On October 27, more than 200 alleged Sakdalistas, an
anti-American, left-leaning group of discontented peasants and urban workers,
were arrested and locked up in the municipal jail then faced sedition charges
in connection with their frustrated attempt to attack several municipalities in
the province, with Bayambang as their “center of operation” in the entire
province. Pablo Penullar of Bayambang was revealed to be the head of all
Sakdals in Pangasinan. An attempt to bomb the Bayambang Municipal Hall and burn
the entire town was discovered and thus foiled. 24 of them were eventually
acquitted due to “insufficient evidence.”
1937
Bayambang’s municipal building was built to serve as “abong
na baley,” literally the town’s house. A fusion of California Mission
Revival style and bahay na bato features, the architecture was
based on a standard plan known as Narvacan Type by Juan Arellano that was
adopted for other similar edifices (called Presidencia at the time) around the
country. The structure was accented vertically by a mirador (lookout
room). Through the years, the municipal building has undergone structural
changes under different administrations. The most significant changes had been
made on its facade.
1938
Atty. Gerundio Umengan took over the office of the president
of Bayambang after winning over Valentin Caragan. There was a time, however,
when Faustino van Bosch was appointed Acting President. Umengan’s term ended in
1940.
1940
Leopoldo de Aquino won the election as municipal mayor and
served up to the outbreak of the war in 1942.
1941
Japanese troops invaded Bayambang. Residents fled to the
barrios by walking at midnight.
“The 1940’s was marred by the events of the Second World
War. The Japanese atrocities left bitter memories among the Bayambangueños. Big
buildings like the church, the schools and the big houses were the target of
bombings as these were suspected to be the headquarters of the enemy. Many
Bayambangueños joined the guerrilla forces who fought against the Japanese
Imperial Army. Some of them were tortured, killed, and forced to join the
infamous Bataan Death March.”
?1941
During the Japanese regime, Bayambang was made the capital
of Pangasinan when Dr. Diaz was appointed Governor by the Japanese Imperial
Government. Dr. Diaz held his Provincial Administration Office at the residence
of Eulogio Dauz at the junction of Quezon Blvd. and M.H. Del Pilar St.
1943
During World War II, noted American military official, Col.
Edwin Ramsey, set foot in Bayambang to organize Filipino guerrillas against a
common nemesis: the Japanese Imperial Army. In the country's bitter struggle
against Japanese imperialism, Bayambang had been Lt. Edwin P. Ramsey's East
Central Luzon Guerrilla Area (ECLGA) headquarters for some time. ECLGA
encompassed Manila, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Zambales and La
Union. Ramsey's aide de camp was our very own Major Claro J. Camacho of
Barangay Nalsian.
(Major Claro J. Camacho became the first pilot from
Bayambang. He also served as Liaison Officer of the Philippine Air Force.)
According to local lore, Col. Ramsey evaded capture by the
Japanese by hiding inside a taltagan (giant boat-shaped wooden
mortar) in the barrio of Inirangan.
When liberation came, American forces bombed the big
buildings including the church and Calvo Bridge. One bomb was dropped in the
church and fell right in the middle of the aisle but did not explode, causing
no damage – a miracle attributed to the patron, St. Vincent Ferrer. Another
bomb created a huge crater north of M.H. Del Pilar St. The crater has since
been filled up with assorted materials and converted into the present barangay
hall complex.
When the military government of the Japanese Imperial Army
relinquished its military rule, Leopoldo Aquino was named municipal mayor and
served up to mid-1944.
After the war, a huge part of Bayambang became the site of
the American colonial government’s Camp Gregg Military Reservation.
1944
Mariano Fernandez took over as acting municipal mayor up to
Liberation time. He was appointed by Pangasinan governor Santiago Estrada.
On December 27, former mayor Enrique Roldan was executed
over a fishpond (Mangabul?) dispute with a rival guerilla unit but under the
guise that he was a Japanese collaborator. The masterminds were sentenced with
reclusion perpetua. (People of the Philippines vs Bato; date of decision: May
31, 1950)
Early 1940s
The Odon Rice Mill was put up in M.H. Del Pilar. It burned
down in the ‘60s.
1945
On January 7, the Pangasinan Normal School (formerly
Bayambang Normal School) started operations with 293 students.
During Liberation era, Ambrosio Gloria became the next
municipal mayor after he was appointed by the Philippine Civil Affairs Unit of
the United States Army. He served for about a year.
?1945
The Bayambang Public Cemetery was transferred to Zone V.
The Wawa bridge was built as a wooden bridge across Agno
River to connect the barrios of Oaoa (now Wawa) and San Vicente.
1946
Eligio Sagun became mayor up to 1947.
?Leopoldo Aquino reassumed the mayorship of the town for
several months, and later Bernardo Lagoy took over as municipal mayor.
The Agno River Dike was constructed.
The Adam and Eve Chapel was constructed in Sitio Bengal,
Barangay Tanolong, as a private Roman Catholic chapel originally owned by
Simplicio Junio and wife Emelia Iglesias Junio. The structure attracted
curiosity because of its unusual dedication to humanity’s purported first
parents and its underground chapel.
1940s (postwar)
The first theater rose in Bayambang.
~1946-1948
A lawyer from this town, Atty. Onofre Guevara, became
president of the Malacañang Press Corps under the term of President Manuel
Roxas.
1948
Amado Cruz of BNHS class of 1948 entered the Philippine
Military Academy just after graduation, but did not complete the four-year
cadetship.
1947
The Sagun Brothers' Rice Mill or E.T. Sagun Rice Mill was
established in what is now known as Zone VII.
Upon the assumption of President Manuel Roxas, Eligio Sagun
was appointed municipal mayor and held office up to the time of election.
1948
Leopoldo Aquino became Municipal President again up to 1950.
In the summertime, the construction of the main building of
Bayambang National High School began.
Bayambang National High School came out with "The
Torch," its school publication, with Felipe Santillan as editor-in-chief.
BNS reopened as the Pangasinan Normal School or PNS,
becoming one of the first normal schools in the Philippines. It offered a
two-year teacher education program.
1949
Upon the return of US forces after the war, the American
colonial government returned the Camp Gregg military reservation lands on March
27 to the Philippine government, particularly to the Bureau of Lands. Today,
surviving artifacts from this period include a flagpole on the top of Cadre
Site, which used to be a timberland, and a water tank nearby, now reduced to a
third of its original height and transferred to PSU-Bayambang Campus ground.
1950
The Bayambang Municipal Library was established and operated
under the Mayor’s Office through the assistance of the United States
Information Service.
Mayor Eligio Sagun gave an opportunity to several municipal
councilors to act as acting municipal mayor while he was on official business
in Manila. Those appointed as acting mayor in succession were Municipal
Councilors Paulino Martinez, Miguel Matabang, Leonardo dela Cruz, and Marcos
Junio.
Engr./Lt.Cdr Rudolfo Martinez Ferrer, PN, AFP was probably
the first Bayambangueño to enter a U.S. Service Academy, after he completed a
4-year scholarship for cadetship at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in
New York, under the RP-US Rehabilitation Act of 1946, to train as naval officer
and marine engineer.
1951
The term of Leopoldo Aquino would have expired in December
but he resigned to run for Provincial Board Member in Pangasinan.
Numeriano de Castro was appointed acting municipal mayor by
then President Elpidio Quirino. He served until 1952.
Early 1950s
Plaza Theater owned reportedly by the Sisons opened.
Val Theater, owned by the Guevara family, opened at the
Public Market.
Vista Theater, also owned by the Guevara family, opened
along Rizal Ave. (at the present site of Caragan grocery store).
?1950s
Pangasinan Normal School came out with "The
Hilltop" as school publication.
1952
Eligio Sagun then won the election. Luis Cancino was Vice
Mayor.
The present-day Municipal Plaza was constructed from a plot
of land donated by the family of Dr. Ramon de Castro, the town's first doctor
and the father of former mayor, Atty. Numeriano de Castro Sr.
On October 23 to 25, Bayambang hosted the solemn celebration
of the grand feast of Christ the King in the whole Pangasinan Archdiocese of
Lingayen-Dagupan.
PNS expanded to offer a four-year degree program in teacher
education.
1953
On June 17, Bayambang became the first pilot town in the Far
East when the Pangasinan Normal School (PNS), together with the elementary
schools in the District of Bautista and the Bayambang National High School, was
chosen to be the seat of the Philippine-UNESCO National Community Training
Center (PUNCTC) by virtue of Republic Act No. 1142. Waves of educational
dignitaries from all over the country and other countries arrived to attend
conferences and visit model communities of the municipality.
Salvador F. Quinto was municipal mayor, and his term expired
in 1959. Jose Lopez was Vice-Mayor.
The first religious nun hailing from Bayambang was Sr. Maria
Anastasia T. Arenas, RVM, who made her final profession on August 15.
1955
The first Child Study Center in the country was put up at
PNS in Bayambang. The Center made initial studies on the Filipino child in
order for the country to have its own data about Filipino children.
In October, President Ramon Magsaysay caused a stampede in
Mangabul when he brought there with him his entire Cabinet to meet out-of-town
for the first time. Thousands of rural folk turned out and mobbed the
"champion of the masses," causing some disturbance at the
makeshift venue, as they freely sought his attention to their concerns.
Eschewing protocol and formalities, he addressed those concerns one by one,
including a big land dispute, among other grievances. Magsaysay is said to donate
a water pump as well for the barrio people. This little incident is
commemorated in the erection of a statue of Pres. Magsaysay years later at the
Municipal Plaza.
1956
Salvador Quinto became Municipal President up to 1959.
Opportunity Class was organized at PNS Bayambang ahead of
any other school in the country to pay attention to exceptional children.
The first kindergarten was also established at Pangasinan
Normal Laboratory School to provide a working laboratory for the Child Study
Center.
~1956-1958
Onion farming was introduced in Bayambang in the then barrio
of Manambong by a Chinese "boat person" (a refugee from the Chinese
communist government) named Ching Tong who married a Filipina named Catalina
Vinluan Sanchez of Manambong Norte. The farm was located inside a hacienda
owned by Mrs. Asuncion Palma Guevara which used to encompass Manambong Norte,
Manambong Sur, and Manambong Parte. (Today, a school is named after her, the
A.P. Guevara Integrated School, in the place that is now called Barangay Manambong
Norte.)
1957
Jing Abalos of Brgy. San Vicente became one of Philippine
show business's most bankable action stars. He top-billed several movies during
his prime, and was most active in the years 1957-1972.
1958
Bayambang’s first optical clinic and store was established
by the Urbi family.
On July 5 to August 3, Bayambang was the venue of the First
National Institute in Physical Education and Recreation in the Philippines,
being the seat of the PUNCTC.
On March 22, the first Bayambangueño to become a priest was
Rev. Fr. Gerardo R. Frias.
1959
Ex-Councilor Miguel C. Matabang won the election in November
and served his term of office from 1960 to 1963.
?1950s
Rustico Roldan, a Bayambangueño, became a famous matinee
idol as 'Carlos Salazar.' A grandchild of former town mayor Leo Roldan, Carlos
"Rusty" Salazar was discovered by Fernando Poe, Sr. when he got the
lead male role in a stage play at the Far Eastern University where he was
studying. Salazar became a bankable actor, making numerous films in the '50s,
'60s, and '70s, starring side by side the most popular actors and actresses of
his time.
~Late 1950s
Onofre Abalos was the first Court of First Instance judge
from Bayambang.
? (no estimated date) Atty. Guillermo Aguirre became the
first municipal judge from Bayambang.
1960
Bayambang's first cold storage rose up in Bayambang.
In this decade, a water tower rose up at the Municipal Hall
compound and served as the office of the Bayambang Waterworks and Sewerage
System.
Vic Pacia of Roxas St. made it big as an actor and TV
personality in Manila from the 1960s to the early '70s. As a mainstay of the TV
show "Oras ng Ligaya" at ABS-CBN Channel 3, he worked the same
stage while sharing the limelight alongside some of the most famous names of
the day. From 1960 to 1973, Vic Pacia starred in about 30 TV shows and
movies.
1961
On April 22, two orchestra stands inside the Public Plaza
Auditorium of Bayambang were inaugurated under the charge of the Bayambang
Civic Club, Inc.
~1962-1965
Atty. Onofre Guevara served as Undersecretary of Labor and
Secretary of Labor during the presidency of Diosdado Macapagal.
1963
Atty. Jaime P. Junio was elected as mayor. He would
eventually earn the distinction of being the longest-serving mayor in the
Philippines in his prime. Serving from 1963 to 1986, Atty. Junio laid the
grounds for the long-term development of the town: asphalting of municipal
streets, opening of feeder roads, construction of the two public market
buildings, and improvement of the public plaza and auditorium.
The income of the municipality increased annually until it
was more than ₱35,000.00. Salaries of employees were increased as provided by
the Minimum Wage Law. Municipal Building Annex No. 2 was constructed. A
concrete fence was built for the municipal campus. A monument of President
Magsaysay was constructed. A children’s park and fountains were constructed.
Several equipment were acquired such as the firetruck, siren, and many others.
A velodrome was constructed in Brgy. Magsaysay, the first of
its kind in the Philippines. It would be the starting point for the famed Tour
of Luzon cycling competition, which would earn for its organizer, Atty.
Geruncio 'Gerry' Lacuesta, the moniker "father of Philippine
cycling."
1965
Purificacion Angeles Terrado-Lalas put up the Bayambang
Fashion School, which lasted until 1979, then became the Makapuri Fashion from 1979 to 2014. Lalas was not
just the owner, but also the directress and instructor of the said fashion
school. She taught hundreds
of students who graduated
from said institution in vocational courses such as fashion design,
dressmaking, tailoring, hair and makeup arts, artificial flower making and
floral arrangement, crocheting, tatting, and embroidery.
1966
Pangasinan Normal School pioneered in child nutrition
studies in the Philippines, being the seat of the UNESCO's Applied Nutrition
Project or the Bayambang Applied Nutrition Project, with Sylvia Manlungat as
head.
1967
Mayor Jaime P. Junio ran for re-election and won against
ex-Mayor Miguel C. Matabang for the second time.
?1960s
Casingal Building was erected. It was the first five-story
building in town serving both as residence and commercial space for rent.
1967
Manganaan Building was erected across the Public Market and
along M.H. Del Pilar St. It rented out spaces for merchants of basic
commodities, becoming the town’s first commercial complex.
1968
Marina Sabangan compiled Pangasinan folk songs, tales, and
sayings in her dissertation, “A Study of the Legends, Customs, Superstitions,
Proverbs, Folksongs, Folk Dances and Ballads of Pangasinan-speaking Towns in
Pangasinan” at the Pangasinan Normal School.
1969
Republic Act 5705 converted the PNS into a chartered
institution, the Central Luzon Teachers College or CLTC on June 21.
On December 27, Bayambang held its first Inter-Color
Basketball Tournament at the Bayambang Open Court.
?1960s
The town’s first gymnasium was built in PNS (PSU) and named
after prominent educator Benigno V. Aldana.
1970
Atty. Geruncio 'Gerry' Lacuesta pioneered not just bicycle
tours in the Philippines. Being a media man and the editor of “Katas” (a local
version of the “Reader’s Digest”), he also pioneered
Bayambang's community newspaper, "Bayambang-Bautista Post,"
which first came out on February 15, and later became the "Bayambang
Post." Domingo Tagulao, a former school teacher, was the editor-in chief
of "Bayambang-Bautista Post."
On February 15, "the Wawa Timber Bridge was
inaugurated, and it was said to be the longest timber bridge in the Philippines
consisting of 38 spans measuring 1,160 feet."
The Philippine Police Commission designated Bayambang as one
of the screening centers in Pangasinan to approve applicants to take Patrolman
Civil Service Examination for municipal and chartered cities. Atty. Ruperto de
Guzman, the Chief of Police, chaired the screening committee.
?1970s
Mayor Jaime Junio organized the Bayambang Choral Group. The
group, with The Brown Boys, once guested in a popular late-night show by Joe
Quirino.
Priscila de Vera became the first female municipal
councilor, and the number one councilor too at the young age of 27, ending the
era of “Dons” as exclusive rulers.
Norma Lomibao Cancino of Brgy. Alinggan became the first
barangay captain when she was all of 19.
1972
"The great flood of 1972," when it rained for 40
days straight, did not spare the town. The Wawa timber bridge was destroyed by
a great flood brought on by Typhoon 'Biring.'
Ms. Maria Venus A. Junio became the first Ms. Pangasinan
from Bayambang.
1973
The 3rd Congressional District Boy Scout Camporal was held
here on February 22-26.
The cornerstones of the parish church belfry were laid on
March 4.
1974
On April 5, the towering belfry beside the church was
blessed and inaugurated. It houses the old bells.
The first Kabataang Barangay (KB) President of Bayambang was
Filipinas Santillan. She also became the KB Federation President of Pangasinan
during her term, beating Conrado Estrella III. The first KB Kagawads were
Virgil R. Gomez, Anthony C. Antonio, Herminigildo Iglesias, Prospero S.
Poserio, Oggie Agas Taguiang, and Mario C. Camacho.
1975
The first community of Muslim traders settled along Quezon
Blvd. corner Burgos St.
On April 4, the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural
Resources disapproved a municipal ordinance granting fishery privileges to
Atty. Geruncio Lacuesta as administrator of Mangabul Fishery Reservation
because it was reportedly illegal since it was bereft of public bidding.
1976
The [Central] Pangasinan Electric Cooperative Inc.
(CENPELCO), a non-stock electric cooperative, started its operations and
extended services to Bayambang.
In July, Typhoon Didang, a typhoon of unusual ferocity,
flooded the Poblacion area. The flood caused the Estacion (train station) to
cease operation, as the bridge connecting Bautista town was washed away. The
bridge would never be built again, and the train station would soon go down the
path of obsolescence. Calvo Bridge, the other bridge running
somewhat parallel to it, also sustained considerable damage.
Construction of a new concrete-and-steel bridge in Wawa
began.
1977
Atty. Geruncio Lacuesta found himself in a legal battle
after the fishery privileges granted to him was declared null and void and thus
was challenged in court.
~1978
Homeowners Savings Bank became the town’s first
air-conditioned establishment and possibly one of the first local banks.
1979
CLTC became incorporated into the Pangasinan State
University system when PSU was chartered through the issuance of Presidential
Decree No. 1497 and became operational on July 1. CLTC became Pangasinan State
University – College of Education or PSU-CE.
?1970s
A pretty local lass, Cecilia Montecillo, won in a national
singing contest, “Superwheel Singing Contest,” aired on a popular TV show.
1980
Bayambang Water District (NAWASA) started operations, and
Digitel installed the first telephone system in Bayambang and constructed a
building for its office.
On July 16, the Bayambang Emergency Hospital opened its
doors to the public. It was temporarily housed at the then Municipal Annex
Building right on the left side of the Municipal Hall.
Music teacher Rufino Menor formed the Pangkat Kawayan
(bamboo instruments band) at PSU College of Education. The bamboo instruments
included angklung, bamboo xylophone, etc. The group would
eventually be invited to perform not just at home, but around also Pangasinan
and the Ilocos region.
Prof. Rufino Menor pioneered other music bands, namely PSU
Kitchenette Symphony Orchestra; Rhythm Band; Ukelele, Harmonica, and Bottle
Xylophone Ensemble; Elementary Rondalla; Children’s Choir; Elementary Drum
& Bugle Corps; Drum & Lyre Corps; and PSU Band. Menor would be best
known as the composer of the PSU Hymn.
Early 1980s
The present Iglesia ni Kristo church, which started as a
wooden structure in Burgos St. back in the 1950s, rose up in Zone VII.
Under Mayor Calixto Camacho, Bayambang was dubbed as
"the corn belt of Central Pangasinan."
A new health center called RHU (Rural Health Unit) I was
built during Mayor Calixto Camacho's term in a new location: at the left-most
end of the Municipal Hall compound. It was first headed by Dr. Amado Layog.
1980s
When PNS became CLTC and then PSU, the Tambayo Choral Group
was organized by Sr. Natividad Parin, with help from Prof. Salome Malicdem
Montemayor, thus perpetuating the rich legacy of Pangasinan folk songs against
the pervading modern aesthetics of the time. The group has performed all over,
including in well-known TV stations in Manila.
1981
Art and Science courses were also offered in the College of
Education in Bayambang. The Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) program was also
offered for the first time to school managers and teachers.
1982
While walking on the street, Atty. Geruncio Lacuesta was
hacked to death by an unidentified assailant.
PSU College of Education’s (Bayambang Campus) Dr. Perla
Nelmida defended her landmark thesis, "Pangasinan Folk Literature,"
in the University of the Philippines-Diliman while on study leave at PSU as
professor. It was another comprehensive compilation of Pangasinan folk songs,
tales, riddles, and sayings.
1983
The construction of a large concrete version of the Wawa
bridge was finished by the Department of Public Works and Highways and opened
to the public with a new name, Carlos P. Romulo Bridge, in honor of the former
UN Secretary General, Foreign Affairs Secretary, and writer Carlos P. Romulo,
who had roots in both Camiling and Bayambang towns. Romulo graced the event
with his presence.
A scientist from this town, Dr. Carmen Velasquez, received
the title of National Scientist of the Philippines in recognition of her
discovery of 32 new species and one new genus of digenetic trematodes from 13
Philippine food fishes, two from birds, and five from mammals, and a new
species of parasitic copepod in the goby fish, Glossogoblus giurus.
Further in her career, she received the following equally prestigious awards
and honors: Presidential Distinguished Service Medal and Diploma of Honor
(1965), Special Award of the Biology Teachers Association of the Philippines,
Inc. (1975), and Outstanding Woman in Science in the Philippines (1975).
Because of her discoveries, Dr. Carmen Velasquez also was included in the
registry of American Men and Women of Science, International Who’s Who of
Intellectuals, and the World Who’s Who of Women and International Scholars
Directory.
? Onion farming -- particularly of the red onion variety --
would become a booming industry in the Manambong area and would spread to the
other barangays, during which time the farmers of Bayambang abandoned tobacco
farming and other less profitable pursuits and cleared their land of coconuts
and other native trees to give way to the growing of onions. This caused
Bayambang to be dubbed "the onion capital of Pangasinan" and even of
Region I.
Prof. Ben O. Romero founded “Banyuhay” as school organ of
PSU-Bayambang Laboratory High School.
?1980s
BNHS published its school organ under a new name, “The
Leader,” while PSU-Bayambang produced “Reflector” for college students.
Elementary teachers also came out with their own school
publications. Bayambang District I had "In the Moulder's Eye," while
Bayambang District II had "Horizon."
1985
On July 1, the Bayambang District Hospital, built at Brgy.
Bical Norte, opened for medical services, with Dr. Ernesto Matabang as its
first director. The lot on which it was built was donated by the family of
Teofilo Matabang.
The Mother Goose Special School Systems was established.
A big fire reduced the Public Market into ashes.
The country's first Institute of Women’s Studies was founded
by Sr. Mary John Mananzan at St. Scholastica's College. She is a descendant of
one of the old prominent clans of this town.
1986
When the EDSA or ‘people power’ revolution toppled the
Marcos regime, Feliciano Casingal Jr. was appointed by President Corazon C.
Aquino as OIC Municipal Mayor, followed by three others: Miguel Matabang,
Domingo Tagulao, and Danilo Bato.
On August 28, 454 Bayambangueños led by Dr. Orlando M. de
Guzman signed and addressed a petition to President Corazon C. Aquino for the
concreting (cementing) of the Bayambang-Camiling Road.
Dr. Orlando M. de Guzman was the first Bayambangueño to
become Board Member to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pangasinan, serving from
1986 to 1988, after being appointed by President Corazon C. Aquino right after
the EDSA/'people power' revolution.
The Matalunggaring Dance Troupe was founded by Prof. Januario Cuchapin at PSU
to promote the cultural dances and songs of Pangasinan. Since then, the troupe
has performed, not only during special occasions in Bayambang, but also in big
gatherings in the province, region, and elsewhere.
1987
On March 17, the petition for concreting the
Bayambang-Camiling Road was approved and Phase I funding in the amount of
PhP2.04 million was released.
In October, the cementing of the Bayambang-Camiling Road started.
The present Mormon Church or Church of Latter-Day Saints was
inaugurated.
?Late 1980s
Sancagulis Rice Crackers started manufacturing no-fish rice
crackers.
1988
Dr. Orlando de Guzman was appointed Provincial Board Member,
the first time a Bayambangueño held a position in the Provincial Board. He was
in position from November 17, 1987 to February 1988.
The nationalization of barangay high schools began, with the
high school in Carungay being the first to be nationalized.
1989
In January, Atty. Ferdinand Quintos, a Bayambangueño, joined
the Philippine Commission on Human Rights (CHR). Earlier, he was a columnist
and crossword puzzle constructor of “Peryodiko Dabaw,” the forerunner of
Sun.Star Davao and the first daily in Davao City and Mindanao, after which he
became the paper’s second editor-in-chief.
Calixto Camacho became mayor up to 1998.
Mayor Camacho cut the ceremonial ribbon for the formal
opening of a Bayambang Mini-Museum established through a joint venture of the
municipality and the Pangasinan State University Bayambang Campus. The Museum
was housed at the former Municipal Jail.
1990
Ronald Tomas, a talented musician from this town, started to
make a name in Manila by playing the saxophone for jazz/acid jazz band
Artstart, and subsequently for Parliament Syndicate, then Wdouji, and so on.
On February 28, the Sunbeam Methodist School was founded.
The great earthquake of July 16 slightly damaged the parish
church, causing cracks and the palitada of its walls to peel
off and crumble to the ground. Calvo Bridge also sustained damage and had to be
closed for a length of time for major repair works. Commuters had to go back to
using boats to cross Agno River. The upper half of the NAWASA water tank had to
be demolished for safety reasons.
The first appointed female department head of the municipal
government was Jesusa Menor of the Local Civil Registry Office.
1991
Much of Mangabul Lake started to be covered in lahar after
the Mt. Pinatubo volcanic eruption. This unfortunate geologic event transformed
the once sprawling (2,059-hectare) water resource teeming with aquatic life
into a farmland today.
In line with the nationwide implementation of Local
Government Code of 1991, the Poblacion area was divided into 11 barangays,
namely Barangay Zone I, Barangay Zone II, Barangay Zone III, Barangay Zone IV,
Barangay Zone V, Barangay Zone VI, Barangay Zone VII, Barangay Cadre Site,
Barangay M.H. Del Pilar, Barangay Magsaysay, and Barangay Poblacion Sur.
1992
GEO Farm was opened in Brgy. Mangayao, an "eco-village
concept” offering eco-youth camp training, holistic healing modules, and
climate change solutions. Originally the brainchild of the Guevara clan in
1984, it was eventually managed by one of their own, environmentalist and
artist Edgard Guevara, one of the founders of EcoWaste Coalition or Zero Waste
Philippines, and his Swiss wife Yvonne. Among his products were the culture of
spirulina (blue green algae), bottled organic lemongrass concentrate, and typhoon-resistant
'earth domes.'
A boy named Perfecto Ceralde became the first runner-up of
the ‘Bulilit Portion’ of a popular singing contest on TV, "Tanghalan ng
Kampeon."
On November 16-19, Dr. Clarita G. Jimenez, having earned
credentials as a national accreditor, did preliminary work to get PSU-Bayambang
accredited by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in
the Philippines (AACCUP), Inc. For this reason, Jimenez was dubbed as the
“mother of accreditation” in PSU-Bayambang.
1993
Another fire badly damaged the Public Market.
On April 18, the first Miss Bayambang contest that featured
a question-and-answer portion was won by Leilani S. Balansay.
1994
Indonesia-based businessman Cezar T. Quiambao went back to
the Philippines for good and initiated, together with his batch-mates from
Bayambang National High School Class of 1965, a program called “Baley Ko,
Pawilen Ko, Aroen Ko, tan Tulungan Ko” (“My hometown – where I shall come
back to, to love and to help”) conceived out of a dream to create a lasting
legacy by bringing economic progress to their hometown.
In March, the Marianne College of Science and Technology
started operations.
1995
The Pangasinan State University (PSU) Hymn was composed by
Professor Rufino M. Menor. He penned the hymn while at the PSU-Bayambang
Campus. He collaborated with another faculty member, Natividad Parin, who
helped submit the song. The hymn was approved by the Board of Regents and is
now played in all PSU events.
1996
On September 25, the first private hospital in Bayambang,
the Señor Sto. Niño General Hospital, was established along Juan Luna Street.
It has a 25-bed capacity.
Big Thumb Bakeshop was popular for its pan de sal and other
bread products.
1997
Rehabilitation of the Bayambang town plaza started.
A skating rink was put up at the corner of the plaza nearest
the parish church. (It is now a basketball court.)
1998
Mayor Leocadio (Leo Boy) Casingal de Vera Jr. served the
town of Bayambang for three consecutive terms, from 1998 to 2007. Mayor de
Vera's accomplishments included the construction of the two-story commercial
complex at the Public Market, Rural Health Unit I, Municipal
Slaughterhouse/Abattoir, PNP Station, Municipal Sports Complex, rehabilitation
of the Public Plaza, and the improvement, concreting, and asphalting of many
Poblacion and barangay roads. He was able to increase the LGU’s income by more
than P10-million in 1999. He convinced Bayambangueño businessmen outside of
town to pay their business taxes in Bayambang. He also held the first Business
Forum to attract more investors in this town. He granted scholarships, provided
water supply facilities, conducted yearly medical missions to 77 barangays for
9 years, and provided incentives to municipal employees.
Located at Brgy. Telbang, the Municipal Abattoir had a
biogas system.
The town had the 8th highest revenue collection among 48
municipalities in Pangasinan during an 8-month period.
Cezar Quiambao, a successful Bayambangueño businessman based
in Indonesia, was dubbed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the “local boy
who made good” after he successfully helped build the Metro Manila Skyway.
Quiambao eventually would be the prime move of other big-ticket projects such
as the automation of the 2008 elections in the Autonomous Region of Muslim
Mindanao, a project that eliminated electoral fraud, Land Transportation Office
computerization project, and Land Registration Authority’s land titling
computerization project.
1990s
The notorious Akyat Bahay criminal gang victimized a number
of well-to-do residents, terrorizing the entire town with their modus operandi
of knocking on doors in the dead of the night, trapping unsuspecting residents
into giving access to their homes.
The crown-shaped bandstand in the middle of the public plaza
was moved to the main gate of the auditorium, to make way for a more spacious
dancing hall.
Culibangbang trees were planted by Councilor Gerry de Vera
near the entrance of the plaza to remind people where the name of Bayambang
came from.
Bayambang became part of the annual Heroes’ Trek organized
by the Malolos, Bulacan-based Salinlahi heritage tour group. Salinlahi stops
over in Bayambang every December as part of retracing the path that General
Gregorio ‘Goyo’ del Pilar took leading to his martyrdom at Tirad Pass in
Concepcion (now Gregorio del Pilar) town, Ilocos Sur.
1999
On January 18, businessman Cezar Quiambao put up the CSF
Rural Bank of Bayambang to provide microfinancing programs to help small
entrepreneurs.
Bayambang held a month-long “Sentenaryong Pagdiriwang” from
October to November to commemorate its being once the capital of the
Philippines. Activities included the unveiling of a historical marker at the
municipal grounds by Dr. Pablo S. Trillana III, director of the National
Historical Institute.
Late 1990s
The ALD Caritas Building was built in front of St. Vincent
Catholic School as a commercial strip. It is now closed and a part of the
campus of St Vincent’s Catholic School of Bayambang Inc.
2000
The College of Information Technology was established in
PSU-Bayambang Campus.
The Saint Vincent Village or SVV was established as a
residential village in Brgy. Bical Norte.
2001
The Manganaan Cinema opened on the second floor of Manganaan
Bldg.
Gina Pareño (Bautista) was crowned as Mrs. Bayambang.
2002
On April 26, Ariel & Fe Garden Resort and Restaurant
started operations in Brgy. Tambac.
The Muslim community’s first mosque rose up in Zone VII
right across the public cemetery and beside the Iglesia ni Kristo church.
Pangasinan State University Prof. Elsa F. Quinto compiled
the surviving folk songs of Pangasinan, with the help of several collaborators,
in the book "Cancansion na Pangasinan" (Mga Katutubong Awiting
Pangasinan) published by the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino.
Businessman Cezar T. Quiambao sponsored a major renovation
of the town plaza.
2003
In March, Hands of Heaven, the first private memorial park
in Bayambang, started operations.
The Cojuangcos’ CAT Realty put up an office near Hands of
Heaven.
The Northern Plain Mansions was established as a residential
village in Brgy. Bical Norte.
On April 4, several buildings were opened in time for the
annual town fiesta: the Philippine National Police building, the Bayambang
Sports Complex, and the Bayambang Commercial Center.
Lita’s Grocery was the one and only open-shelf grocery store
in town.
Ariel and Fe Lechon House and Restaurant was popular for its
roast chicken.
2004
On March 19, the first resort intown was opened, the Rock
Island Nature Resort in Brgy. Telbang.
The Institute of Nursing was opened in PSU.
The Kasama Kita sa Barangay Foundation Inc. was established
by Cezar T. Quiambao in Brgy. Amanperez offering a variety of livelihood
training programs to tens of thousands of residents, especially out-of-school
youth and the unemployed. The foundation would eventually win a string of
awards from the National Literacy Council for this feat.
Mayor Leocadio C. de Vera Jr. ran unopposed in 2004 and won.
2005
Bayambang became a first-class municipality under the term
of Mayor Leocadio de Vera.
The PSU Himig Ensemble or PSU Bayambang Chorale was
organized by Maria Cristina C. Gamo and became the official singing group of
Pangasinan State University Bayambang Campus. Throughout the years, the group
has proved its mettle in competitions and performances around Pangasinan and
beyond.
Brgy. Dusoc almost became a dumpsite. Councilor Gerry de
Vera worked to prevent WIN Corp. from doing so. Strong public outcry also
worked against the proposal.
Special bodies we formed, comprising of members of the
public and private sector, to take active and collaborative roles in local
governance: Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council, Municipal Solid
Waste Management Board, Municipal Management Coordinating Committee, ATOMM
Team, Municipal Multi-Sectoral Monitoring Team, Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran
Committee, Municipal Physical Fitness and Sports Development Council, Municipal
Anti-Drug Abuse Council, Municipal Nutrition Committee, Local Council for
Culture and the Arts, Municipal Council for Protection of Children, Municipal
Crisis Management Committee, Local Price Coordinating Council, Local Council of
Women, Tourism Council, and Local Poverty Reduction Action Team.
2006
A two-story Bayambang Commercial Complex was constructed in
front of the town plaza.
On March 19, Emmanuel’s Way started operations.
PSU-Bayambang’s Prof. Januario Cuchapin published his
research on and compilation of notated local folk dances and song lyrics, the
“Bali-Balin Pangasinan,” a National Commission on Culture and Arts grant. It
served as the basis of cultural performances around the province.
2007
At the tail-end of Mayor De Vera’s term, construction of the
evacuation centers of Bayambang began until 11 Evacuation Centers in different
districts (Manambong Parte – 2 buidings, Manambong Sur, Pantol, Paragos, Iton,
San Gabriel I, San Gabriel II – 2 buildings, Wawa, and Pugo) were finished.
Bayambang received P5,000,000, a one-time payment by a
single Bayambangueño taxpayer in the person of Mr. Cezar T. Quiambao, President
and CEO of Stradcom, an IT company.
?CSI Mall and Grocery Store opened together with a franchise
of McDonald’s, Shakey’s, Goldilocks, St. Joseph Drugstore, Siapno Tada Optical,
and other shops. It was the first establishment in town to have an escalator.
Engr. Ricardo Camacho was elected as mayor and would finish
his three terms up to 2016.
2008
Cezar T. Quiambao was honored as among Computerworld’s
honors laureates in Washington DC, USA in recognition of his contributions in
the world of information technology as IT project manager.
~2008? - Bayambang Central School’s library building was
demolished reportedly due to termite infestation.
2009
In April, a distinct and unique festival called “Malangsi
Fish-tival” was launched to celebrate the harvest of freshwater fishes locally
grown in Bayambang.
On June 30, Bayambang inked the sisterhood pact with Guam,
USA through the joint efforts of Mayor Ricardo Camacho and businessman Cezar T.
Quiambao.
Christopher Q. Gozum, a Bayambangueño, made history by
producing and directing the first full-length film in the Pangasinan language.
His "Anacbanua" ("The Child of the Sun"), an
experimental film about Pangasinan’s history, art, and culture, received the
Prix des Signes in the Cinema in Transgression section of the 10th
International Festival Signes de Nuit in Paris together with local
recognitions. He would go on to produce other award-winning films featuring
Pangasinan culture and history.
In December, an all-night rakrakan (rock
music) fest (concert-cum-contest) was held at the town plaza. Billed as
"Band-Natan" (a pun on 'banatan,' obviously), the battle of
the bands was sponsored by the local chapters of Alpha Phi Omega and Samahang
Kabataan.
?Bayambang launched an official website, bayambang.gov.ph.
?Bayambang had a Wikipedia page.
Typhoon ‘Pepeng’ flooded the low-lying parts of Bayambang.
This event triggered the massive repair of the town’s evacuation centers.
2010
?A blog site carrying the town’s news was created:
bayambangnewsletter.blogspot.com.
In June 29, the Bayambang municipal hall annex was completed
after construction began in August 2007.
Built at a cost of P28-million, it was to be the new home of
the Sangguniang Bayan ng Bayambang, LGU departments, the Municipal Trial Court,
and the DILG, among others. Today, it is called the Legislative Building.
Bayambang was awarded the “Model LGU with Best Practices in
Solid Waste Management” by the Environmental Management Bureau under the
Regional Office I of the Department of Environment and natural Resources in San
Fernando City, La Union.
On August 9, the Sangguniang Bayan of Bayambang passed a
resolution creation a Research and study Committee to determine the exact date
of the foundation of the municipality.
Archbishop Socrates Villegas canonically erected the San
Lorenzo Ruiz Chaplaincy in Brgy. Wawa as a separate parish on March 21, with
Rev. Fr. Reydentor G. Mejia as the first parish priest. First established as a
chapel in 1970, the church was elevated to chaplaincy in 2006.
The Sangguniang Bayan of Bayambang headed by Vice-Mayor
Mylvin. T. Junio unanimously adopted a resolution on August 9, creating a
Research and Study Committee to determine the exact date of the foundation of
the Municipality, and the resolution was approved by the Mayor Ricardo M.
Camacho. It later resulted in a Committee Report determining the exact date of
the town's foundation day to be April 5, 1614.
Guadalupe Germono-Zoller and Swiss husband Christian
Zoller's Alalay Foundation started donating truckloads of top-quality school
equipment and educational supplies to selected local schools as well countless
high-grade medical equipment and supplies to local public hospitals. Among the
Foundation’s biggest projects were the construction of the more than P5-million
worth of two-story Multi-Purpose Conference Hall and school building in
Idong-Inanlorenza Elementary School and a three-classroom building in Brgy.
Idong.
The one-story Rural Health Unit I was demolished to give way
to a new two-story structure under Mayor Ricardo Camacho's second term (2010).
2011
On March 14, the National Historical Commission of the
Philippines formally established 5 April 1614 as Bayambang’s foundation date.
On November 3, the Municipality of Bayambang adopted a new
Corporate Seal (Official Seal) as endorsed by the Sangguniang Bayan and
recommended by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
The Telbang Mosque was built.
Oscar Ora recorded his Pangasinan song composition,
“Pinablin Bayambang.”
2012
On February 27, Mayor Ricardo Camacho formally organized a
committee in charge of Bayambang’s quadricentennial celebration.
The town’s first proper mall, Royal Mall, rose at a major
corner. Owned by Cezar Quiambao, it was also the first establishment to have an
elevator. Locals also got to have a taste of Jollibee fast-food products, shop
for groceries at SM’s Savemore (later replaced by Puregold), and buy any needs
24/7 at 7-Eleven right in their hometown.
Quiambao then transferred the headquarters of his
Manila-based businesses -- Strategic Alliance Holdings Inc. (SAHI), Land
Registration Systems Inc. (LARES) Philippines, and Stradcom Corp. (an IT firm)
-- to Bayambang. The move became all the more a huge source of funds for the
local government through the taxes paid in millions of pesos by said
companies.
The town’s first ATM or automated teller machine was
installed by Landbank in front of the then Local Civil Registrar's Office of
the Municipal Hall.
In March, Liahona Learning Center was founded.
In June, a huge fire gutted the biggest Gabaldon building of
Bayambang Central School at the opening of the school year due to faulty
electrical wiring, according to the Bureau of Fire and Protection. This
displaced some 500 first and second graders occupying the 13 classrooms of the
Main Building.
Policeman Executive Master Sergeant Eduardo G. Santiago was
honored by Metrobank Foundation as one of the country’s Most Outstanding
Policemen, after heroically saving victims during a dramatic hostage-taking
incident at NLEX on May 30, 2011. He almost died after sustaining wounds and
being stabbed by the hostage-taker, which he was able to eventually neutralize
after a few grueling hours of volunteering to drive the bus on the road.
2013
?Mercury Drug set up a branch at the Public Market.
The Department of Education was ordered by the local court
to transfer the Bayambang Central School campus to a private lot in Brgy.
Magsaysay, the site of the former velodrome, after the school head petitioned
the local government for the transfer reportedly due to dengue cases at the
often-flooded old school grounds. The move would be opposed by residents led by
the Parents-Teachers Association president, Filipinas Alcantara, who would find
herself alone in a protracted legal battle with the powers-that-be.
The Sto. Domingo Ybañez de Erquicia Parish was established
as a parish in Brgy. Sapang.
On August 1, Bishop Socrates Villegas officially announced
the elevation of San Isidro Labrador Chaplaincy, established in 2011, in Brgy.
Carungay into a parish, with Fr. Leovigildo Acierto, CP, as the first parish
priest.
On November 29, a bronze statue of former Philippine
president, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, was unveiled in front of the Municipal Hall,
as witnessed by Pangasinan Governor Amado T. Espino Jr., together with the
relatives of Gen. Aguinaldo and municipal health officials from Kawit, Cavite.
A sisterhood pact with the said town was also signed.
The first battle of the bands contest was launched by the
municipal government.
The Paligsawit singing contest was held, attracting young
local singers.
2014
Bayambang held a series of special week-long activities for
its quadricentennial fiesta celebration, including a grand commemoration of
Aguinaldo’s visit to Bayambang.
On April 5, Bayambang was declared the new holder of the
Guinness World of Record for Longest Barbeque, after mounting 8,000 grills and
50,000 kilograms of fish spanning 8.16 kilometers.
On the same day, a bronze statue representing Gen. Emilio
Aguinaldo proudly was inaugurated by local officials, with members of the
Aguinaldo clan in attendance. The local government commissioned no less than
National Artist Napoleon Abueva to work on this sculpture as part of the
celebration of the town's quadricentennial.
The public market was expanded and called the Bayambang
Quadricentennial Public Market.
A caricature of the town center was commissioned by Cezar T.
Quiambao as part of the quadricentennial celebrations.
?With support from local leaders and private citizens, a
monograph on the history of the town was drafted by Dr. Clarita Jimenez and her
team with the intention of turning it into Bayambang’s first coffee-table book.
The research work for and publication of the book was funded by Cezar T.
Quiambao. This was a major development, after much earlier attempts to write
the history of Bayambang failed to see completion for the following reasons:
the research materials were destroyed by flood, in the case of the efforts of
Emiliano R. Santos's (an editor of the “Philippines Free Press” and “Manila
Times”) at the National Library, and the untimely demise of the author, in the
case of Atty. Felixberto Mataban.
As a result of the Quadricentennial Committee’s efforts and
local government support, a timeline of the town’s history was published in the
special quadricentennial issue of the Pista’y Baley fiesta souvenir program.
The Little Mr. and Ms. Bayambang Quadricentennial
competition was held as part of the fiesta 400th celebrations.
A car show was also held as part of the 400th fiesta
celebrations.
On May 23-24, LGU employees enjoyed a memorable
team-building activity at Tondol Beach, Anda, Pangasinan.
On April 4, Jess and Genevieve U. Benebe's Highlands Golden
Bean Cafe opened, thus becoming the proprietors of the first full coffee shop
brewery in a semi-formal dining setting.
Pook ni Urduja started operations as a small resort. It
would eventually expand into a hotel, restaurant and café.
Kuya Tiano's Place Ihaw-Ihaw and Restaurant started
operations, and its offerings of native Filipino dishes earned them a loyal
following.
Local boy Kirst Viray made a name in the ramp modeling
world. He would eventually enter the world of acting as well, appearing in the
most popular shows of the day. Locals would discover as well the following show
biz celebrities to be direct descendants of Bayambangueños: actor Wendell Ramos
and MTV Asia VJ and actress Donita Rose, grandchildren of the Ramos clan, and
deadpan comic Ramon Bautista.
2015
Cezar Quiambao initiated, through CS First Green
Agri-Industrial Development, Inc., the development of an extensive bamboo
farming industry in seven towns in Western Pangasinan, an ecologically
sustainable, inclusive growth project. For this, he set up a trial production
facility for bamboo products in Brgy. Amanperez.
The first Ms. Gay Barako contest was held by the LGU,
featuring non-gay men presenting themselves as women, to hilarious effect.
An inter-school tourism quiz bee was held for the first time
by the municipal government.
2016
On February 18, Asiana Learning Institute was founded.
In the 2016 Fiesta Souvenir Program, Tourism
Officer-Designate Emma I. Mula published rare photos of old Bayambang from her
museum collection.
A kite-flying competition was held by the local government.
Successful businessman and philanthropist Cezar T. Quiambao
went home from abroad, ran for Mayor, and won. He introduced new politics in
town with the battlecry, “No to political dynasty, corruption, poverty and
criminality.”
His first year of public service together with Vice-Mayor
Raul R. Sabangan was marked by many firsts all at the same time. The Municipal
Councilors included Mylvin ‘Boying T. Junio, Benjamin Francisco S. de Vera,
Joseph Vincent R. Ramos, Philip R. Dumalanta, Amory M. Junio, Martin E. Terrado
II, and Dr. Ma. Catalina ‘Cathy’ de E. Vera, with Rogelio Dumalanta,
Association of Barangay Captains President, and Gabriel Tristan Fernandez,
Sangguniang Kabataan President, as ex-officio members. Rodelito Bautista eventually
replaced Dumalanta after the latter’s term ended, when the office was renamed
as Liga ng mga Barangay.
Atty. Rodelynn Rajini A. Sagarino, a former Miss Bayambang,
was appointed Municipal Administrator, thus becoming Bayambang’s first female
municipal administrator.
A CCTV Command Center with an emergency hotline number
(#4357) was opened.
The St. Vincent Dialysis Center, a private enterprise, was
opened by the Quiambao family.
An air-conditioned Events Center with Tarraflex rubberized
flooring was built, replacing the old multipurpose covered court.
Satellite markets (talipapas) were built in eight
barangays.
Municipal employees were provided with free uniforms,
enabling them to save their clothing allowance.
A registered nutritionist-dietician was hired for the first
time by the municipal government to head the nutrition section of the Municipal
Health Office, now called the Municipal Nutrition Action Office, and to oversee
a comprehensive program for malnourished children.
Additional police precincts were built, to ensure strong
police presence in all the nine districts of town.
Barangay roads were concretized at a fast pace like never
before.
Operation Birthright was launched, giving free late
registration birth certificates from the Philippine Statistics Authority to
residents who did not possess such a basic legal document as proof of identity
and existence.
The annual municipal budget rose to unprecedented levels.
Quiambao’s companies were among the town’s top five
taxpayers, and this feat would be repeated annually.
He also took up the fight to reclaim the old Bayambang
Central School campus. Among other things, he discovered the land swap deal to
be lopsided in favor of the private landowner.
He likewise asserted the local government’s right to sell
off government land in Magsaysay to long-time occupants, knowing the political
risks of such a move.
He also created the following new offices: Public Order and
Safety Office, General Services Office, Public Information Office, Information
and Communication Technology Office, Nutrition Office, Public Employment
Services Office, and Tourism Office.
He went all out on his tax education campaign, despite its
being an unpopular and politically risky cause, by asserting that paying one’s
taxes means good citizenship, one’s contribution to community-building and not
government’s instrument of oppression.
A new official website and the Balon Bayambang Facebook page
was launched by the ICT Office, and the official newsletter, Balon Bayambang
Newsletter, was published in September, edited by retired PSU professor and now
Media Affairs Officer, Dr. Leticia B. Ursua, and Public Information Officer
Resty S. Odon.
The ICT Office took the lead in the computerization of all
major LGU operations, making work processes more efficient and unsusceptible to
irregularities and paving the way for Bayambang to become a ‘smart town.’
Quiambao was also behind the digitization of the Land
Registration Authority’s land title records, through his company, Land
Registration Systems Inc. (LARES), thus helping to quickly resolve conflicting
claims on parcels of real estate property, among other benefits.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office
was institutionalized through an ordinance after its creation in 2011.
A Local School Board was created with its own office, and it
handled, among others, the funding of grants for college scholars selected from
poor families.
Mayor Quiambao donated his annual salary from the local
government to the Local School Board, from the start of his term until 2022, a
gesture of generosity that his wife would emulate herself as next mayor.
On October 13, after 20 long years of litigation, the local
government unit (LGU) of Bayambang demolished an illegal structure built by
Homeowners Savings & Loan Association Inc. on municipal plaza grounds. The
ceremonial demolition was led by Mayor Quiambao himself together with all
members of the Municipal Council and residents who had filed the petition
against the structure: Dr. Henry Fernandez, Feliciano Casingal Jr., et al.
A proper bagsakan or drop-off point for
retail and wholesale produce was inaugurated.
The Tourism Office improved the Municipal Public Plaza by
creating a flower garden and erecting a giant ‘Balon Bayambang’ signage, now a
favorite spot of locals and visitors alike to take selfies.
The town was actively promoted by dubbing it as “the
country’s 5th capital during the 1st Philippine
Republic,” “home of the binasuan dance,” “makers of the
best-tasting fish buro,” “corn belt of Pangasinan,” and “onion
capital of northern Luzon.”
The town's children were treated to an annual animated
Christmas display, the Paskuhan sa Bayambang, the biggest in the
country according to the Rosario family of the COD Mall Christmas display fame
in Cubao in the '70s. A personal gift of the mayor and his family, this project
was repeated annually with varying themes: Filipino traditions, Rebolusyon
Laban sa Kahirapan (poverty alleviation program), Disney World
characters.
It built a Mini-Amusement Park with fun rides at the plaza
through the public-private partnership mode of procurement.
The first official Bayambang Hymn, “Baley Ko, Tawir Ko,"
(My Hometown My Inheritance) was composed by Jane Frances Ambat van Doorn of
Brgy. Nalsian Sur and originally interpreted by the composer's own mother,
Gilconida Ambat van Doorn. (“Pinablin Baley,” (Beloved Hometown) another
hymn, had been composed earlier by Oscar Ora but it was not institutionalized
through legal or official recognition.)
“Lanceros na Bayambang” was declared the town’s
first official social dance, and it was choreographed by Prof. Januario
Cuchapin.
The UP Board of Regents elected Danilo Lardizabal Concepcion
as UP President. Concepcion has roots in Bayambang, for he grew up spending
summer vacations at his mother's house in Estacion.
A video of US-based Nephi Garcia, born and raised in
Bayambang, became viral in the US and beyond because it featured his entire
family (his wife and three kids) touring Disneyland in 'transformation' Disney
costumes that he himself designed and made. He would eventually put up a shop
and a social media page with more than half-a-million following called Designer
Daddy.
A local boy, Al Vincent Casela, became a finalist in
“The Voice Kids Philippines,” a popular singing competition on TV.
A Halloween party, “Anyanian ed Bayambang,” was held at the
Events Center, and it included a Halloween costume competition.
2017
Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao continued to bring Bayambang to
greater heights with new feats.
He installed the town’s first traffic lights.
He expanded the drainage system in Poblacion area to address
perennial flooding problems.
He built a proper tricycle terminal for an estimated 2,000
tricycle drivers in the center of town.
On February 4, the ‘Komprehensibong Serbisyo sa Bayan’ was
launched in Brgy. Warding, a project that sent all municipal government
services for one day to a chosen barangay located far away from the center,
benefiting hundreds of thousands of residents since then.
The local government bought a fleet of vehicles and rescue
equipment, which would eventually include a coaster (small bus) and aluminum
rescue boats.
The Municipal Cooperative Development Office was created to
help develop local cooperatives as engines of local economic growth.
SingKapital or the commemoration of Bayambang as the
country's fifth capital during the 1st Philippine Republic was
institutionalized through an ordinance.
Binasuan dance was adopted as Bayambang’s official folk
dance.
The first-ever official tourism jingle was released.
In the week-long fiesta celebrations, then first lady Niña
Jose-Quiambao, with Mayor Quiambao's support, started to organize a grand and
glittering version of the Binibining Bayambang beauty pageant, complete with
professional training-workshops for the lucky ladies, creative costumes, superb
stage preparations, awe-inspiring performances, and a star-studded list of
judges and guest performers.
The first-ever official Binibining Bayambang jingle was
released.
A mural painting contest transformed the Agno River dike
into an elongated canvas.
The first-ever Cutest Baby Contest was held.
Little Mr. and Ms. Balon Bayambang competition was held.
The Quiambao family also began sponsoring concerts of the
day's biggest names in the local show biz industry, including rock stars, pop
divas, balladeers, stand-up comics, etc.
The first Matalunggaring Awards were also held as part of
the town fiesta in honor of Bayambangueños who have brought pride and honor to
the town. It would subsequently be held yearly and eventually
institutionalized. Among the distinguished individuals accorded the town’s
highest honor through the years were the pioneering feminist and activist Sr.
Mary John Mananzan, OSB, Tour of Luzon organizer Atty. Geruncio Lacuesta,
fashion designer Rusty Lopez, actor Carlos Salazar (Rustico Roldan), national
scientist Carmen Velasquez, former Labor Secretary Onofre Guevara, and
Commission on Higher Education Chairman, Dr. Prospero ‘Popoy’ de Vera.
On September 16, the Balaybuaya Footbridge was inaugurated.
On October 12, world-renowned urban planner Felino Palafox
Jr. and his staff from Palafox Associates were hired by Dr. Quiambao to help
the local government update its Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
On October 30, first lady Niña Jose-Quiambao launched the
Bayambangueña Pasalubong and Tourist Assistance Center at the Mini-Bus and Van
Terminal.
Niñas Café opened at SVV, ushering in a café culture in town
after dozens of cafés and restaurants sprouted around not just the Poblacion
area but even in the far-flung barangays of Bayambang in the succeeding years.
A smart card called ‘Community Service Card’ was issued to
citizens as proof of being bona fide residents.
Louise Anne C. Calimlim was crowned as the first Ms.
Palarong Bayan.
The first color run or color fun run was held, attracting
hundreds of local youth dressed in white shirts that were daubed along the
designated route with rainbow-colored powder.
Pangasinan State University Bayambang Campus (PSU-BC)
programs first underwent AACCUP accreditation on November 27-28 for their
flagship programs, Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) and Bachelor of
Secondary Education (BSEd).
A municipal canteen, Kusina na Balon Bayambang, was put up
beside the NAWASA water tank. It was envisioned as a self-sustaining facility
that would provide funds in feeding the town’s undernourished children. It
stopped operations in 2019 due to some management challenges.
The 5S method for workplace organization was introduced to
the LGU by Dr. Nicolas Miguel as consultant on good governance. This was
eventually adopted in the succeeding years as the updated 7S method by the
Human Resources Management Office and implemented by the General Services
Office.
Mayor Quiambao faced a series of legal battles from
political opponents, all of which turned out to be nuisance cases and were
promptly dismissed by the courts.
2018
Mayor Cezar Quiambao declared an all-out war against poverty
in the program called “Rebolusyon Laban sa Kahirapan” (Revolution
Against Poverty) and gave the marching order to Municipal Administrator, Atty.
Rodelynn Rajini Sagarino, who happened to be formerly employed at the National
Anti-Poverty Commission, to draft the Bayambang Poverty Reduction Action Plan
2018-2028.
The Municipal Library, known for its collection of rare
Pangasinan books, got its own building using the repurposed water tank beside
the Municipal Hall.
ANCOP Ville, a free housing project with at least 30 units
for selected indigent families, rose in Brgy. Sancagulis, sponsored by the
Mojares family of Canada and Couples for Christ – Answering the Cry of the Poor
(CFC-ANCOP).
RHU III in Brgy. Carungay opened on April 3, and was built
on a lot donated by Punong Barangay Virgilio Romano's family. It was first
headed by Dr. Adrienne Estrada, then by Dr. Roland M. Agbuya in 2020.
On August 11, the Pangasinan State
University-Department of Science and Technology Food Innovation Center was
inaugurated. Among its inventions were bottled odorless buro,
vegetable (okra, squash, onion) chips, and bagoong powder.
In August, St. Alexander M. Sauli Catholic School started
operations in Brgy. Sapang.
On September 10, the Bayambang Culture Mapping Project
commenced, through the collaboration between Tourism Office, Bayambang National
High School through Mr. Christopher Gozum, and Center for Pangasinan Studies of
the provincial government. The project, which was a thorough inventory and
cataloguing of the town’s cultural resources, would win a major award from the
Department of Tourism and Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines a
year after in a ceremony held in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.
On October 6, Bayambang's Tourism Department’s conduct of
the LGU’s tourism week was adjudged grand champion in the “best tourism month
or week celebration 2017 - municipality category” at the Pearl Awards of the
Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines and the Department of
Tourism held in Cagayan de Oro.
On November 18, Mayor Quiambao’s closest aide, Councilor
Levin N. Uy, was murdered by unidentified gunmen while jogging near his home in
Zone II.
The Quiambao-Sabangan administration was accorded with a
long list of awards from all levels, including the highest form of recognition
from the national government, the Seal of Good Local Governance.
One by one, various towns held benchmarking activities in
LGU-Bayambang.
In December 20, Local Council of Women President Mary Clare
Judith Phyllis Jose-Quiambao opened the Abong na Aro (House of Love) halfway
house for abused women and children and other individuals in need of special
non-medical emergency assistance at the Wawa Evacuation Center.
Atty. Sagarino left for Australia with her family after
receiving a death threat in connection with the Bayambang Central School case. Atty.
Raymundo Bautista, formerly the Municipal Legal Officer, was appointed as
Municipal Chief of Staff, then eventually, officially took over as Municipal
Administrator after.
The Municipal Consultants were given a room or office of
their own inside the Municipal Hall.
2019
The Quiambao family inaugurated the Saint Vincent Ferrer
Prayer Park in Brgy. Bani, by unveiling the engineered bamboo statue of St.
Vincent Ferrer, which earned for Bayambang its second Guinness record: the
tallest bamboo sculpture (supported) in the world.
Coinciding with the official opening of St. Vincent Ferrer
Prayer Park was the 2019 Cristo Rey celebration, with no less than Archbishop
Gabriele Giordano Caccia, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, leading the
rites in the SVF Prayer Park Chapel in Brgy. Bani, with church and municipal
officials and other dignitaries in attendance together with devotees from 39
parishes, 17 municipalities, 15 Catholic schools, 9 vicariates, 8 pastoral
stations, 3 chaplaincies, and 3 seminaries.
On March 25, LGU Ville, a low-cost housing development of
the local government, broke ground in Brgy. Sancagulis.
On May 8, Fr. Fidelis Layog of Bayambang was appointed by
Pope Francis as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, the
first priest from Bayambang to become a bishop.
Mayor Quiambao launched his farm modernization program with
a purchase of a suite of farm machineries (rice planter, combine harvester,
etc.) and other supporting activities.
Bayambang's first coffee-table book was published, as part
of the 400th year celebration of the town’s parish church. Its title is "Parokya
nen San Vicente Ferrer: Subol na Pananisia" and was authored by former
Pangasinan State University-Bayambang college dean, Dr. Clarita D.G. Jimenez. “Subol”
details the history of the St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church from the time it
was founded in 1619.
Forest Lake offered an alternative to Hands of Heaven as
memorial park.
On October 4, the
Bayambang Culture Mapping Project won the Association of Tourism
Officers of the Philippines – Department of Tourism (ATOP-DOT) Pearl Awards.
The Land
Transportation Office (LTO) opened its Bayambang Extension Office in J.P.
Rizal, Poblacion Sur on December 18.
Mayor Quiambao represented LGU-Bayambang as he graced the
Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Panata Ko sa Bayan Awards
ceremony on February 15 at the Landbank Plaza, Malate, Manila. LGU-Bayambang
was chosen by the DSWD as GAPAS or Gawad sa Paglilingkod sa Sambahayan awardee
for being the country's Model LGU in the Implementation of DSWD's Sustainable
Livelihood Program (Microenterprise Development Model).
In July, the construction of a mini-dam in Telbang began.
Allan Michael Ibañez emerged as another internationally
multi-awarded indie filmmaker from Bayambang, having bagged such awards as the
Grand Jury Prize feature film at the San Diego International Kids' Film
Festival, the Best Feature Film award under the Debut Directors category at the
All Lights India International Film Festival, and Honorable Mention for Best
Feature Film at the 12th Buffalo Niagara Film Festival.
In a year-end assessment celebration of the LGU, the mayor
raffled off a brand-new car as the grand prize. It was won by job order
employee Macario Garcia.
2020
A survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority reported
that Bayambang had a population of 120,000.
On January 28, Commodore Luzviminda A. Camacho, AFP, of
Brgy. Cadre Site made history by being the Philippine Navy's first female
Skipper and Contingent Commander, thus becoming the first female Commodore of
the Philippine Navy, equivalent to Brigadier General or one-star rank in the
Army, Air Force, and Marines.
Horror, panic, and sadness gripped the whole town during the
global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of its earliest casualties were
the town’s “duktor ng bayan” Dr. Henry Fernandez and wife Julie. Mayor
Cezar Quiambao and wife Niña were among the thousands who were struck down by
the disease and got hospitalized.
Lockdowns and community quarantine were enforced. The town
fiesta and other annual festivities were cancelled. Other activities that
resulted in crowding were regulated and monitored. Work-from-home arrangement
was enforced in many workplaces.
The San Gabriel I Evacuation Center was converted into an
isolation center for LSIs or locally stranded individuals. The Pugo Evacuation
Center was converted as quarantine facility (for infected individuals and those
showing suspicious signs and symptoms) and later became the vaccination center.
The Wawa Evacuation Center, which housed the Abong na Aro, served as quarantine
and isolation facility for frontliners. For these purposes, the San Gabriel I,
Pugo, and Wawa Evacuation Centers were renovated by the MDRRMO.
The local government built the Bayambang Commercial Strip in
front of the parish church under a public-private partnership scheme.
A new Municipal Annex Building was inaugurated at the back
of the Municipal Hall compound.
RHU I got its own Department of Health-certified Animal Bite
Treatment Center. This feat would be replicated by RHU III and RHU II in the
following years.
Construction of the Municipal Warehouse began in Telbang
across the Municipal Motorpool.
RHU IV in Brgy. Macayocayo opened on November 25, and was
built on a lot donated by the Macayocayo Barangay Council under Punong Barangay
Mario Cariño.
Two local rock musicians, Richmond Bancolita and Tom Patrick
Cuison, became part of Nobita, a band that would have a reach nationwide and
beyond.
On September 24, Dr. Jose ‘Dong’ Camacho, Jr., from this
town, was elected by the University of the Philippines at Los Baños Board of
Regents as the 10th UPLB chancellor.
2021
Mayor Quiambao’s petition for the Philippine government to
convert Mangabul Lake into alienable and disposable land reached Philippine
Congress and Senate with the help of Congresswoman Rose Marie ‘Baby’ Arenas and
Senator Miguel Zubiri.
An attempt was also made to have Bayambang declared as a
city, but it lacked two major requirement: a population of at least 150,000 and
a higher local revenue.
RHU V in Brgy. Pantol opened in February. It was built using
funds donated by 3rd District Congresswoman Rose Marie 'Baby' Arenas.
“Beauty and the Beast: The Musical” was staged for the first
time in Region I. Sponsored by the town’s First Couple, it was staged at the
Balon Bayambang Events Center showcasing local talents.
On March 16, Mayor Quiambao launched the Bayambang’s Best
longanisa brand at the Public Market.
On April 14, 2021, a newly constructed Bayambang Municipal
Fire Station was opened at its old location in Brgy. Zone VI.
On May 17, P22.4-million worth of heavy equipment were
purchased by the LGU to revive the town's 8-km inland fishery. The equipment
included one wheel loader, two chain excavators, two dump trucks, one tractor
head, and one 40-ft two-axle lowbed trailer — all brand new.
Quiambao’s 1Food Corporation started its food manufacturing
operations in Brgy. Dusoc. Its initial products included OKrantz assorted
vegetable chips and tomato salsa using local farmers’ produce and employing the
technology of the DOST-PSU Food Innovation Center after Quiambao discovered its
existence.
Silver Concha Wavepool Resort, a water-based resort with
artificial waves, was inaugurated in Brgy. Malimpec.
On May 15, Sta. Lucia Land Inc. broke ground for its Centro
Verde Bayambang residential estate development across the St. Vincent Ferrer
Prayer Park.
Sun Plaza Mall rose in Brgy. Telbang.
Forest Lake Memorial Park opened in Brgy. Nalsian Sur.
Mayor Quiambao created two additional departments: Municipal
Legal Office and Internal Audit Unit/Service.
In November, the construction for a building for a planned
soil laboratory started in Brgy. Manambong Parte.
2022
On April 18, Mayor Quiambao launched the E-Agro app, a
digital platform that addresses the various needs of farmers, especially loans,
at their fingertips—possibly the first of its kind in the country. Eight
agricultural warehouses were constructed per farming district as supporting
infrastructure.
On March 24, a tourism enterprise proposal of the
Sangguniang Kabataan of Brgy. Amancosiling Norte won the grand prize in Mayor
Quiambao's Bayambang Millennials’ Challenge. Patterned after Bloomberg's Mayors
Challenge (New York), the competition sought to solicit and reward the most
innovative ideas from the youth that could solve one of their own community's
problems. The winning team experimented with transforming a moribund river dike
area into an Agno River cruise type of attraction.
On March 30, the biggest post-harvest facility complex in
Northern Luzon was inaugurated by the Quiambao-Jose family in Brgy.
Amancosiling Sur. It was operated by the Agricultural Infrastructure and
Leasing Corporation or AILC with office at St. Vincent Village, Brgy. Bical
Norte.
The main output of the Bayambang Culture Mapping Project was
produced, the book “Say Nanlapuan.”
Mayor Cezar Quiambao ended his second term with the release
of a detailed LGU-Bayambang Annual Report.
In May, two women made history by being the first women to
get elected as Mayor and Vice-Mayor of the town: Mary Clare Judith Phyllis
‘Niña’ Jose-Quiambao and Ian Camille ‘IC’ Castillo Sabangan. The Municipal
Councilors included former Vice-Mayor Mylvin ‘Boying T. Junio, former
Vice-Mayor Jose ‘By’ Ramos, Benjamin Francisco S. de Vera, Philip R. Dumalanta,
Amory M. Junio, Gerardo ‘Gerry’ Flores, Martin E. Terrado II, Levinson Nessus
M. Uy, with Rodelito Bautista, Liga ng mga Barangay President, and Marianne
Cheska Dulay, Sangguniang Kabataan President, as ex-officio members.
In May, a mini-dam funded by Senator ‘Koko’ Pimentel was
built in Dusoc.
On June 10, the Bayambang Dairy Farm started operations in
Brgy. Mangayao.
The Bayambang Polytechnic College (BPC) was established on
June 27 by virtue of Municipal Ordinance No. 05, S-2022, later on approved
through Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 586-2022. An LGU-owned and
operated college but initially funded privately by the Quiambao-Jose family, it
initially opened in 3F Royal Mall and offered a ladderized program on tech-voc
courses and four-year courses in Entrepreneurship and Agribusiness in response
to the town’s pressing needs.
On July 4, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the
Pantol-to-San Gabriel Farm-to-Market Road with Bridge Project, a grant worth
P126,478,000.00 from the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development
Project-World Bank.
On August 3, the Municipal Bonery beside the Bayambang Fire
Station was constructed.
Angkong Noodle House opened at St. Vincent Ferrer Prayer
Park, bringing authentic Binondo-style/Chinoy food in town.
On September 19, the Municipal Hatchery opened in Brgy.
Langiran.
On October 20, the northernmost span of Wawa Bridge
collapsed after two overloaded trucks drove through it at the same time. On
November 8, a bailey bridge was constructed by the DPWH to restore traffic in
the area.
In early March, PSU-BC received AACCUP Institutional
Accreditation Level IV Re-Accredited status.
In November, Kenneth Mejia, the son of a Bayambangueña, was
elected as City of Los Angeles Controller or city accountant, the first-ever
Filipino and the first Asian to reach such a milestone in the city's history.
A Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangays was
conceptualized by Mayor Cezar Quiambao long before the Department of the
Interior and Local Government introduced this form of recognition for barangay
local government units.
Joseph Anthony F. Quinto, General Manager of San Fernando
City Water District (La Union), was hired as the town’s first Municipal
Environment and Natural Resources Officer or MENRO. Under his watch, the
Municipal Nursery housed inside the PSU Bayambang Campus was transferred to the
Materials Recovery Facility in Brgy. Dusoc; Mayor Niña Jose-Quiambao’s
intensive clean-and-green campaign, Bali-Bali’n Bayambang, was launched; he was
elected as President of the Pangasinan Association of Environment and Natural Resources
Officers; and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Office received several
awards.
2023
On January 22, the Bayambang District Hospital's operating
room became the largest among district hospitals in the province, after Kasama
Kita sa Barangay Foundation, Inc., Niña Cares Foundation, and the provincial
government expanded and improved it together with upgraded equipment.
On February 15, the Balon Bayambang Museum: Home of
Innovation was formally opened to the public after a soft launch on October 14,
2022.
RHU VI was built in Brgy. Mangayao on a lot donated by Mayor
Cezar T. Quiambao and opened on February 22.
On May 5, former Mayor Quiambao, through CS First Green
Agri-Industrial Development Inc., entered into a memorandum of agreement for
two solar power plants worth $503-million with a 321-megawatt capacity to be
built in Infanta and Dasol towns in western Pangasinan. In the presence of Gov.
Ramon Guico III, he signed the MOA in Lingayen together with URIT Limited
Philippines Corp., and the China Energy International Group Co.
On May 8, CitiHardware opened in Brgy. Buayaen.
A Sewage Treatment and Septage Management System Plan was
crafted, based on a nationwide directive from President Rodrigo Duterte.
LGU-Bayambang accepted its hard-earned ISO 9001:2015
(Quality Management System) Certification from Certification Partner Global -
Philippines, at an awarding ceremony held August 16 at the Balon Bayambang
Events Center, with all LGU officials and employees in attendance. Thus, the
town became the only ISO-certified town/city LGU in Pangasinan aside from
LGU-Alaminos City.
On October 12, the local government won the Bayambang
Central School case and wasted no time in reclaiming possession of the
property.
On December 5, the first 3D LED screen in the country
outside of Metro Manila was inaugurated in Royal Mall.
After this, a Christmas attraction inspired by Ghibli
Studios’ anime films and characters at the Municipal Plaza attracted hundreds
of thousands of visitors and media attention.
LGU-Bayambang scored an "Unmodified Opinion" from
the Commission on Audit's Annual Audit Report for the first time, it was
announced on June 30.
A portion of the Wawa Evacuation Center was converted into a
satellite office of the MDRRMO.
Mayor Niña Jose-Quiambao donated P1-milion for the raffle
draw for the LGU’s year-end assessment program.
2024
On January 12, Former Vice-Mayor Raul R. Sabangan was
elected as President of the provincial Federation of Liga ng mga Barangay,
earning him a seat at the Pangasinan legislative body as an ex-officio Board
Member.
On May 15, the National Irrigation Administration started
digging in Brgy. Amancosiling Norte.
On June 6, the old Home Economics Building in the old
Bayambang Central School campus was renovated and turned into temporary
government offices. Soon, another surviving school building was rehabilitated
and turned into temporary classrooms of the Bayambang Polytechnic College.
On June 24, BYB Metro broke ground in Brgy. Bical Norte as a
new and modern town center envisioned to be “the BGC of the North.”
On July 29, Don Teofilo C. Mataban Memorial School opened in
Brgy. Ligue, a school constructed by the local government on privately donated
land.
On August 8, Bo’s Coffee opened a branch in Brgy. Asin.
On October 18, the seven-story Julius K. Quiambao Medical
and Wellness Center was inaugurated in Brgy. Asin with First Lady Louise
Araneta-Marcos leading the ceremony. The tertiary hospital is managed by The
Medical City group.
A Christmas attraction inspired by the “Star Wars” film
franchise at the Municipal Plaza attracted thousands of visitors. Digital
projection mapping technology and animatronics were used in this attraction.
A cosplay competition was held for the first time, and
because of the huge prizes, attracted veteran cosplayers from as far as Metro
Manila.
The bougainvillea was declared as the official municipal
flower of Bayambang.
In November, a major amusement park broke ground at the site
of BYB Metro.
On December 13, a groundbreaking ceremony was held in Brgy.
Nalsian Norte for the Nalsian Norte Onion Cold Storage, a grant from the
Department of Agriculture worth ₱37,372,158.01.
During the year’s SingKapital celebration in November, the
National Historical Commission of the Philippines unveiled a new marker in
front of the Municipal Hall stating that Aguinaldo and company were in
Bayambang for several days and not just overnight as long thought.
Susanna Rodriguez Evangelista, RN, of Barangay Nalsian Sur,
was the topnotcher of the June 2024 Philippine Nurses Special Professional
Licensure Examination, securing the top spot with a score of 86.20%.
On May 15, LGU-Bayambang received the Excellence Award from
the Philippine Association of Local Government Accountants at the CAP-John Hay
Trade and Cultural Center, Baguio City, in recognition of the LGU’s attainment
of an “Unmodified or Unqualified Audit Opinion” based on the 2022 COA Annual
Audit Report of the Commission on Audit, a first in the annals of the LGU.
On midnight of May 5, a portion of the Public Market caught
fire due to octopus wiring in some stalls. Affected stall owners were
immediately given financial assistance from the LGU’s fund and the mayor’s
personal fund.
In April, the parish church’s new museum, Museo de San
Vicente Ferrer, was first inaugurated as a parish exhibit.
The local government officially created the positions of
Local Youth Development Officer, PWD Affairs Development Officer, Local Revenue
Collection Officer, and Business Permits and Licensing Officer and hired
qualified personnel for the purpose.
A book, “220 Tula para sa Bayambang,” was published which
compiles all winning and non-winning poems about the town’s history and culture
from contests held since 2016. The compilation includes entries about the
‘SingKapital’ celebration.
2025
On February 6, the groundbreaking ceremony for the campus of
Bayambang Polytechnic College was conducted in Brgy. Bical Norte beside
Bayambang District Hospital on a lot donated by Dr. Cezar T. Quiambao. First
Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and Commission on Higher Education Chairman Prospero
‘Popoy’ de Vera led the ceremony together with Dr. Cezar T. Quiambao, BPC
President, Dr. Rafael L. Saygo, and other dignitaries.
On March 7, Governor Ramon 'Mon-Mon' Guico III and other
Pangasinan provincial government officials, together with municipal officials,
inaugurated the new CT scan, stationary and portable ultrasound, and X-ray
machines at the Bayambang District Hospital, and led the groundbreaking
ceremony for the new hemodialysis center there.
On April 5, the St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church was
officially proclaimed by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop, Most Reverend Socrates
Villegas, as an archdiocesan shrine. The parish was now called Santuario de San
Vicente Ferrer.
This development coincided with the ordination of a new
priest from Bayambang, Fr. Alexander I. Martinez, OCarm., after 29 long years.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the rehabilitation of Wawa
Bridge was held as an opening activity for the town fiesta.
‘Rhianna’ Cerezo Poquiz of Brgy. San Gabriel 2nd was crowned
as the first “Binibeking Bayambang.”
The local government won two other major infrastructure
projects from DA-PRDP Scale-up and WB: the Pantol-to-San Gabriel Farm-to-Market
Road with Bridge Project, a grant worth ₱319,180,000, and the Nalsian Cold
Storage Project, a grant worth ₱246,015,000.
Bayambang was recognized by the National Nutrition Council
with the CROWN or Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition Award in
the presence of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.
A Central Terminal for big buses was completed on the
leftmost side of PSU-Bayambang Campus.
Kangaroo Hill Pavilion and Resort opened in Brgy.
Sancagulis.
On May 12, Mayor Niña Jose-Quiambao
was reelected on her second term after a close fight with Dr. Cathy de Vera. The Municipal
Councilors included Nazer Junio, former Vice-Mayor Jose ‘Boy’ Ramos, Gerardo
‘Gerry’ Flores, Levinson Nessus M. Uy, Jocelyn S. Espejo, Engr. Zerex Terrado,
Raymund Camacho, and Rhyan de Vera, with Rodelito Bautista, Liga ng mga
Barangay President, and Marianne Cheska Dulay, Sangguniang Kabataan President,
remaining as ex-officio members.
However, not long after, in June, SK
Federation Chair Marianne Cheska Dulay resigned from her post, an unprecedented
move, citing protection of her mental health as reason. She was replaced by her
Vice-President, John Roy Jalac.
Regene ‘Seven’
Sendaydiego Odon, a singer-actor born and raised in Bayambang, was cast in a
Tony Award-winning musical-play, “Kimberly Akimbo,” which toured 80 cities in
the USA.
In June, Señor
Ihaw, a chicken inasal place, and Angkong Noodle House, a Chinese restaurant,
opened at the Bayambang Centro, which took over the commercial place formerly
occupied by Magic Supermarket at the public market. Soon, Watsons health and
beauty care shop opened in Bayambang.
On August 18, two
buildings were inaugurated: the MSWDO Bldg., where the Municipal Social Welfare
and Development Office (MSWDO) was transferred, and the ECCD Bldg., where the
daycare or Early Child Care and Development (ECCD) focal staff of MSWDO were transferred.
On August 25, the
Bayambang Central Terminal and Bagsakan Market were formally opened at the
extreme left side of the PSU-Bayambang Campus, with the LGU granted with
usufructuary rights by PSU.
In October, the
commemorative book, “The Journey: Santuario de San Vicente Ferrer,” was
released in connection with the declaration of the St. Vincent Ferrer Parish
Church as a diocesan shrine.
Compiled by: Resty S. Odon
References: Dr. Clarita Jimenez & Bayambang
Quadricentennial Research Team (for the period 1614-2014), Balon Bayambang
Facebook page, various official websites, LGU officials and department heads
Contributors: Tessie Reyes, Gernalyn Santos, Jonathan de
Castro, Karla de Vera-Cristobal, Boyette Santillan Poserio, Annie Seledio,
Corazon Reyes, Jane Kristelle Domingo Macmod, Joel V. Camacho, Bernabe Mercado
Jr., Joey Ferrer
Researchers: JV Baltazar, Vernaliza Ferrer, Camila Gatpo
Garin, Geralyn Pagsolingan, Caryl Nikki Agdeppa, Mica Flores, Sheina Mae U.
Gravidez
