Baston nen Laki Valentin
In Brgy. Inirangan, Bayambang, Pangasinan, a baston or wooden cane is kept by the family Punong Barangay Jonathan Espejo.
The family refers to it as baston nen Laki Valentin, Espejo's father who was Captain Jose Rellion Espejo.
Currently safeguarded by Mr. Espejo, this wooden staff embodies the resilience, ingenuity, and quiet heroism of Filipinos during the Second World War.
Crafted from the rare and durable hardwood kamagong, the baston measures 33 inches in length and 4.5 inches in width, retaining its natural deep-black hue that signifies strength and endurance. Its form is deliberately designed to resemble a sword, marked by intricate detailing that elevates it beyond a utilitarian object. The tip is reinforced with a steel covering, a practical feature intended to protect the wood from damage while underscoring its readiness for use in harsh conditions.
Laki Valentin was a guerrilla officer during World War II. In a time when concealment often meant survival, the baston functioned as both a walking aid and a weapon, allowing resistance fighters to move discreetly while remaining prepared for combat. As such, it reflects the adaptive strategies employed by guerrilla forces who transformed everyday objects into tools of resistance against occupying forces.
More than a physical artifact, the baston of Laki Valentin serves as a tangible link between past and present. It reminds contemporary generations that history lives not only in written records but also in the objects once held by those who defended freedom with courage and sacrifice.
Mappers: BNHS students
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