Sangalubungan (Lamplighters’ Park): A Curiosity in Brgy. Ataynan

 Sangalubungan (Lamplighters’ Park): A Curiosity in Brgy. Ataynan

Sangalubungan, also known as the Lamplighters’ Park, is a small park located in Brgy. Ataynan, Bayambang, Pangasinan. A landscaped park, it serves as a sacred communal space for the Lamplighters—a non-sectarian group bound by principles of peace, unity, and reverence for nature. The site reflects a harmonious integration of natural elements, spiritual philosophy, and collective memory.

Physical Description

Upon entering Sangalubungan, visitors are welcomed by a modest bamboo rest house. Inscribed on its front wall are texts and writings attributed to the Lamplighters and their founder, setting a contemplative tone for the space. Beyond the rest house, two pathways branch to the left and right, divided by a landscaped median filled with carefully arranged plants and trees.

Along the left pathway stands a structure used by the Lamplighters for meetings and lectures. In front of this structure is a pond, accessible by steps descending toward the water and ascending back to the main path. Further into the park rises a gentle hill densely planted with various flora, serving as a natural backdrop to a small stage area. At the base of the hill are rectangular seats arranged to accommodate gatherings and reflections.

In front of the stage stands an old wishing well, accompanied by a small bridge that adds to the site’s rustic charm. On the left side of the stage towers a centennial acacia tree, a silent witness to decades of communal activity, with a simple shed built beside it. Throughout the park, diverse plant arrangements and the presence of old and century-old trees contribute to its artistic character and tranquil atmosphere.

Historical Background

Sangalubungan was established in the 1970s as the gathering place of the Lamplighters of Ataynan, Bayambang Chapter. The Lamplighters is a non-religious, non-sectarian group founded on July 24, 1948, in Long Beach, California by Father Eleuterio J. Tropa, a retired United States Navy officer who later became the group’s General Director.

The park was built specifically to serve as a venue for the Lamplighters’ processions, lectures, and communal assemblies — not only for the Ataynan chapter but also for visiting Lamplighters from other areas. Members refer to one another as “brothers and sisters,” or kakabsat in Ilokano, reflecting their emphasis on kinship and equality.

Central to their belief is the guiding principle “Love one another.” The founder’s teachings also speak of moral vigilance and spiritual preparedness, underscoring the group’s reflective way of life. Their deep respect for nature is evident in the park’s abundant vegetation. As a pro-nature community, the Lamplighters intentionally preserved and cultivated trees, plants, and animal life within Sangalubungan.

One of the group’s distinctive practices is walking barefoot within the grounds and sporting long hair. This tradition stems from their belief that humans are born without footwear, symbolizing humility and a direct connection to the earth. The Lamplighters uphold a clear mission and vision rooted in being non-violent, non-racial, non-political, and non-sectarian, fostering inclusivity and peaceful coexistence.

Cultural Beliefs and Intangible Elements

Local residents and informants recount beliefs that Sangalubungan is inhabited by unseen elements or spirits, particularly within its century-old trees. These narratives, passed on through oral tradition, contribute to the site’s mystique and reinforce its reputation as a place of quiet reverence. The stillness of the surroundings and the sense of peace experienced by visitors further strengthen these beliefs.

Significance of the Site

Sangalubungan holds historical significance as a long-standing center of activity for the Lamplighters in Bayambang. It also bears aesthetic value through its careful landscaping and preservation of natural features. Socially and spiritually, the park functions as a space for fellowship, reflection, and communal learning, embodying the group’s core values of love, simplicity, and respect for nature.

Today, Sangalubungan remains a serene sanctuary—one that stands as a testament to the group's commitment to peace, environmental stewardship, and shared humanity.

Profilers / Mappers: Camille DC. Viernes, Niño Shane H. Layug, Gerald Claveria, Kim Airiesh Valdez, Jim Carlo Lopez

Date Profiled: September 23, 2018

Adviser: Mr. Christopher Gozum, Bayambang National High School