Mataas na Lupa, San Pascual, Batangas: Historical Data

Historical data from the National Library of the Philippines.

Some places got their names from certain plants or trees common to those places. But as to how this barrio got its name, it is different. According to the old folks, this place was named “Mataas na Lupa” because of its hilly location. During the early days, this place was the highest place seen from the place below. From that time on, this place was named “Mataas na Lupa.”

The barrio lieutenant is the head of the barrio. Information gathered proves that Cayetano Manalo was the Barrio Lieutenant in 1910. The tabulation will show the record of past and present barrio heads:

(a) During the Spanish Occupation:

During this period, transportation was inadequate as the roads were rugged; hence, people could not take their goods to the poblacion conveniently. This was one barrier that prevented the population from regular economic development. Goods and communications were chiefly carried by horses or by foot.

At this time, the sanitary condition was such that health practices could not be carried out. There was not a single sanitary dug well in the whole barrio. People fetched water from the poblacion or from a river called “Kakawan” which is approximately 3 kilometers from this barrio.

(b) During the American Occupation to World War II:

During this period, progress in education was noted. The foreigners courted the people’s cooperation through a policy of attraction. Parents were encouraged to send their children to school in nearby barrios and given free school supplies. Such was the educational situation of the barrio when the Second World War broke out.

As time went on, the rugged roads left by the Spaniards were slowly transformed into much better ones. Vehicles were soon able to pass through. Instead of the horse transportation that was prevalent during the Spanish regime, caretelas and calesas were made the chief means of transportation. Still later on, before World War II, the Batangas Transportation Company made travel easier and convenient for the people.

At this time, too, people began to realize the importance of health. Two sanitary wells were dug.

(c) During and after World War II:

With the coming of the Japanese in 1941, the economic standing of the people deteriorated. People were forced to convert a large portion of the fields into cotton plantations, thereby leaving [a] small area for food for home consumption. They had to live on root crops. The prices of commodities were sky high. Time came when goods were bartered, just like in the old barangay days.

Most children at this time were forced to quit school as they had to help the family earn a living. Besides, schools nearby were closed.

The Japanese instituted forced labor when they recruited from this barrio a certain number of men monthly to work on Japanese projects in Lipa and Ilat.

Way back in 1947, children attended school in the poblacion or in the barrio of Ilat. Little boys and girls took the pain of walking a long way to school. Two years after the American liberation in 1945, some civic-spirited citizens of the barrios of Mataas na Lupa and Palsahingin worked hand in hand under the leadership

of Faustino Coronel and Venancio Dayanhirang to establish a school between the two neighboring barrios. Necessary steps were undertaken and on September 1947, the Mataas na Lupa-Palsahingin School was founded with Mrs. Marcela Cordero as its pioneer teacher, taking care of [a] combination of classes, Grades I & II. In July 1951, another teacher was assigned, making a total of two teachers. It is hoped that in the future, we hope for its progress as the community progresses.

Two sons from this barrio gave their lives fighting in the battle of Bataan. The two soldiers were Serapio del Rosario and Sergio Tumambing. Another son who died not as a soldier but a civilian and bus conductor was Jose Villalobos.

(b) Measures and accomplishments towards rehabilitation and reconstruction following World War II - N o n e.

(a) Marriage.

It is customary for a prospective bridegroom to render service to the girl’s family after their engagement becomes official by fetching water, feeding the cows, getting firewood, etc.

(b) Death.

A prayer for nine consecutive nights immediately a person’s death is offered for the soul of the deceased.

(c) Festivals.

Fiestas do not come yearly but once in two or four years. When the occasion comes, every house prepares for the festivity.

If a cat washes his face facing the door, a visitor is coming.

When the bahaw bird calls out “bahaw, bahaw,” it denotes [a] good harvest.

Tagalog	English
1.  Dalawang bolang sinulid, nakakaabot hanggang langit. (mata)	1.  Two balls of thread can reach the sky. (eyes)
2.  Lumalakad, walang paa; lumuluha, walang mata. (pluma)	2.  What can walk without feet and cry without eyes? (pen)
3.  Naunang umakyat, nahulis sa lahat. (bubong)	3.  The first to climb, but the last to step down. (roof)
4.  Kung maliit ay minamahal, kung lumaki'y pinupugutan. (palay)	4.  Be loved when still young, but beheaded upon reaching maturity. (grains of palay)
5. Hindi hari, hindi pari, nagdaramit ng sari-sari. (sampayan)	5.  Neither priest nor king, but dressed in different clothing. (clothesline)
6.  Mataas kung nakaupo, mababa kung nakatayo. (aso)	6.  It is tall when sitting, but grew short upon standing. (dog)
7.  Nakaluluto'y walang ininit, umaaso kahit malamig. (yelo)	7.  It can cook without heating, it is cold but smoking. (ice)
8.  Alin ang ibon ang di makadapo sa kahoy? (pugo)	8.  What is the bird that cannot perch upon a tree? (quail)
9.  Isang paraluman, kinakain ang katawan. (kandila)	9.  A beautiful lady eating her own body. (candle)
10. Dahong pinagbungahan, bungang pinagdahunan. (pinya)	10. On the leaves grew fruit, on the fruit grew leaves. (pineapple)

Tagalog	English
1.  Ang bayaning nasusugatan, nag-iibayo ang tapang.	1.  A hero who is wounded acquires greater courage.

Tagalog	English
2.  Ang lihim na katapangan ay siyang pinakikinabangan.	2.  Discreet courage works to advantage.
3.  Kung mayroon kang itinanim, mayroon kang aanihin.	3.  If you have planted something, you will harvest something.
4.  Ang bato ay hindi lalapit sa suso.	4.  Stones don't go to the snail.
5.  Ang taong palatulog, ginto man ang mahulog, hindi makapulot.	5.  A lazy man profiteth nothing, come even during Lent.
6.  Ang hindi marunong magtipon, walang hinayang magtapon.	6.  He who does not know how to save throws away money thoughtlessly.
7.  Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa.	7.  God gives his grace to men who labor for it.
8.  Ang hanap sa bula, sa bula nawawala.	8.  Money earned from bubbles disappear like bubbles, or easily earned, easily spent.
9.  Daig ng agap ang liksi.	9.  Punctuality outruns agility.
10. Aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo.	10. Of what use is the grass whe the horse is dead?
11. Kuwag kang kasisiguro, kuaresma man ay nabagyo.	11. Don't be overconfident, storms come even during Lent.
12. Walang utang na hindi pinagbabayaran.	12. No debt will ever remain unpaid.
13. Kung ano ang bukang-bibig, siyang laman ng dibdib.	13. What one usually says is what he feels.
14. Ang nagtatanim ng hangin, bagyo ang aanihin.	14. He who plants the wind reaps the storm.
15. Walang matimtimang birhen sa matiyagang manalangin.	15. Constancy and patience will always win.

People usually tell the time by the position of the sun, by the cock’s crow, by the B.T.Co. trips, and by the clock.

Respectfully submitted:
(MISS) REMEDIOS M. AGUIRRE

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