Palsahingin, San Pascual, Batangas: Historical Data

Historical data from the National Library of the Philippines.

The name was derived from the name of a big tree called “palsahingin,” that yields a sticky black or sometimes white substance called “sahing,” used for medicinal or lighting purposes by past generations. It was believed that during the Spanish regime, when some Spaniards visited the place, they noticed the tall trees which greatly abounded in this part during those days. The visitors inquired as to the name of the trees. The natives answered, “palsahinginn,” and from then on, “Palsahingin” became its legendary name.

The barrio lieutenant is the head of the barrio. Information gathered disclosed that Pablo Abuzman was the last cabeza de barangay and the first barrio lieutenant. A list of previous barrio lieutenants was made available with the help of some old folks in the barrio. The following is a record of past and present barrio heads:

1. Pablo Abuzman
2. Natalio Leynes
3. David Manalo
4. Ambrosio Ilagan
5. Celedonio Bejasa
6. Hilarion Tumambing
7. Fidel Caraan – 1916-1929
8. Barcelino Caraan – 1929-1930
9. Roque Corona – 1930-1940
10. Venancio Dayanghirang – 1940-1948
11. Gonzalo Aguila – 1948-

(a) During the Spanish Occupation

At this period, transportation was inadequate as the road was rugged; hence, people could not take their goods to the poblacion conveniently. This was one barrier that prevented the population to forge ahead toward economic development. Goods and communication 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 spring called Butlag, which is approximately ₱2½ kilometers from this barrio.

(b) During the American Occupation to World War II

In 1901, the Americans restricted the people to a certain area near or in the poblacion as a means of combating the “insurrectos.” Mostly, the people of this barrio settled temporarily within the limits of the barrio of Sambat. After 3 months, November to February, the Americans successfully effected their peace campaign in the village, and the natives returned to their homes.

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

As time went on, the rugged road left by the Spaniards was slowly transformed into a much better one. 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. At present, the barrio can point to three sanitary dug wells.

(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 [a] cotton plantation, thereby leaving a small area for food for their house consumption. They had to live on root crops. The prices of commodities were sky-high. [The] 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 Japanese war and economic projects in Lipa and Ilat.

Way back before 1947, children attended school in the poblacion, or in the barrio of Alalum. 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 Palsahingin and Mataas na Lupa worked hand-in-hand under the leadership of Venancio Dayanghirang and Faustino Coronel, to establish a school between the two neighboring barrios. Necessary steps were undertaken, and in 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 and II. In July 1951, another teacher was assigned, making a total of two teachers. It is hoped that the future will find this school progress as the community progresses.

In 1945, after the coming of the Americans, an American Air Force Headquarters was established in the vicinity. Palsahingin was then made a side small base where bombs were deposited in revetments. The establishment was a blessing in certain ways. It employed local laborers. People earned enough for subsistence. In 1948, the unit was deactivated and the Johnlo Trading Company took its place, leaving the bombs in their care, but it did not last long. Misunderstanding [was] soon aroused between the people of another town of the province and the company. In 1949, the company left. Some bombs were dumped out in the sea while others were transferred to the air base in Floridablanca.

During wars, especially in 1896-1900 and 1941-1945. Two sons from this barrio gave their lives fighting in the Battle of Bataan. They were Dionisio Bantugon and Hermogenes Rosales.

(b) Measures and accomplishments toward rehabilitation and reconstruction following World War II

The bridge joining the barrios of Palsahingin and Alalum, and which was destroyed during the Japanese occupation, was reconstructed.

(a) Marriage

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

(b) Death

A prayer for nine consecutive nights immediately after 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 a door, a visitor is coming. When the bahaw bird calls out "bahaw, bahaw,” it denotes good harvest.

Bingo is a popular pastime especially at night. Serenading during moonlit nights is also a common pastime among young men.

People usually tell time by the position of the sun, by the cocks’ crow, and by the clock.

There are no authors in this barrio.

Respectfully submitted:
(MISS) PORFIRIA DEL MUNDO

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