Gandara, Samar
Encyclopedia
Gandara is a 2nd class municipality
in the Philippines, formerly named Bangahon, transfer to its new location on September 29, 1902, named after the former Governor General
José de la Gándara y Navarro
.
Article 960 October 23, 1903 jurisdiction of barangays; Bangon, Buenas Aires, Calanyugan, Cambaye, San Luis, Pangi and Pagsanghan has been transfer of to the Municipality of Tarangnan.
In 1979, Pagsanghan and San Jorge were created as a new municipality.
s of the crumbling church and fragmented artworks which remain from old Gandara, named Bangahon due to its geographical location in the forked of the Gandara River. "Guin babanga han wala ug too nga salug". The book Conquestas de las Islas Filipinas by Father San Agustin the Bangahon states it was already a Pueblo
or town in 1729, and was made a parish by the Spanish Jesuits Missionaries with St. Michael the Archangel as Patron
Saint
.
The eighteenth Century ended with Bangahon at the height of abundance and prosperity being a trading center complemented with its fertile soil producing plentiful and ample harvest every year. However, when the American battleships landed at Calbayog on February 9, 1900 the municipal officials of Bangahon burned their town to avoid encampment threat by American Soldiers. The problem of where to build a new town was solved during a conference of July 25, 1901 at barrio San Pelayo wherein Dumalo-ong
was unanimously chosen due to its ideal location being at the center and midway of the left river, right river and downstreams barrios,. Furthermore,
Dumalo-ong and now Gandara, is located almost at the center of Calbayog City and Catbalogan City. Gandara's foundation anniversary is July the 15th.
Established in 1902 and named after the surname of Spanish Governor General
José de la Gándara y Navarro
, the first captain was Hon. Jose Dionesio Mendiola,
who died during the year's cholera epidemic and replaced by Hon. Jose Piczon on June 15, 1902 serving until June 15, 1903. Succeeded by Hon. Ramon Mendiola (1903–1906)
who was remembered for celebrating the first Gandara town fiesta on September 29, 1903. From the year 1907, town executives were called Presidents.
Kind-hearted and philanthropist Martino Reyes donated more or less six hectares of his Dumalo-ong farmland. The donation was executed on January 12, 1909, comprising the poblacion proper. The school site covered by certificate of title no. 95 dated July 20, 1912 and that of the parish under
lot no. 146-CAD-444-D dated August 31, 1976 further supported by an extra judicial donation dated March 20, 1908.
s.
Presidents
Jones Law
of 1916 (First Local Election) Municipal Presidents
Second World War (1941–1945) Mayors
Liberation (Municipal Mayors)
Philippine Republic
Land Use
Internal Revenue Allotment for Barangays
Initial Allocation
as of 2006
Area
1,522.00 Hectares
Manganese
Area
540.69 Hectares
To wit; these are the Kiseo, Kalinayan, Tableya, Pulahanes, Lingganay, Bangahon Church Ruins, the Wacthtower and many others.
Another remarkable thing that gives name and honor to Gandara is the spectacular Carabao Festival. This is a colorful street dancing joyously celebrating
the varied usefulness of carabao in the farming activities of Gandareno peasants. This is also the homage to St. Michael the Archangel, the patron saint
of the townspeople from flood, pestilence, drought, famine and other natural or man-made catastrophes.
From this undeniable reality, the Local Government Unit of Gandara through the Municipal Arts and Culture Office, under the dynamic supervision of Mr. Vicente "Nonoi" A. Botero, Jr.,
deemed necessary to create a cultural festival that would truly depict Gandara's unique way of living. Out of the imaginative minds of some culturally inclined individuals, they finally
thought of the Carabao Fesival.
Behind the triumphs and accolades received by the group is the beautiful synopsis of the story in which the ten-minute presentation revolves. Thus: "In a solitary
place of Marambaw, there lived a tribe of hardworking carabaos that was headed by Ungaho, a powerful and mighty Babaylan or chieftain. He had an only daughter named Menga, whose
beauty and fame was known high and low.
A number of strong gentlemen wished to become the better-half of Menga.
In order to kn ow who among the suitors truly deserved the lady's heart, Ungaho called for a competition of strength and power. Whoever wins in the tough physical test would surely be the lifetime
partner of his lovely daughter.
Two of the determined gentlemen who dared to accept were Sungayon, a brave leader of Sunggabon Tribe. And Abaw, a lovely but courageous and handsome Datu of Kirumbaw Tribe. Amidst their
fearsome fight, Abaw won victoriously over Sungayon.
But, due to unaccepted defeat of the latter, he abducted Menga and eloped to a secluded place were no one could ever find them.
Ungaho became furious and mad at Sungayon's traitorship. So, he cursed the Sungayon tribe. The tribe suffered from unexpected flashfloods, gruesome pestilence and unbearable famine.
Because of the great sufferings. Menga came to her senses and decided to run-away from the possesive hands of Ungaho. With repentant heart, she personally beg for forgiveness from Abaw, her originally loved suitor
In return, she was accepted by Abaw and brought her to Ungaho to ask for pardon, too. Ungaho was overwhelmed with gladness and joy that his lost daughter had returned alive.
Ungaho commissioned the tribe's priest to solemnize the wedding of Abaw and Menga. Afterwhich, the couple started a new life. They farmed the vast land given to them with the help of carabaos.
They planted rice, vegetables and crops. They milked the best for white cheese making and ventured into other productive activities. Ungaho blessed them with bountiful blessings. The best gifts they ever received were the first born twins, "Bebaw and Kengaw".
-by John Tan
Municipality
A municipality is essentially an urban administrative division having corporate status and usually powers of self-government. It can also be used to mean the governing body of a municipality. A municipality is a general-purpose administrative subdivision, as opposed to a special-purpose district...
in the Philippines, formerly named Bangahon, transfer to its new location on September 29, 1902, named after the former Governor General
Governor-General of the Philippines
The Governor-General of the Philippines was the title of the government executive during the colonial period of the Philippines, governed mainly by Spain and the United States, and briefly by Great Britain, from 1565 to 1935....
José de la Gándara y Navarro
José de la Gándara y Navarro
José de la Gándara y Navarro was a Spanish soldier, born in Bilbao. He entered the military College as a cadet in 1832, joined the army in 1834 as sublieutenant, and served in the campaign against the Carlists till 1839, participating in all the battles...
.
Article 960 October 23, 1903 jurisdiction of barangays; Bangon, Buenas Aires, Calanyugan, Cambaye, San Luis, Pangi and Pagsanghan has been transfer of to the Municipality of Tarangnan.
In 1979, Pagsanghan and San Jorge were created as a new municipality.
Historical Data
Gandara's Colonial past is displayed by the solitary watchtower (bantayan), the sacred relicRelic
In religion, a relic is a part of the body of a saint or a venerated person, or else another type of ancient religious object, carefully preserved for purposes of veneration or as a tangible memorial...
s of the crumbling church and fragmented artworks which remain from old Gandara, named Bangahon due to its geographical location in the forked of the Gandara River. "Guin babanga han wala ug too nga salug". The book Conquestas de las Islas Filipinas by Father San Agustin the Bangahon states it was already a Pueblo
Pueblo
Pueblo is a term used to describe modern communities of Native Americans in the Southwestern United States of America. The first Spanish explorers of the Southwest used this term to describe the communities housed in apartment-like structures built of stone, adobe mud, and other local material...
or town in 1729, and was made a parish by the Spanish Jesuits Missionaries with St. Michael the Archangel as Patron
Patrón
Patrón is a luxury brand of tequila produced in Mexico and sold in hand-blown, individually numbered bottles.Made entirely from Blue Agave "piñas" , Patrón comes in five varieties: Silver, Añejo, Reposado, Gran Patrón Platinum and Gran Patrón Burdeos. Patrón also sells a tequila-coffee blend known...
Saint
Saint
A saint is a holy person. In various religions, saints are people who are believed to have exceptional holiness.In Christian usage, "saint" refers to any believer who is "in Christ", and in whom Christ dwells, whether in heaven or in earth...
.
The eighteenth Century ended with Bangahon at the height of abundance and prosperity being a trading center complemented with its fertile soil producing plentiful and ample harvest every year. However, when the American battleships landed at Calbayog on February 9, 1900 the municipal officials of Bangahon burned their town to avoid encampment threat by American Soldiers. The problem of where to build a new town was solved during a conference of July 25, 1901 at barrio San Pelayo wherein Dumalo-ong
Dumalo-ong
Dumalo-ong is one of the 69 barangays of the Municipality of Gandara, Samar, Philippines. Chosen as the new pueblo or town during the July 25, 1901 conference held at Brgy. San Pelayo.Business center and almost all business establishments are located here....
was unanimously chosen due to its ideal location being at the center and midway of the left river, right river and downstreams barrios,. Furthermore,
Dumalo-ong and now Gandara, is located almost at the center of Calbayog City and Catbalogan City. Gandara's foundation anniversary is July the 15th.
Established in 1902 and named after the surname of Spanish Governor General
Governor-General of the Philippines
The Governor-General of the Philippines was the title of the government executive during the colonial period of the Philippines, governed mainly by Spain and the United States, and briefly by Great Britain, from 1565 to 1935....
José de la Gándara y Navarro
José de la Gándara y Navarro
José de la Gándara y Navarro was a Spanish soldier, born in Bilbao. He entered the military College as a cadet in 1832, joined the army in 1834 as sublieutenant, and served in the campaign against the Carlists till 1839, participating in all the battles...
, the first captain was Hon. Jose Dionesio Mendiola,
who died during the year's cholera epidemic and replaced by Hon. Jose Piczon on June 15, 1902 serving until June 15, 1903. Succeeded by Hon. Ramon Mendiola (1903–1906)
who was remembered for celebrating the first Gandara town fiesta on September 29, 1903. From the year 1907, town executives were called Presidents.
Kind-hearted and philanthropist Martino Reyes donated more or less six hectares of his Dumalo-ong farmland. The donation was executed on January 12, 1909, comprising the poblacion proper. The school site covered by certificate of title no. 95 dated July 20, 1912 and that of the parish under
lot no. 146-CAD-444-D dated August 31, 1976 further supported by an extra judicial donation dated March 20, 1908.
Political Data
Gandara is politically subdivided into 69 barangayBarangay
A barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines and is the native Filipino term for a village, district or ward...
s.
|
|
|
Presidents
- (1907–1910):Hon. Pablo Mendiola
- (1910–1912):Hon. Ariston Ramos
- (1912–1914):Hon. Catalino Diaz
- (1914–1916):Hon. Anacleto Abella
Jones Law
Jones Law (Philippines)
The Jones Law or the Act of Congress of August 29, 1916, also known as the Philippine Autonomy Act of 1916, replaced the Philippine Organic Act of 1902 that earlier served as a constitution for the Philippine Islands. The Philippines was ceded by Spain to the United States in 1898 and a civil...
of 1916 (First Local Election) Municipal Presidents
- (1917–1920):Hon. Jose C. Piczon
- (1920–1923):Hon. Filadelfo Diaz
- (1923–1926):Hon. Nazario Guantic
- (1926–1929):Hon. Macario Lim
- (1929–1937):Hon. Fermin Gayondato
Second World War (1941–1945) Mayors
- Hon. Filadelfo Aliman (Military Government)
- Hon. Juan Volfango (Japanese Government)
Liberation (Municipal Mayors)
- (1946–1947):Hon. Custodio Bisnar
- (1947):Hon. Jesus Rama
Philippine Republic
- (1947–1950):Hon. Dionisio Abella
- (1950–1952):Hon. Arturo Llacer
- (1952–1955):Hon. Vicente Tan
- (1955–1961):Hon. Miguel T. DIaz
- (1961–1964):Hon. Tirzo Gonzaga
- (1964–1967):Hon. Antonio M. Bolastig
- (1967–1968):Hon. Antonio Cabueños
- (1968–1986):Hon. Ramon T. Diaz
- (1980) ASO :Hon. Pio A. Tan
- (1986–1987):Hon. Reynaldo Correche
- (1987–1988):Hon. Germana Yulo
- (1988–1998):Hon. Juan Y. Aguilar
- (1998–1999):Hon. Cresencio Tan
- (1999–2001):Hon. Eufemio S. Oliva
- (2001–2004):Hon. Juan Y. Aguilar
- (2004–present):Hon. Antonieto Cabueños
Geographical Data
| Total Land Area | 30,788.19 Hectares |
| Below 100 mts elevation | 49,442.00 Hectares |
| 100mts to 200 mts elev. | 10,533.21 Hectares |
| 200mts elev and above | 8,120.61 Hectares |
Land Use
| Agricultural | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cultivated | 7,356.15 Hectares | 14.8% |
| Uncultivated | 16,193.33 Hectares | 32.75% |
| Built-Up Area | ||
| 1,607.06 Hectares | 3.25% | |
| Grass Land | ||
| 4,142.00 Hectares | 8.38% | |
| Reservation | ||
| 19,129.59 Hectares | 38.69% | |
| Wetland | ||
| 1,013.87 Hectares | 2.05% | |
| Major River | ||
| Gandara River |
Demographical Data
As of 2006 survey| Total Population | 32,508 |
|---|---|
| Male | 16,658 |
| Female | 15,850 |
| Number of Household |
|---|
| 6,283 |
| Household Size |
| 5.17 |
| Density per km2 |
| 66 |
Economical Data
| Maximum Household Income | Php 22,552.16/month |
|---|
| Minimum Household Income | Php 1,436.50/month |
|---|
| Average Household Income | Php 5,366.25/month |
|---|
| Ave.Farm Household Income | Php 2,159.30/month |
|---|
| Poverty Threshold | Php 8,484.68/month |
|---|
| Poverty Incidence | 94.21% |
|---|
| Employment | |
|---|---|
| Employment Rate | 470 per 1,000 Population |
| Major Field of Employment | |
|---|---|
| Agriculture and Forestry | 21.06% |
| Mining and Quarrying | 0.06% |
| Manufacturing | 2.47% |
| Construction | 1.10% |
| Electrical, Gas and Water | 0.07% |
| Transportation, Etc. | 1.24% |
| Trade | 12.05% |
| Finance, Dwelling and Real Estate | 0.07% |
| Community, Social and Personal | 4.97% |
| Other not adequately defined | 4.92% |
Internal Revenue Allotment for Barangays
Initial Allocation
as of 2006
| Barangays | Population (2000) | Barangays w/ 100 or more population | Share based on population | Equal sharing | Total (rounded) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adela Heights | 1,055 | 80,000.00 | 213,316.25 | 245,299.19 | 538,615.00 |
| Arong | 147 | 80,000.00 | 29,722.74 | 245,299.19 | 355,022.00 |
| Balocawe | 396 | 80,000.00 | 80,069.42 | 245,299.19 | 405,369.00 |
| Beslig | 279 | 80,000.00 | 56,412.54 | 245,299.19 | 381,712.00 |
| Buao | 379 | 80,000.00 | 76,632.09 | 245,299.19 | 401,931.00 |
| Bunyagan | 312 | 80,000.00 | 63,085.00 | 245,299.19 | 388,384.00 |
| Burabod I | 145 | 80,000.00 | 29,318.35 | 245,299.19 | 354,618.00 |
| Burabod II | 880 | 80,000.00 | 177,932.04 | 245,299.19 | 503,231.00 |
| Calirocan | 308 | 80,000.00 | 62,276.21 | 245,299.19 | 387,575.00 |
| Canhumawid | 221 | 80,000.00 | 44,685.21 | 245,299.19 | 369,984.00 |
| Caparangasan | 357 | 80,000.00 | 72,183.79 | 245,299.19 | 397,483.00 |
| Caranas | 227 | 80,000.00 | 45,898.38 | 245,299.19 | 371,198.00 |
| Carmona | 363 | 80,000.00 | 73,396.97 | 245,299.19 | 398,696.00 |
| Casab-ahan | 811 | 80,000.00 | 163,980.55 | 245,299.19 | 489,280.00 |
| Casandig | 509 | 80,000.00 | 102,917.51 | 245,299.19 | 428,217.00 |
| Catorse de Agosto | 1,111 | 80,000.00 | 224,639.20 | 245,299.19 | 549,938.00 |
| Caugbusan | 258 | 80,000.00 | 52,166.44 | 245,299.19 | 377,466.00 |
| Concepcion | 1,071 | 80,000.00 | 216,551.38 | 245,299.19 | 541,851.00 |
| Diaz | 458 | 80,000.00 | 92,605.54 | 245,299.19 | 417,905.00 |
| Dumalo-ong | 589 | 80,000.00 | 119,093.15 | 245,299.19 | 444,392.00 |
| Elcano | 386 | 80,000.00 | 78,047.46 | 245,299.19 | 403,347.00 |
| Gerali | 415 | 80,000.00 | 83,911.14 | 249,299.19 | 409,210.00 |
| Gereganan | 150 | 80,000.00 | 30,329.32 | 245,299.19 | 355,629.00 |
| Giaboc | 199 | 80,000.00 | 40,236.90 | 245,299.19 | 365,536.00 |
| Hampton | 425 | 80,000.00 | 40,236.90 | 245,299.19 | 411,232.00 |
| Hetebac | 212 | 80,000.00 | 42,865.45 | 245,499.19 | 368,165.00 |
| Himamaloto | 204 | 80,000.00 | 41,247.88 | 245,499.19 | 366,547.00 |
| Hinayagan | 474 | 80,000.00 | 95,840.67 | 245,499.19 | 421,140.00 |
| Hinugacan | 249 | 80,000.00 | 50,346.68 | 245,499.19 | 375,646.00 |
| Hiparayan | 333 | 80,000.00 | 67,331.10 | 245,499.19 | 392,630.00 |
| Jazminez | 492 | 80,000.00 | 99,480.19 | 245,499.19 | 424,779.00 |
| Lungib | 388 | 80,000.00 | 78,451.85 | 245,499.19 | 403,751.00 |
| Mabuhay | 164 | 80,000.00 | 33,160.06 | 245,499.19 | 358,459.00 |
| Macugo | 312 | 80,000.00 | 63,085.00 | 245,499.19 | 388,384.00 |
| Malayog | 84 | 0.00 | 16,984.42 | 245,499.19 | 262,284.00 |
| Marcos | 128 | 80,000.00 | 25,881.02 | 245,499.19 | 351,180.00 |
| Minda | 1,091 | 80,000.00 | 220,595.29 | 245,499.19 | 545,894.00 |
| Nacube | 576 | 80,000.00 | 116,464.61 | 245,499.19 | 441,764.00 |
| Nalihugan | 288 | 80,000.00 | 58,232.30 | 245,499.19 | 383,531.00 |
| Napalisan | 681 | 80,000.00 | 137,695.13 | 245,499.19 | 462,994.00 |
| Natimonan | 481 | 80,000.00 | 97,256.03 | 245,499.19 | 422,555.00 |
| Ngoso | 312 | 80,000.00 | 63,085.00 | 245,499.19 | 388,384.00 |
| Palambrag | 260 | 80,000.00 | 52,570.83 | 245,499.19 | 377,870.00 |
| Palanas | 367 | 80,000.00 | 74,205.75 | 245,499.19 | 399,505.00 |
| Pinaplata | 487 | 80,000.00 | 98,469.21 | 245,499.19 | 423,768.00 |
| Pizarro | 384 | 80,000.00 | 77,643.07 | 245,499.19 | 402,942.00 |
| Pologon | 259 | 80,000.00 | 52,368.63 | 245,499.19 | 377,668.00 |
| Purog | 435 | 80,000.00 | 87,955.04 | 245,499.19 | 413,254.00 |
| Rawis | 549 | 80,000.00 | 111,005.33 | 245,499.19 | 436,305.00 |
| Rizal | 173 | 80,000.00 | 34,979.82 | 245,499.19 | 360,279.00 |
| Samoyao | 501 | 80,000.00 | 101,299.94 | 245,499.19 | 426,599.00 |
| San Agustin | 739 | 80,000.00 | 149,422.47 | 245,499.19 | 474,722.00 |
| San Antonio | 561 | 80,000.00 | 113,431.67 | 245,499.19 | 438,731.00 |
| San Enrique | 268 | 80,000.00 | 54,188.39 | 245,499.19 | 379,488.00 |
| San Francisco | 331 | 80,000.00 | 66,926.71 | 245,499.19 | 392,226.00 |
| San Isidro | 292 | 80,000.00 | 59,041.09 | 245,499.19 | 384,340.00 |
| San Jose | 898 | 80,000.00 | 181,571.56 | 245,499.19 | 506,871.00 |
| San Miguel | 224 | 80,000.00 | 45,291.79 | 245,499.19 | 370,591.00 |
| San Pelayo | 521 | 80,000.00 | 105,343.85 | 245,499.19 | 430,643.00 |
| San Ramon | 142 | 80,000.00 | 28,711.76 | 245,499.19 | 354,011.00 |
| Santa Elena | 337 | 80,000.00 | 68,139.88 | 245,499.19 | 393,439.00 |
| Santo Nino | 625 | 80,000.00 | 126,372.19 | 245,499.19 | 451,671.00 |
| Senibaran | 132 | 80,000.00 | 26,689.81 | 245,499.19 | 351,989.00 |
| Sidmon | 189 | 80,000.00 | 38,214.95 | 245,499.19 | 363,514.00 |
| Tagnao | 860 | 80,000.00 | 173,888.13 | 245,499.19 | 499,187.00 |
| Tambongan | 762 | 80,000.00 | 154,072.97 | 245,499.19 | 479,372.00 |
| Tawiran | 178 | 80,000.00 | 35,990.80 | 245,499.19 | 361,290.00 |
| Tigbawon | 224 | 80,000.00 | 45,291.79 | 245,499.19 | 370,591.00 |
| 28,866 | 5,440,000.00 | 5,836,575.25 | 16,925,643.81 | 28,202,218.00 |
Agricultural Data
| Area Planted (Hectares) | Farm Household Involved | Annual Production (MT) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice Irrigated | 147.88 | 83 | 828.13 |
| Rice Rainfed | 1,297.11 | 1,148 | 4,280.45 |
| Rice Upland | 977.66 | 1,139 | 1,173.20 |
| Corn | 436.52 | 899 | 1,091.04 |
| Leafy Vegetable | 46.17 | 333 | 184.67 |
| Fruit Vegetable | 67.41 | 498 | 337.06 |
| Sweet Potato | 209.80 | 845 | 734.30 |
| Cassava | 238.01 | 899 | 833.04 |
| Gabi | 345.85 | 1019 | 1,210.47 |
| Ubi | 114.69 | 346 | 401.40 |
| Banana | 457.82 | 1,601 | 6,768.53 |
| Abaca | 338.92 | 496 | 576.16 |
| Coconut | 2,021.13 | 1,395 | 1,263.21 |
| Jackfruit | 252.15 | 1,109 | 806.87 |
| Mango | 76.80 | 367 | 153.60 |
| Lanzones | 116.27 | 325 | 290.68 |
| Other Fruits | 213.76 | 618 | 384.78 |
| Coffee | 11.48 | 35 | 20.66 |
| Cacao | 164.33 | 811 | 328.67 |
Natural Resources
BauxiteBauxite
Bauxite is an aluminium ore and is the main source of aluminium. This form of rock consists mostly of the minerals gibbsite Al3, boehmite γ-AlO, and diaspore α-AlO, in a mixture with the two iron oxides goethite and hematite, the clay mineral kaolinite, and small amounts of anatase TiO2...
Area
1,522.00 Hectares
Manganese
Manganese
Manganese is a chemical element, designated by the symbol Mn. It has the atomic number 25. It is found as a free element in nature , and in many minerals...
Area
540.69 Hectares
Arts and Festival
The town of Gandara has been known far and wide because of some stuffs that that speak the ingenuity of the people and uniqueness of the place.To wit; these are the Kiseo, Kalinayan, Tableya, Pulahanes, Lingganay, Bangahon Church Ruins, the Wacthtower and many others.
Another remarkable thing that gives name and honor to Gandara is the spectacular Carabao Festival. This is a colorful street dancing joyously celebrating
the varied usefulness of carabao in the farming activities of Gandareno peasants. This is also the homage to St. Michael the Archangel, the patron saint
of the townspeople from flood, pestilence, drought, famine and other natural or man-made catastrophes.
From this undeniable reality, the Local Government Unit of Gandara through the Municipal Arts and Culture Office, under the dynamic supervision of Mr. Vicente "Nonoi" A. Botero, Jr.,
deemed necessary to create a cultural festival that would truly depict Gandara's unique way of living. Out of the imaginative minds of some culturally inclined individuals, they finally
thought of the Carabao Fesival.
Behind the triumphs and accolades received by the group is the beautiful synopsis of the story in which the ten-minute presentation revolves. Thus: "In a solitary
place of Marambaw, there lived a tribe of hardworking carabaos that was headed by Ungaho, a powerful and mighty Babaylan or chieftain. He had an only daughter named Menga, whose
beauty and fame was known high and low.
A number of strong gentlemen wished to become the better-half of Menga.
In order to kn ow who among the suitors truly deserved the lady's heart, Ungaho called for a competition of strength and power. Whoever wins in the tough physical test would surely be the lifetime
partner of his lovely daughter.
Two of the determined gentlemen who dared to accept were Sungayon, a brave leader of Sunggabon Tribe. And Abaw, a lovely but courageous and handsome Datu of Kirumbaw Tribe. Amidst their
fearsome fight, Abaw won victoriously over Sungayon.
But, due to unaccepted defeat of the latter, he abducted Menga and eloped to a secluded place were no one could ever find them.
Ungaho became furious and mad at Sungayon's traitorship. So, he cursed the Sungayon tribe. The tribe suffered from unexpected flashfloods, gruesome pestilence and unbearable famine.
Because of the great sufferings. Menga came to her senses and decided to run-away from the possesive hands of Ungaho. With repentant heart, she personally beg for forgiveness from Abaw, her originally loved suitor
In return, she was accepted by Abaw and brought her to Ungaho to ask for pardon, too. Ungaho was overwhelmed with gladness and joy that his lost daughter had returned alive.
Ungaho commissioned the tribe's priest to solemnize the wedding of Abaw and Menga. Afterwhich, the couple started a new life. They farmed the vast land given to them with the help of carabaos.
They planted rice, vegetables and crops. They milked the best for white cheese making and ventured into other productive activities. Ungaho blessed them with bountiful blessings. The best gifts they ever received were the first born twins, "Bebaw and Kengaw".
-by John Tan