WELCOME TO NEW WASHINGTON A BOUNTIFUL!
Saturday, January 12, 2013
History:
New Washington is a municipality in the province of Aklan in the Philippines,articularly famous for being the native town of the late Jaime Cardinal Sin, former Archbishop of Manila. Dubbed in recent years as New Washington, The Bountiful, it is home to proactive, prolific and development-oriented people.
Established on January 15, 1904, the municipality was named after the first president of the United States, George Washington, as a tribute to the Thomasites, a group of American teachers who in the early 1900s established a new public education system in the Philippines, taught basic education, and trained Filipino teachers with English as medium of instruction. The municipality was formerly called Fonda Lagatik, which was derived from Lagatik River that stretches along some of the municipality's barangays at a length of 9.6 kilometers.
New Washington is the third most populous municipality in Aklan, holding
8% of the province's total population. According to the 2007 census, it is home
to 39,656 residents. The number has increased by 16.7% since the year 2000 when
the official count was 33,981.
Majority of the New Washingtonians, as the municipality's residents are
sometimes called, are of Aklanon origin. Immigration, generally, is due to
marriage and employment.
New Washingtonians speak in Aklanon, Hiligaynon, Filipino and English,
the former being their primary medium. Aklanon, as a language, is often
described as a cross between Bisaya, Hiligaynon and Karay—a making it quite
complicated for local and foreign tourists to speak and comprehend. This is not
seen as a problem, considering that residents can speak fluent Filipino and
English.
The people of New Washington are predominantly Christians with such movements as Catholic, Protestant and Nontrinitarian scattered
around the town. Religious denominations present in the municipality
include Roman Catholic Church, Philippine Independent Church, Baptist churches, Iglesia ni Cristo, Seventh Day of Adventist Church, Jehovah's Witnessess and Church of
the Latter Day Saints among others.
Although a considerable number is involved in fishing and farming, New
Washingtonians have forayed into a diverse array of professions. The majority
of them are into marine transportation, education, nursing and business. A few
are involved in the fields of medicine, law, public service, etc. Small to
medium-scale businesses abound in the municipality.
Barangays
New Washington is politically subdivided into 16 barangay's as
follows:
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|
To some locals, the barangays are grouped into two, namely
"eanas" and "baybay". The barangays that belong to Eanas
are those involved in rice farming such as Mabilo, Puis, Jalas, Guinbaliwan,
Mataphao, Candelaria, Lawa-an and Jugas. Baybay, on the other hand, covers
barangays along or near the coastline, consisting of Tambac, Poblacion,
Pinamuk-an, Polo, Cawayan, Ochando, Fatima and Dumaguit.
Common among municipalities in the Philippines, the seat of local
government and the center of business are situated in Poblacion. It is also in
that barangay, specifically at the locally iconic Municipal Auditorium and
Sports Complex, where major events of the town are held.
Practices of the People:
Fishing
In the fisheries sector we have on-going freshwater fisheries development programs, and the integrated coastal zone management program.
Farming
In the fisheries sector we have on-going freshwater fisheries development programs, and the integrated coastal zone management program.
Farming
Together with tourism, agriculture is one of our twin development thrusts. Understandably so, because 9% or 16,835 hectares of our province’s land area of 181,789 hectares is devoted to rice farming. 40,165 Aklanons are involved in rice production.
With its coastline location and vast rice fields, the chief industries in New Washington are fishing and rice farming.
Through the years, the town has proven to be a promising spot for tourism what with edifices that have either historical or spiritual significance and locations that can be categorized as havens for leisure and relaxation. Examples include the NHI-recognized commemorative monument of Jaime Cardinal Sin and the Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Poblacion, the Pink Sisters' Convent in Polo, the Sunrise/Sunset Viewing at Tambak Seawall and the Sampaguita Gardens Resort.
Traditions of the Community:
Traditions of new Washingtonian is to celebrate fiesta's and to visit the different spot's of our town. If there is one tradition in the Filipino community that has survived all the challenges of the millennium and still remains relevant today, it is the history of Aklan and its Ati-Atihan culture.New Washington, Aklan. “Looking back from humble beginnings and moving forward to opportunities and challenges”. The 4-H Club Federation of the Philippines fittingly chose the theme as it celebrates its 60 years of existence. From a core of young people focused on developing their farms, the 4H has grown into a national organization. It has triumphed as a force to reckon with in nation building as it develops citizenship, leadership, responsibility and life skills among the youth.
More than 300 delegates from all over the country gathered to celebrate the occasion in a National 4-H Convention last March 23-25, 2012 at the Sampaguita Gardens in New Washington, Aklan. The affair was hosted by the National Federation Officers and the Region 6 Federation of 4-H Clubs. Full support was given by the ATI National FYDP Team led by Alice Nebreja and ATI Region 6 headed by OIC-Center Director, Mesitlie A. Teruel.
The Convention was a triumphant event in more ways than one. Foremost was having DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala who inspired everyone by his mere presence. Add to this is the Secretary’s commitment of 1.2 M pesos worth of livelihood projects for each of the Regional Federation of 4H Clubs. ATI Asst. Director for Operations Alberto Maningding gave a sentimental message and revealed that he deliberately chose the affair to be his last official function before he retires.
Even on the first day, the mood was festive and celebratory with each region’s cultural presentations, capped with the “Barter of Panay” enactment by Aklan. The soothing chorus and string ensemble of Guimaras 4H Club together with the amazing talents of 4Hers from other regions provided entertaining breaks to the sessions. Efforts to triumph over various challenges to agriculture were demonstrated as 4Hers themselves exchanged organic farming technologies and business strategies. They learned from farm entrepreneur Ramon Peñalosa as well as from health and wellness expert Dr. Albert Jo. They shared blessings with 60 indigent families of New Washington and did their part in caring for the environment by planting mangrove trees.
Celebrations and Occasions of the community:
PACTO DE SANGRE: New Washington's Finest Celebration and Search for Ms. Pacto de Sangre
New Washington is best known in the province of Aklan for the Blood Compact Celebration or for its Spanish term Pacto de Sangre every 3rd of March. This tradition has been a significant part in the history of New Washington.The annual celebration of the Blood Compact is a commemoration for the Aklanon heroes who have sacrificed their own lives just to liberate their fellow Filipinos from the colonization of the Spanish forces. The Pacto de Sangre or the Blood Compact happened in Sitio Kuntang, Ochando, New Washington, Aklan on March 23, 1897. The Aklanon Katipuneros who fought the Spanish regime were Romualdo Dalida, Isidro Jimenez, Cornelio Delfin, Valeriano Dalida, Benito Motus, Albino Rabaria, Teodorico Motus, and Juan Dalida.These heroes risked their lives to uphold the freedom and independence the Filipino people were fighting for. The Katipuneros wounded their wrists and used their blood to sign a document. This act is a sign of their grievances against the Spanish regime. The document being signed expressed their revolts against the Spanish authorities. Moreover, this blood compact has also been a considered as a representation of eternal friendship and brotherhood. The pact was then remembered as one of the most important events in the Philippines history and paved way to the annual celebration of commemorating the Blood Compact in the small town of New Washington.The municipality of New Washington takes pride in celebrating this event every year. During this celebration, the entire poblacion offers a festive spirit through the lively music and decors. The local folks prepare lots of exciting activities. These activities include the main highlight which is the Search for Ms. Pacto de Sangre, wherein, different beautiful ladies representing the different Barangays comprising the town of New Washington, will vie over the crown. The search culminates a fireworks display after the winner is announced. There is a Food Festival in the plaza of the Poblacion, where you can find the different cuisines prepared by the people of New Washington. There are also some provincial bands performing during the Food Fest to let the visitors enjoy their time while eating. Lots of activities are lined up that will surely make the visitors crave for more. In addition to this, the people residing in poblacion prepared foods for the visitors who will come to their place.
The Blood Compact celebration is one great proof of how great the Katipuneros were. How brave they were to fought for the freedom of our country and how rich our culture is.
The annual celebration of the Blood Compact is a commemoration for the Aklanon heroes who have sacrificed their own lives just to liberate their fellow Filipinos from the colonization of the Spanish forces. The Pacto de Sangre or the Blood Compact happened in Sitio Kuntang, Ochando, New Washington, Aklan on March 23, 1897. The Aklanon Katipuneros who fought the Spanish regime were Romualdo Dalida, Isidro Jimenez, Cornelio Delfin, Valeriano Dalida, Benito Motus, Albino Rabaria, Teodorico Motus, and Juan Dalida.
These heroes risked their lives to uphold the freedom and independence the Filipino people were fighting for. The Katipuneros wounded their wrists and used their blood to sign a document. This act is a sign of their grievances against the Spanish regime. The document being signed expressed their revolts against the Spanish authorities. Moreover, this blood compact has also been a considered as a representation of eternal friendship and brotherhood. The pact was then remembered as one of the most important events in the Philippines history and paved way to the annual celebration of commemorating the Blood Compact in the small town of New Washington.
The municipality of New Washington takes pride in celebrating this event every year. During this celebration, the entire poblacion offers a festive spirit through the lively music and decors. The local folks prepare lots of exciting activities. These activities include the main highlight which is the Search for Ms. Pacto de Sangre, wherein, different beautiful ladies representing the different Barangays comprising the town of New Washington, will vie over the crown. The search culminates a fireworks display after the winner is announced. There is a Food Festival in the plaza of the Poblacion, where you can find the different cuisines prepared by the people of New Washington. There are also some provincial bands performing during the Food Fest to let the visitors enjoy their time while eating. Lots of activities are lined up that will surely make the visitors crave for more. In addition to this, the people residing in poblacion prepared foods for the visitors who will come to their place.
The Blood Compact celebration is one great proof of how great the Katipuneros were. How brave they were to fought for the freedom of our country and how rich our culture is.
New Washington is best known in the province of Aklan for the Blood Compact Celebration or for its Spanish term Pacto de Sangre every 3rd of March. This tradition has been a significant part in the history of New Washington.
Beliefs of the People:
People in our community has not completely replaced the belief that engkanto
(supernatural beings) reside in places called mari-it, such as cliffs, bamboo groves,
boulders, and earth mounds. The palhi are either evil spirits or their dwelling place.
Aswang (flesh-eating ghouls) come in different forms. The tiktik is a bird that eats
human liver; the bagat, usually in the form of a huge dog or some grotesque creature, preys on lone travelers; the sigbin, also a dog, preys on people at noontime; the bawa
looks like a big hen, but it can easily snap its victim’s neck. The kama-kama are lazy
and funloving dwarfs living in earth mounds. The tamawo are either friendly or evil
spirits, and live in resplendent palaces that look like mere boulders to the human eye.
Through a peculiar act of courtship called yanggaw, they entice humans who attract
them. Hiwit or barang is a ritual that gives one the power to inflict pain on an enemy.
(supernatural beings) reside in places called mari-it, such as cliffs, bamboo groves,
boulders, and earth mounds. The palhi are either evil spirits or their dwelling place.
Aswang (flesh-eating ghouls) come in different forms. The tiktik is a bird that eats
human liver; the bagat, usually in the form of a huge dog or some grotesque creature, preys on lone travelers; the sigbin, also a dog, preys on people at noontime; the bawa
looks like a big hen, but it can easily snap its victim’s neck. The kama-kama are lazy
and funloving dwarfs living in earth mounds. The tamawo are either friendly or evil
spirits, and live in resplendent palaces that look like mere boulders to the human eye.
Through a peculiar act of courtship called yanggaw, they entice humans who attract
them. Hiwit or barang is a ritual that gives one the power to inflict pain on an enemy.
Barangay and Local Officials:
Mayor - Atty. Edgar
R. Peralta
Vice Mayor - Jean T. Velarde
________________________________________________
Barangay Captain: Lelina T. Ilarde
Barangay Kagawad:
Danilo Regalado
Dolia Raiz
Osie Paderes
Benjie Baltazar
Sevilio Villaruel
Gina Resurreccion
Gary Remetio
________________________________________________
SK Chairman: Lloyd P. Sarabia Jr.
SK Kagawad:
Eulyza Mae Zorilla
Alfrich Delos Santos
Mark James Delfin
Cybelle D. Villanueva
Marjecris Guillermo
Jeany Rose S. Reyes
Trish Ann R. Delos Reyes
Common and Uncommon practices of the people:
“Rural development is the participation of people in a mutual learning experience
involving themselves, their local resources, external change agents, and outside
resources. People cannot be developed. They can only develop themselves by
participating in activities which affect their well-being. People are not being developed
when they are herded like animals into new ventures.”
- They are fond of planting trees.
- They are fond in joining organizations.
- Some youth are active in different religious workshops or activities.
- Some people are active in other recreational program by the brgy. officials.
Recreations of the Community and the People:
- Some people help in "basnig" in baybay.
- They participate in different organizations.
- Youths are active in participating in a basketball tournament with a purpose.
- Some girls specially the grandmother's are fond of cooking native cakes for their merrienda.
- Some children are fond of swimming in the "baybay".
- In Brgy. Fatima, they cooked banana crackers which is one of their source of income.
- People likes "baylehan".
- Boys are fond of playing basketball.
Family concerns and practices:
"Ismael Family"
Father: Jonathan Ismael
Mother: Cristy Tapic
Son: Cristan Ismael
-
How
many children do they have? one only
-
Do
they practice family planning? yes, they are
-
Are
they contented about their present situations? no, because her husband has no permanent work, so that she decided to go abroad where she can able to support their financial assistance.
-
What
age do they usually marry? She can't able to get married to her present husband, because she's married to her first husband.
-
Are
they extended family? Up to how many families live in one roof? no
"Tabiolo Family"
Father: Anacleto Tabiolo
Mother: Mia Tabiolo
Children: Markgil Tabiolo
Amer Tabiolo
Art Tabiolo
Christine Tabiolo
Mary Cris Tabiolo
Mary Ann Tabiolo
Mark Anthony Tabiolo
Aaron Tabiolo
-
How
many children do they have? eight
-
Do
they practice family planning? no
-
Are
they contented about their present situations? no,because her
husband has no permanent work, so that se can't be able to send her children's in college.
-
What
age do they usually marry? 20
-
Are
they extended family? Up to how many families live in one roof? no
Potential Spots Tourism in New Washington, Aklan
- Sampaguita Gardens: The (Jojo's) Christmas Cottage
- Tambak Seawall
- Isla Kapispisan Mangrove Reforestation
- Jaime Cardinal Sin's Statue
Sampaguita Gardens: The (Jojo's) Christmas Cottage
Sampaguita Gardens Resort and Spa, more popularly known simply as Sampaguita Gardens in 506 Rizal Street, Poblacion, New Washington, Aklan, a 10 -minute ride from the Kalibo Airport aims to be a world-class resort for local and foreign guests. Not a far out idea especially Mr. Samuel J. Butcher, the creator of "Precious Moments" and a stockholder of the resort is one responsible for the creative design for most part of the resort.
Sampaguita Gardens has become famous for celebrating Christmas all year round. It is currently being marketed as more than just a destination but an experience.
Tambak Seawall
Isla Kapispisan Mangrove Reforestation
Among the major marine ecosystems in the Philippines, mangroves each suffered the earliest and greatest degradation because of their relative accessibility to humans. In addition to over-exploitation due to domestic and commercial fuel, wood, charcoal and timber consumption, the greatest mangrove loss has been due to the large scale development of milk fish culture ponds. In the Province of Aklan, specifically in Batan Bay and Tinagong dagat, where the Isla Kapispisan Project is located , about 91% of the original mangrove cover has been converted into milk fish and prawn ponds.At present, more than 100, 000 mangrove trees had been planted in about 16 hectares of the 32.3 hectares projects.
Jaime Cardinal Sin's Statue
Jaime Cardinal Sin (August 31, 1928 to June 21, 2995)- former Manila archbishop ( appointed as a Cardinal on May 24, 1976) who figured prominently at both EDSA Revolutions (February 1986 and January 2001).
The Cardinal Sin monument made of bronze which is bigger than Jaime Cardinal Sin's life size body. It is located in the town plaza facing the Roman Carttholic Chruch, Poblacion, New Washington.
Acknowledgements:
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the people who help me to finish this blog, especially to my mother Josephine V. Rico and siblings. To our barangay officials for giving information that i need for this blog.
Most of all to our Almighty God who guide me and who gave me peace of mind.
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