Primitivo A. Castillo
(Contributed by Mea Laurente and re-typed by Zola Pariseau)

AND THE HISTORY OF BISLIG

At the time Primitivo was born on November 28, 1872, Bislig was already an established political instrumentality called “pueblo” in the province of Surigao.  Earlier, the province was a part of an even bigger territory stretching from northeastern Mindanao down to the island’s southeastern “pueblos” of Caraga and Man-ay in Davao Oriental.

Caraga was originally the seat of political-military and religious authority.  But as the territory extended westward to the Agusan Valley at Veruela and Talacogon, Bislig became somewhat a new “capital” for the rulers of the region.

Thus, a “Casa Real” had to be built and indeed it was after years of forced labor.  A church, symbolizing religious authority, was also built and the office of the “Commandancia Politico-Militar” was established.  At the time a “dual” government

Existed - - that of the Crown, and that of the Church.

Primitivo received informal Spanish education from his father, Francisco, an aunt

(Venancia Villegas Castillo, wife of Casimiro), and Grandmother Virginia Cortes Castillo, a native of Cantilan who migrated to Bislig after her marriage to Mariano Castillo.  Except for the “Doctrina Cristiana,” education was never a part of the Spanish program of government in the region save for those whom the Spanish missionaries especially taught, like Luciano Masangkay – the first “Captain” of the “pueblo” whom

they brought and educated in Caraga.  Education though was limited by the missionaries to basic reading and writing.

Before Bislig became a “capital” of sorts, earlier missionaries from Caraga like Father Pedro Garcia encouraged the “formal” social organization of the populace and the election of native “rulers” called “Capitan” or “Jepe Local” by viva voce in assemblies convened by church authorities.  This strategy obviously served the mission of Christianizing the natives since the local “officials” were obligated to assist the priest

in gathering people for mass services, to have their children baptized, and campaign to have marriages solemnized in the Catholic church.  Except for some privileges, these officials or “persons in authority” received no emoluments but their tasks were laden with obligations and responsibilities.  This was why the natives did not want to be nominated.  If they do, they hope and pray not to get elected and even threaten reprisals against those who nominated and had voted for them.

Francisco Cortes Castillo, Primitivo’s father, became himself the “Jepe Local” during the

Revolution in 1896, followed by Emeterio Alvar at the beginning of the American rule.  Primitivo succeeded Alvar in 1901 and served until 1903 when he relinquished the position again to Alvar to become treasurer and revenue agent in the same year up to 1905.  The organization started by the missionaries had now become a true government of the “pueblo” and generating revenues to finance public concerns became necessary.

Since Primitivo was a leading personality at the time and was the most agreeable character in the community, it was thought that his assumption of the latter positions the

“pueblo” government could effectively generate needed funds to insure its viability.

But it was also during this time that Hinatuan became a municipality, and he appointed

Municipal Councilor in charge of barrio Bislig for which he served until 1906.

When Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States in 1898, the country was reorganized.  Governor General William Howard Taft sent out his representatives to the different regions of the country and held conferences with local leaders regarding the redefinition of political territories and the assignment of provincial treasures. “Captain”Emeterio Alvar attended these meetings in Surigao.  The province which was then composed of 36 “pueblos” was to include the islands of Siargao and Dinagat, and the territory from northeastern Mindanao up to Lingig.  The conference decided that for

convenience and economic reasons, the province will have only 9 political units called municipalities and those “pueblos” under it will be known as Barrios.

The three southernmost “pueblos” -- Hinatuan, Bislig and Lingig – shall composed one municipality and its “capitanes”must choose which “pueblos” will eventually be the municipality and become the seat of the newly constituted local government.

After the conference, Hinatuan, being nearer to the capital town of Surigao, was chosen as among the 9 new municipalities of the province. “Capitanes” Alvar of Bislig and Silvestre Marcelo of Lingig concurred with the decision.  Fernando Nazareno, the “Capitan” of Hinatuan was appointed by Governor General Taft as its first Municipal President together with Primitivo as Municipal Councilor in charge of barrio Bislig.

When Bislig thus became a mere barrio many had left to settle in Hinatuan and in agricultural areas as Cumuwas, Caramcam, Tabon, Jaramillo (now Mangagoy), and Gamaon.  Others went up the Bislig River to settle in places like Pamanlinan, Burbuanan, Mone, and to the original site of the old settlers, in San Jose.  The Luzon and Visayan

migrants, being fishermen, tuba gatherers, and farmers, resided along shore settlements.

The people wondered about their fate and were no longer concerned with matters of government and politics.  They were concerned now more than ever with daily needs and their families.  They worked on their farms.  Primitivo set the example for all agricultural activities and most people emulated his initiatives.  He engaged in cattle raising, cultivated and owned the largest farm at the time.

Generally, the days that followed were uneventful.  After the revolution, religion was quite dormant with the return to Spain of many Spanish missionaries.  His son-in-law, Sulpicio Laurente, husband of eldest daughter Eufemia, succeeded him as Hinatuan councilor in charge of barrio Bislig in 1909 to 1914.  Primitivo then had already ten children – Eufemia, Wenceslao, Maria, Francisca, Maxima, Eriberta, Beda, Blandina, Recaredo, and Jose and later Gerardo, and Gloria by his marriage in 1892 to Filomena de Castro Barreda of Hinatuan and Baganga whose parents had already settled in Bislig.  Filomena herself was born in Bislig in 1897.  She was only 13 years old when married to Primitivo who at the time was only 20 years. 

In 1914 the Gabaldon Law was passed providing funds for the construction, throughout the country, of two-room school houses in populous areas.  One of its kind still stands today in Bislig.  Unlike the Spaniards, the Americans’ primary concern was to educate the people.  So it was that a shipload of teachers arrived on board the SS Thomas.  Among them Carl Moore served as Surigao’s first Schools Division Superintendent and

Ernest Nickerson, who was supervising teacher in Hinatuan.

In Bislig, Nickerson recruited young, healthy and ambitious men who will be trained as teacher’s for assignments in other areas of the province.  Many responded and were called “pensionados.”  New priests came too from the Sacred Heart Missions.  Mangagoy had become a bigger community as more Visayan settlers and travelers came.  Originally, the Abarcas, Castillos, Polinas, Espiritus, Adorable, Maraville, Requina, Bajao, Cordova, and Basanez were its first residents.  During this period, Lawigan also emerged as more people came to live in this agricultural and fishing village by the Bislig Bay. 

It was this background where it became necessary to restore the old status of Bislig – that of being an independent political entity like it was before with the rest of the “pueblos.”

Also, it became burdensome for residents to go to Hinatuan to pay taxes, secure permits and licenses, or attend to their children who were studying in Hinatuan.

Primitivo took the initiative to call an assembly for the purpose of regaining the town’s old status.  The barrio assembly sent Messrs. Sulpicio Laurente and Gregorio C. Salazar to Surigao to ask the provincial authorities to endorse the creation of the Municipality of Bislig.  Thus, in 1919, the Provincial Board, presided by Honorable Recaredo Gonzales, passed a resolution asking the authorities in Manila to make Bislig a municipality.  The resolution was coursed through Senator Francisco Soriano and Representative Eusebio Tionko of Surigao. Both legislators worked for the passage of the bill creating the Municipality of Bislig comprising the barrios of Lawigan, Mangagoy, and San Jose.  After anxious waiting, the bill was passed and signed into law by Governor General Leonard Wood.  It took effect on January 1, 1921.  At the same time the Governor General issued the appointments of the first set of  electable municipal officials. 

This historic event caused jubilation among the people.  Salazar, who expected to be appointed the town’s first executive, was dismayed to find he was not in the list of appointees.  Primitivo, who never expected the appointment, was surprised to receive the honor of being appointed as his town’s first Municipal President.  The other officials appointed with him were Sulpicio P. Laurente, Vice President; Councilors  Ciriaco O. Alba, Higino Basanez, Basilio Dua, Escolastico Carmen, Macario Picasales, Tomas Masangkay, Raymundo de los Santos, and Mario Tinchaves; Tomas Espiritu, Municipal Secretary; Gabriel Delag, Municipal Treasurer; Pio Rosales, Municipal Judge; and Clodualdo Ravelo, Chief of Police.

During his administration, 1921-1922, Primitivo constructed the strong, complete framework of the still existing Municipal Hall today and began a comprehensive town plan which he pursued by constructing several streets.  Most government projects were personally funded by him.  He was successful in expanding the town proper with the full cooperation of the town’s people.  He inspired the populace by his initiative and innovative foresight.

After his one year administration he did not seek for another term.  He set the example of giving other citizens a chance to serve in the government.  Instead, he returned to farming with his cousin, Pedro Castillo, who was his frequent visitor and companion and whose mother taught him while he was young.

Andres Pangapalan, who lives to be 101 years old today recalls that Primitivo was a very charismatic figure during his days, was popular and persuasive.  People came to him for advice and help which he readily gives.  From the church after their marriage vows, newly married couples go direct to his house to receive his blessing and counsel on family life.  He was hospitable.  Always, he offered something to those who came to see him.  Often, he would call weeklong holidays of his farmhands and treat them to a feast together with his friends and others.  He was also generous with his men, kins, friends and others.  He always helped the poor and defended them, rightly or wrongly, against the cruelty, oppression, and manipulations of kins, friends, foes, and strangers alike.  He was friendly, but firm.  To his children, he was a disciplinarian, strict, but just.  As a politician, his adversaries admired him for his integrity, decency and gentlemanly conduct.  Eventually, they all gravitated to him, Pacifico Alvar Castillo, now 81 years and a nephew described him as simple, sincere, and dignified, and a man not of words but of deeds.

During his years of retirement, at the farm, people still kept coming to him until he died of old age, at 73, on February 26, 1945 at his farm in Kambal-is.  He did not live to see the country become a Republic one year after.

Many of his children succeeded him in politics and public service.  Sulpicio, his son in law became Hinatuan’s councilor in charge of barrio Bislig from 1909 to 1914, and Municipal President of Bislig in 1922-1925.  Beda was the town’s last Municipal President and its first Municipal Mayor, 1934-1937, when the Philippine Commonwealth was inaugurated.  Another son-in-law, Simon C. Montero, Sr. was elected Mayor in 1941 and served through the war years until his death in 1947.  Recaredo was appointed Municipal Councilor, 1947-1951, became Mayor in 1952-1955, and first to be reelected, 1956-1959; then he was elected Vice Governor of the old province of Surigao, 1959-1960, and appointed first Provincial Governor of the new province of Surigao del Sur, 1960-1961; he was elected to the same post in 1961 and served as Governor until 1964, the year he sought reelection but lost in that fraudulent election contest; in 1967 he was elected again as Governor by an overwhelming majority of 14,000 votes, he served until 1971; he again lost a reelection bid in 1971 due to fraud; by 1974 he was elected to the Sangguniang Bayan of Bislig and served until 1978 when, again, he became Mayor and served as such until his death on April 8, 1984 during which time he ran for Assemblyman of Surigao del Sur.  Jose, Primitivo’s tenth child, entered military service and rose from the ranks to become a Colonel in the Philippine Constabulary; he served in various post in Luzon, the Visayas, Jolo, Assistant Provincial Commander of Davao; Provincial Commander of South Cotabato, Agusan del Sur, Lanao del Norte, and at the time he retired, he served as Constabulary Inspector General for the Mindanao region.  He was a war veteran. 

Primitivo was a great father to his children.  Though he left them alone to decide for themselves what it was they will make out of their lives as they go through life, the imprints of his strong character, his genuine liking for people, his generosity, can be found in his children and grandchildren, many of whom became public servants too.

Primitivo is the eldest of five children – Primitivo, Balbino, Amado, Damaso, and Ireneo – grandchild of a “revolucionario” from Tanauan, Batangas.  Mariano Castillo, a “Kapitan” of the revolutionary forces in southern Luzon was wanted by the Spanish military authorities for the killing of a Spaniard.  He was caught and imprisoned.  He bolted jail together with a certain Bembe, Villegas and Leonardo who were branded by Spanish military officers also as insurgents and robbers.  The four of them sailed towards Mindanao.  Mariano settled in Cantilan and married Virginia Cortes. Later, together with other people, the couple sailed towards the south of eastern Mindanao.  Unfortunately, the wind powered “banca” capsized midway to their unknown destination.  They were the only survivors.  It was said that a large whale “helped” them towards the shores of Bislig Bay where they were finally safe.  The whale has never manuevered back into the deep sea and died along the coast of Huwangan.  Older people claim to have seen the remains of that whale.  The called it then “bungansiso” and teased the children – Francisco, Casimiro, and Bernardino – of Mariano and Virginia “mga linamon” because as the story was told, the couple lived inside the mouth of that whale for days and nights until the reached shore similar to the proverbvial religious tale of Daniel, the man who lived days and nights inside the mouth of a giant fish.

This tale may be true because whales and dolphins are aquatic animals known to have helped many people in distress at sea.  It could be true that the couple indeed lived inside the whale’s mouth for days and nights or the couple’s story would not have been told and retold for six generations now.

By accident or not, the couple, “Virginia and Mariano”  settled in Bislig.  It was here that the raised a family by farming, and were blessed with three sons, Francisco, Casimiro, and Bernardino.

Francisco, the couple’s eldest son was married here in Bislig to Inocencia Andipa and had five sons, Primitivo, Balbino, Amado, Damaso, and Ireneo.  Ireneo, the youngest child died early.

Casimiro, the second son of the couple also married here in Bislig to Venancia Villegas and had three children, Lucia, Tomasa, and Pedro, the only male cousin of the children of Francisco and Inocencia and intimate friend of Primitivo.

Bernardino, the youngest child of Mariano, died young and unmarried.

History has it that out of hard work and genuine sense to be of help to others our ancestors rose to local prominence.  It began with Mariano whose ordeal at sea was an interesting piece of gossip.  His son, Francisco, assumed the local leadership of the church sponsored “organization.”  This organization had now become a true government of the “pueblo,” a revolutionary structure free from the dictation of Spanish missionaries and had become representative of revolutionary sentiments.  This was why Francisco adopted the title “Jepe Local” than to use the title of “Capitan” because he wanted to symbolize the assertion of independence, of freedom, equality, and justice for the natives.

At the turn of the century, Primitivo began an almost dynastical involvement in politics and government.  After his father and Eleuterio Alvar, he assumed leadership of that revolutionary government and nurtured it to become politically and economically viable.  He relinquished his position to assume the responsibility of generating revenues for their now “independent” local government.  But their efforts were cut short when Hinatuan became a municipality to which he was appointed councillor in charge of Bislig.  He never gave up though because when the town became ready for self government, he headed the move to regain its former status, and succeeded.  

This became his legacy to the next and succeeding generations of his clan, least we forget in this decadent period of our national life.

RECAREDO B.CASTILLO

THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS SON OF BISLIG
(Contributed by Mea laurente - Re typed by Zola Pariseau)

Recaredo was born on February 2, 1912 in Bislig and is the tenth of twelve children born to Primitivo and Felomina Castillo.  He had his early education in Bislig and finished both his primary and intermediate schooling up to grade seven in Hinatuan.  On his own, he went to Bunawan and enrolled at the Bunawan Agricultural High School in Agusan where he studied for three years.

He engaged in farming, fishing and trading in the coastal towns of eastern Mindanao.  He was already a successful businessman when appointed municipal councilor in 1947 - - a post he reluctantly accepted since he never wanted to be in politics.

As a private citizen, Erat had already made many great contributions to the community and province.  He gave the government lands for schoolsites, roads, puericulture centers and lands for other public buildings.  He also donated 30 hectares to Bislig Bay Lumber Company to encourage its owner to establish the mills in Bislig than elsewhere like Lingig which was considered an ideal site for the firm.  Also he offered to organize the natives to help without pay in the initial stages of installing its machineries.  In return, he asked company officials to give natives employment priority.

He succeeded.  The company was set up in Mangagoy, the natives were given priority for employment, the community grew rapidly, government revenues increased, and economic activity perked up and expanded.  He earned too the respect and admiration of Don Andres Soriano, Sr.

In 1951, he was forced by older brother Beda to run for mayor.  The Nacionalista convention drafted him in absentia and Erat was to continue a career in politics that spanned 37 years.  He gave up management of all his business concern to wife Flomencia when he became mayor, 1952 to 1955.  He was the first mayor to be reelected.  His eight years in office - - until 1959 - - were years of  peace and public order despite the employment of very few policemen whom he even equipped with arms.  But even before he became mayor, Erat already helped maintain public order.  Many times he went alone to hunt bands of robbers and would arrest them single-handedly.  Also when constables gave up search for the killer of Lingig’s police chief, it was him who arrested the criminal who fled towards Davao.

He remodelled the municipal hall; began construction of the Mangagoy-Bislig road; built a puericulture center, constructed a public library; set up many barrio schools; improved existing streets and built new ones in the poblacion, Mangagoy, and Lawigan; and introduced many other improvements like the municipal kiosk, basketball and tennis courts, the Magsaysay monument, a mini children’s playground, better office equipments, hiring of full time medical staff, health and sanitation drives, more medicines, secured food allocations for school children, and others.  Many times, Erat would spend his own to finance government projects and shoulder official transportation expenses.

As mayor he never allowed Chinese nationals to engage in business in Mangagoy.  The Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Manila protested to President Ramon Magsaysay who called him to Malacanang.  Erat told the President he had to protect small Filipino merchants.  Magsaysay supported him.  His policy inspired Vice President Carlos Garcia that later, as President, he enunciated the “Filipino First Policy”.

During this time Erat founded the Andres Soriano Institute to provide decent education to the growing number of secondary school students in the community.

In 1958, he almost  ran for governor of Surigao against  partymate and incumbent Governor Constantino Navarro who pleaded  with him instead to run for vice governor.  It was President Garcia who convinced Erat on the promise that in two years the province will be divided in two and he will be appointed governor of Surigao del Sur.  So he ran for vice governor garnering even more votes than Navarro.

In 1960, Garcia appointed him governor of the new province.  He won a new mandate in the first provincial election in 1961.  He served until 1963 when he was elected by an overwhelming majority of 14,000 votes.  It was as if the people had vindicated themselves.  In 1971, he lost again in another fraudulent election among the only incumbents who were always cheated.

His arch political rival, Congressman Vicente Pimentel who called him “Emperor of Bislig”, commented once that they team up in politics.  The distinguished legislator added they will make a formidable duo.  But Erat refused because as he said “ it won’t be fun and exciting anymore.”

By 1974, he was elected to the Sangguniang Bayan of Bislig until 1977 when President Marcos appointed him mayor again.  In 1980 he was elected for another six years.  During his incumbency he caused the surrender of many anti-government elements by going into their very own bastions.  He was called to Malacanang to present rebel returnees to President Marcos.  In another instance he went after another group of insurgents and recovered firearms stolen from the local constabulary barracks.  The rebels also surrendered to him. He served until his death on April 8, 1984.  At the time he was campaigning for a seat in the National Assembly.  With his death his dreams to create Bislig a city upon election to the national legislature died with him.

In between his occupancy of government posts the number of people who came to him for help never diminished. He always accommodated them.

Erat was an exemplary public servant and recipient of many public service including the coveted Most Outstanding Mayor of the Philippines or among the Ten Most Outstanding Mayors every year by many organizations throughout the country.  These organizations, including the Mayors League of the Philippines and the Provincial Governors and City  

Mayors League of the Philippines, recognized him for exemplary performance, his integrity both as a private citizen and as a government official, loyalty, for his countryside development effort, leadership, sincerity in solving common people’s problems, selfless dedication to social and economic uplift of the masses, dedication to highest standards of public service, his efforts towards the ideal of good government, for his immeasurable contributions and meritorious accomplishments, and for his unwavering devotion to duty.

He was assertive in any forum, Assemblyman Puyat recalls that at times President Marcos would come to his seat to beg him from filibustering some of the administration’s policies.  When Marcos won the presidency in 1965, Erat was offered a choice of two cabinet posts either as Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources or as Secretary of General Services in recognition of his leadership and support for the President in that year’s presidential election.  Marcos lost in Mindanao except in Surigao del Sur and in Davao.  He refused the offer though which were subsequently given to Vice President Fernando Lopez and Governor Vicente Duterte of Davao.

Among his many colleagues and friends still active today in politics were Governors Felicisimo San Luis of Laguna, Ignacio Santiago of Bulacan, Salvador Socrates of Palawan, and Governor Anacleto Alcala of Quezon who was his co-delegate to the International Assessors Conference in St. Louis, Missouri and who was with him in Europe, Jerusalem, Bangkok and Tokyo.

Hesitant at first to enter politics, Erat realized later that his character was exactly cut out for it.