Padre Garcia, Batangas

Infobox Philippine municipality
infoboxtitle = Municipality of Padre Garcia
locatormapfile = Ph_locator_batangas_padre garcia.png caption = Map of Batangas showing the location of Padre Garcia.
region = CALABARZON (Region IV-A)
province = Batangas
districts = 4th district of Batangas
barangays = 18
class = 3rd class municipality
mayor = Prudencio Gutierrez (Lakas CMD)
areakm2 = 31.50
pop2000 = 34,504
popden2000 = 1,095.4
Padre Garcia is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 34,504 people in 6,334 households. It has 20,087 registered voters as of 2004.

Padre Garcia's old name is Lumang Bayan as it is the former seat of government of the neighboring town of Rosario, Batangas.

Padre Garcia is one of the 32 municipalities of Batangas Province, situated in the eastern part of the province. It is bounded on the north by Lipa City, on the east by the Municipality of San Antonio, Quezon, south by Rosario, Batangas and on the west by Lipa City and Rosario.

The name of the town is derived from one of its most famous sons, Padre Vicente Garcia, a native of Brgy. Maugat. He is one of the first defender's of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere. He and Dr. Rizal are friends during those times when they are fighting for the Philippine's independence from Spain.

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THE CATTLE TRADING CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES

PADRE GARCIA LIVESTOCK AUCTION MARKET HISTORY

THE PIONEERS

It was in 1952, three years since the town’s founding, that local leaders instigated what would, to this day, be the essence of the people of Padre Garcia’s claim to brilliance and industry. Led by the first elected mayor, Jose A. Pesigan, vice mayor Rustico K. Recto and councillors Narciso Calingasan, Ciriaco Bolilia, Lucas Recinto, Jose Katigbak, Anastacio Dimaculangan and Amado Bacordo; anticipating the need to augment the town’s coffers, they embarked on an economic enterprise - the cattle market or “bakahan”. The uncertainty and plight of the township then, serve as the fire to fuel their drive. As such pioneering ventures, they were faced with seemingly improbable tasks; the biggest of which is the well entrenched livestock market of neighbouring Rosario. A town roughly four and a half times bigger and just three years before, Padre Garcia, then known as LumangBaya or Sambat was a part of Rosario. The site of the first cattle market is the now Municipal Gym or Plaza adjacent the Park which was then the Municipal Hall. The cattle market day has always been set on Fridays, its origin can be traced back to post-war 1945 as the LumangBayan’s market day and thus reconsidered to coincide with that of Rosario’s, not to rival but to engrossed what crumbs may astray from the latter’s cattle tradings. The first few months’ unsuccessful operation gave rise to marketing tactics which was to be construed by neighbouring Rosario’s leadership as a threat to its pre-war cattle market, a rivalry to last twenty years began.

Consultations and diplomacy geared towards enticing traders became a day and night activity. By 1955 the cattle market has modestly increased its trading volume of large cattle per Friday and to accommodate this increased, a land owned by the De Castro/ Pentiños’ (Present site of the G.T.S.) was duly rented.

THE FRONTIER’S MEN

Reminiscent of the Wild West of the American frontier days: it was the 1950’s, an era of loose firearms, and these are Batangueños. Enmity towards the competition, brewed in men tempered and fearless, the Padre Garcia cattle market came very close to be front-page mayhem materials for the tabloids. In 1958 it was clear that most traders prefer the Bakahan. Reports of cattle rustling were on the rise and a policy to force cattle traders into the cattle market in Rosario at crossroads leading to Padre Garcia was adapted via intimidation. Both sides were armed and determined to protect their prized and pride. Violence would have been routine if Mayor Pesigan hadn’t considered tact and dialogue.

Still traders came, determined as to their destination. Like the traders of San Juan opting the long route via Candelaria-Tiaong to avoid the crossroads at San Carlos, Rosario. And before the advent of the 60’s, the Padre Garcia cattle market prevailed and has become a byword to cattlemen this side of Batangas, This initial success is attributed to a combination of factors, the favoured business environment prevalent at the time was offered here; peace and order; accessibility (the greater percentage of traders from Manila, Cavite, Quezon, Laguna has to passed here first before Rosario.); and the stratagem employed by the town’s leadership. This stratagem in persona were the new batch whose contribution to this growth was crucial; at the helm still is Mayor Pesigan, Vice-Mayor Narciso Calingasan, councillors, Severiano Estole, Eugenio Din, Eleuterio Silva, Jose Katigbak, Juan Tabora and Florencio Araño. These men were at the front lines, engaging traders, seeking cattlemen from all parts to come to this little town. The dedication they showed was matched by those in the homefront. From simple handlers, cowhand to the municipal employees all showed the same enthusiasm and loyalty, processing documents through the night, a foot thick and by candlelight. Patronage flowed into the cattle market, by the time the founding Father of the Bakahan, Mayor Jose Pesigan’s term expires, talks were that the only rival the cattle market foresees was that of Urdaneta, Pangasinan, then the No.1 cattle market in the country.

Huge capital was poured into the industry; 13, 481.00 pesos, a considerable sum at the time, enough that the Provincial Auditor temporarily suspended allocation and summoned then Municipal Treasurer Jaudines Coronel to explain such transactions. Steadfast in their goals, the municipality endured. THE GUARDIANS

Mayor Eugenio Din transferred the site to the nearby clearing owned by Fiscal Recto at the corner of the roads to Lipa City and Brgy. Sn. Miguel shortly after assuming office in 1964. Tension between Rosario still hangs, for the latter’s effort to win back the cattle market grew aggressive time and again. A myth like incident wherein Mayor Din upon complaints of coercion at blockades set by the competition at crossroads, responded by personal confrontation, pistol holstered, challenged them to a duel. In these games of determination the township once again prevailed.

Preserving the gains of the Bakahan for eight (8) years was the legacy Mayor Din and his administration bestowed to the Garcieños. The Mayor died in office on August 20, 1972, felled by an assassin’s bullet. Rufino Bituin assumed the vacancy, quickly allaying mounting fears of losing the livestock market, which by then was competing not one but four (4). Padre Garcia’s dominance was being tested by Rosario, Lemery, Batangas City and Tanauan.

The National Government under Martial Law through the Ministry of Agriculture issued Administrative Order No. 1 series of 1973 which created for the “Livestock Auction Market” (LAM); an order that trading undergo processes. Cattle are to be checked by a veterinarian, weighted, and auctioned. (Previous systems of bartering were based on skilful, experienced, even uncanny estimation of the livestock, which agriculturist aptly coined, the “Balak” System). The Auctioning was ruled to take place on public land so the livestock market was moved south of the Padre Garcia Public Market, which coincided with Mayor Bituin’s program to revitalize the public market. On February 9, 1973 saw the inaugural rites with visiting dignitaries. The official title Padre Garcia Livestock Auction Market was conferred. Complete with an American consultant and seminar bred personnel, these bidding processes proved disastrous; middlemen known as koridor which number by the thousands has no place in an auction market; the slow pace brought about by the great number of cattle sellers and buyers, disrupted schedules and deadlines. Traders were appalled by these changes, and the neighbouring rival was quick to exploit the situation.

For three Fridays since, Padre Garcia woke up to see a steady decline of activity in the LAM, prompting Mayor Bituin, his Vice-Mayor and councillors, Municipal Treasurer Tomas Braceros and Venus Plata of the Provincial Agriculture Office, to seek remedies. The then Minister of Agriculture Arturo Tangco provided the cure. Rightfully awarded as a Livestock Auction Market, an order was secured and enforced. Chief of Police Guillermo Malabanan backed by the Philippine Constabulary, hauled cattle and traders from Rosario back to the Padre Garcia LAM. Never again would the latter rise on this imposed legality. On March 1, 3 & 6, 1973, Batangas City, Lemery and Tanauan, respectively, were also given Livestock Auction Market status. But upon resumption in normality of operations, the Padre Garcia LAM reigns supreme. Mayor Rufino Bituin was a common sight in the Bakahan, making it a point to almost always be at hand, even after his retirement, not old age nor did ailment prevent him from being a guardian of the Bakahan.

THE VISIONARIES

Eugenio B. Gutierrez was elected Mayor on March 3, 1980, having anticipated what the LAM requires for further development,- Mayor Gutierrez expanded the LAM area by swapping lots owned by the Lingao’s for unused municipal lands; another weighing scale was added; large size steel tubing was used to enclose the LAM perimeter. Internal security, though not an issue, was focused upon, a preventive measure to maintain the ideal ambience. Towards the 90’s, it was evident that the Padre Garcia LAM has no competition this side of Luzon, and is still growing. In 1994, Mayor Gutierrez with the town council’s support transferred the LAM to where it is today. A 1.7 hectare municipal property adjoining the public market with permanent structures and facilities as sheds, pens, fences, offices and the frontage; a move as progressive as his forebears’ and instinctive of what the LAM would become.

At Mayor Victor M. Reyes’ administration, 1995 to 2004, the LAM underwent major infrastructure development through part of a loan from the Landbank: with the octagon shaped, two storey tower to house the offices and providing visitors a vista of the surrounds; lightings; pens and sheds; and the high perimeter fence. Checkpoints at exits were enforced to maximize revenues. In 2003 the KABAKAHAN Festival, a LAM inspired December 1 event to boost local tourism, was concocted by the Garciano’s Tribe, a non-government organization.

Prudencio A. Gutierrez, Mayor-Elect June, 2004 stated in the Budget Message for 2005, “…The LAM (Livestock Auction Market) is where this Administration’s focal efforts will be directed. It is our most precious asset. It has put our town on the map where we were once number one and where it will thrust us into greater heights in the coming years provided we act on its planning and improvements now….”. True as envisioned, the LAM today earns a per Friday of Php. 83,203.00 for the month of April and Php. 84,899.75 in May, 2005; through diligence and dedication with the equitable program implementation. The Annual Investment Program of Mayor “Dacio” Gutierrez provides for the building of transient homes for cattle traders to commence this 3rd quarter. Adequate water system is on-going as the addition of sheds and pens. The “RODEO ALA GARCIANO”, a foundation day event is the brainchild of Mayor Dacio to advertise the LAM. These are the first steps towards a grander design for the Padre Garcia Livestock Auction Market-“…a 24 hour/7 day operation with food court style carinderias, domed in an agri-trade fair atmosphere…”

Barangays

Padre Garcia is politically subdivided into 18 barangays.

* Banaba * Banaybanay * Bawi * Bukal * Castillo * Cawongan * Manggas * Maugat East * Maugat West

* Pansol * Payapa * Poblacion * Quilo-quilo North * Quilo-quilo South * San Felipe * San Miguel * Tamak * Tangob

Municipal Officials

Municipal Administrator

* Engr. Diomedes B. Gutierrez

Sangguniang Bayan Secretary

* Ermelita Kasilag

Municipal Planning and Development Officer

* Corazon Garen

Municipal Accountant

* Gerarda de Guzman

Municipal Treasurer

* Ramil M. Calingasan *

Barangay Officials

Barangay Banaba

* Teodoro Matibag - Barangay Chairman
* Mark Ayong - SK Chairman

Barangay Banay-banay

* Nepo Laylo - Barangay Chairman

* Jobet Salapar - SK Chairman

Barangay Bawi

* Jose Comia - Barangay Chairman
* Niones Dimaculangan - SK Chairman

Barangay Bukal

* Jose de Ocampo - Barangay Chairman
* Laarni Buquir - SK Chairman

Barangay Castillo

* Leopoldo Biscocho - Barangay Chairman
* Lino Valencia - SK Chairman

Barangay Cawongan

* Gregorio Vergara - Barangay Chairman
* Adona Banaag - SK Chairman

Barangay Manggas

* Efren Reyes - Barangay Chairman
* Christian Marasigan - SK Chairman

Barangay Maugat East

* Lerma Carandang - SK Chairman

Barangay Maugat West

* Jennelyn Mandigma - SK Chairman

Barangay Pansol

* Carlos Braceros - Barangay Chairman
* Kenneth Padilla - SK Chairman

Barangay Payapa

* Doy Ani - SK Chairman

Barangay Poblacion

* Nestor Pesigan - Barangay Chairman (ABC President)
* Nino Recto - SK Chairman

Barangay Quilo-quilo North

* Maximiano Austria - Barangay Chairman
* Heriel Bautista - SK Chairman

Barangay Quilo-quilo South

* Sofronio Pusag - Brgy. Chairman
* Ailyn de Castro - SK Chairman

Barangay San Felipe

* Narciso Miranda - Barangay Chairman
* Jennifer Maala - SK Chairman

Barangay San Miguel

* Ramon Cubero - Barangay Chairman
* Jon-jon Sacdalan - SK Chairman

Barangay Tamak

* Rene Maala - Barangay Chairman
* Celso Briones - SK Chairman

Barangay Tangob

* Oscar Manalo - Barangay Chairman
* Rubelardo Katigbak Jr. - SK Chairman (SKMF President)

External links

* [http://www.padregarcia.net/ Official Website of the Municipality of Padre Garcia]
* [http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/default.asp Philippine Standard Geographic Code]
* [http://www.t-macs.com/kiso/local/ 2000 Philippine Census Information]