St. James the Apostle Parish - From Time, To Time

HISTORY OF SAINT JAMES THE APOSTLE PARISH

(SANTIAGO DE CARIG)

-The Beginning

In 1746, three years after its founding as a “Pueblo”, Santiago (Carig) had only 47 catechumens, seven of whom became apostolates. In 1752, there were 55 neophytes or converts and 57 catechumens according to the missionaries who resided in Sta. Barbara de Lappao. Santiago (Carig) was accepted as the First Vicariate by Fr. Gregorio Marinas in 1755. The Vicariates were transferred from Patul to Carig in 1772. Carig had a convent and a church of regular structure until the middle of 19th Century. Its actual population was one thousand six hundred sixty tributaries.

Fr. Manuel Candela, O.P. was assigned to Carig as Parish Priest in 1883 and built a beautiful church structure but was not finished because he fell into hands of the Tagalog “insurectos” in September, 1898. He never returned to Carig. Fr. Nicanor Alcid, Parish Priest of Echague occasionally ministered to the spiritual needs of Carig. Fr. Salazar Victorino who was in the “insurectos” introduced the Aglipayan religion .

-The Takeover of the Missionaries of Immaculate Heart (CICM) and Secular Priests

In 1910, the Dominicans left the towns they administered in Isabela. The Missionaries of Immaculate Heart (C.I.C.M.) took over the southernmost towns which include Santiago (Carig). In December, 1916, Fr. Joseph Waffalert, C.I.C.M. was assigned to Santiago. In June, 1923, Fr. Felix Bumos, C.I.C.M. took over. Again, in March, 1931, Fr. Joseph Waffalert, C.I.C.M. was re-assigned to Santiago. From June, 1931 to 1945, Fr. Serafin Devesse and Fr. Lorenso Decastaker, both C.I.C.M., administered to the spiritual needs of Santiago. These Priests were unfortunately killed by the Japanese on March 3, 1945.

On October 3, 1945, Fr. Domingo Mallo, a secular Priest, was assigned to Santiago. He constructed a wooden chapel along the Provincial Road. Two years after, Fr. Pio Morales was also assigned as assistant Priest to Fr. Domingo Mallo.

-The Takeover of the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette

On November 5, 1948, (+)Fr. Conrad Blanchet, M.S., (+)Fr. Raymond Leduc, M.S., (+)Fr. Paul Doulliard, and (+)Bro. Donat Levasseur, M.S., left New York, U.S.A., they reached Manila on December 12, 1948,  and marked the arrival of the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette to the Philippines in response to the call of (+)Bishop Constance Jurgens of Diocese of Tuguegarao (now Archdiocese of Tuguegarao) to meet the spiritual needs of Isabela, and they arrived at Isabela on December 22, 1948. (+)Fr. Conrad Blanchet, M.S. said the first mass on December 24, 1948 (Christmas Eve).

The first La Salette Missionary assigned in Santiago was (+)Fr. Conrad Blanchet, M.S. The first year of La Salette Fathers were spent in the organization of the Parish. In 1951, (+)Fr. Conrad Blanchet, M.S. continued rebuilding the church and was later completed in 1954 (later called the “Old Church” or “Social Hall”) by Fr. Maurice Cardinal, M.S. who later took over as the Parish Priest.

In the mid-1960’s, after the Vatican Council II, the thrust of the Parish centered catechesis with emphasis on liturgies. The Parish Pastoral Council was organized like: (1) The Family Life Program, (2) Marriage Encounter organized by (+)Fr. Emery Des Rochers, M.S. and the Cooperatives through the initiative of Fr. Efren Musngi, M.S.  These program were introduced in the other La Salette Parishes with St. James the Apostle Parish as springboard.

In the early 1980’s, the Parish Pastoral Council as an organization was extended through the establishment of the Worship, Evangelization, Service, Temporalities (also known as WEST) Commissions. The commissions which were introduced by Fr. Orlando Sapuay, M.S., strengthen by Fr. Constante Dannug, M.S. and continued and activated by succeeding Parish Priest initiated the involvement of so many lay leaders and members. The “WEST” Commissions have been a great help in the systematic functioning of an alive Parish in its thrust of creating Basic Ecclesial Communities in the Barangays.

To date, St. James the Apostle Parish has a new church , a bell tower, and a newly erected convent . The Old Church which was built in 1954 in now converted into the St. James the Apostle Parish Multi-Purpose Hall, also known as Saint James Social Hall .

In April, 1989, Fr. Efren Tomas, M.S. assumed the post of the Parish Priest. Assisting him were Fr. Matthew Manjaly, M.S., (+)Fr. André Lussier, M.S. , Rev. Albert Luzano, M.S., Rev. Dario Bebillo, M.S. and two other Brothers who were temporarily assigned in the Parish to assist.

The Parish was active in the implementation of its program and projects. Lay leaders were trained to make them effective in re-awakening and strengthening the Catholic faith as well as those of others.

On April, 1994, Fr. Efren Tomas, M.S. was elected as the Provincial Superior of the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette in the Philippines (called Ina ng Pag-Asa Province). Fr. Franklin G. Picio, M.S. , who was working at the La Salette High School as the Principal took over the Parish. Closely working with him were Fr. Emery V. Cadiz, M.S. , Fr. Jacob Vettathu, M.S., with the assistance of Fr. Dioscorro Layug , and Bro. (later Fr.) Cyriac Mattathilanickal, M.S.

The Parish is much alive with the regular classes of the Parish Renewal Experience (PREX), Life in the Spirit Seminars (CHRISM Community), Couples for Christ and other renewal movements were hundreds of parishioners experienced the conversion process.

New Priests came, in the persons of Fr. Gregorio Honorio, M.S., Fr. Danilo Galang, M.S., Fr. Agoes Raharjo, M.S., Rev. Fr. Cyriac Mattathilanickal, M.S., who later had to move on to a new assignment.

-Final years of the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette

On July, 1998, the New Saint James the Apostle Parish Church which was constructed almost 25 years ago through the generosity of the parishioners had ventured into an expansion to accommodate the increasing number of parishioners, especially on Sundays. The ground breaking of the extension was done during the celebration of 252nd Patronal Fiesta on July 25, 1998 through the able leadership of then-City Mayor Amelita S. Navarro and Fr. Franklin G. Picio, M.S. as Parish Priest.

Fr. Franklin G. Picio, M.S., after seven years of service in the Saint James the Apostle Parish, with his companions, had to move on into a new venture in April, 2001. The much needed construction and expansion was passed on the new Parish Priest in the person Fr. Noel S. Cruz, M.S. , with his assistants, Fr. Abmar C. Dumayag, M.S., and Fr. Joy Porathur, M.S. who worked hand on hand to accommodate the work. Fr. Eulalio Culang, M.S., (+)Fr. André Lussier, M.S., Fr. Efren Tomas, M.S. who had other assignments outside the Parish took turns in helping out.

Fr. Stevanus Suharna, M.S. , an Indonesian Priest who was ordained in December, 2003 joined the group and was later followed by Fr. Benny Thadathilkunnel, M.S.  on September, 2004. Fr. Arnel M. Soriano, M.S. , who was ordained in May, 2004 is the last La Salette Missionary assigned in Saint James the Apostle Parish as assisting Priest. He left the Philippines in January, 2006 to join the Missionaries in Hawaii.

It is through the initiative of Fr. Noel S. Cruz, M.S. that stained glass images of Saint James the Apostle and that of Our Lady of La Salette was installed. The renovation is done phase by phase. In the summer of 2004, the Altar is completely renovated. With the continuing generosity of the parishioners here and abroad, the Saint James the Apostle Parish is now a beautiful place of worship of which Santiaguenos is proud of.

Credits to: https://www.facebook.com/SantiagoDeCarigPH/?ref=page_internal

Text credits to: https://www.facebook.com/.../history-of.../634095800372952/

Old Photos Courtesy of "El Pueblo de Carig" Facebook Page History based on the Compilation of the Accounts of St. James Parish Courtesy of Mr. Alvert Reyes. 

Music from the "Bukas Palad Music Ministry.  

Special Thanks to Mr. Jhon Rey Africano for the drone shots.

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SYLVIA G. GUMABAO (Santiago City)

 

SYLVIA G. GUMABAO
Photo Courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/PhilMovieStars

Photo Courtesy of Marlon Rowena Basilio Abella from " Lita's House of Charm " owned by his mother in Calao West during the 60's -70's. Marlon's mother was then the official hairdresser and Make-up artist of Ms. Sylvia Gumabao

Photo Courtesy of Marlon Rowena Basilio Abella from " Lita's House of Charm " owned by his mother in Calao West during the 60's -70's. Marlon's mother was then the official hairdresser and Make-up artist of Ms. Sylvia Gumabao

SYLVIA GUMABAO (Miss Press Photography of the Philippines 1963) 

 Filmography: Matang Lawin (1963); Bird of Paradise (1963); Tiger Unit (1963); Si Juan Tamad at Si Juan Masipag sa Pulitikang Walang Hanggan (1963); Shoot to Kill (1963); 7 Cobra: Mababangis (1964); Salambao (1964); James Ban-dong (1964); Dolpong Scarface (1964); Scout Rangers (1964); Codigo 13 (1965).

Sister of Dennis Roldan (Actor)

(Her family owns the Sylvia Theater named after her and She owns and manage an Ice Plant & Cold storage)

Don Vicente Alvarez Sr. (a half brother of Mr. Gumabao(Father of Sylvia)) bought the full share of the Ice Plant and later on named as Alvarez Ice Plant located at  Brgy. Plaridel, Santiago City

Under FRANCHISES (GRANTEE) -- SYLVIA G. GUMABAO

Republic Act No. 5384

Full Title AN ACT GRANTING SYLVIA G. GUMABAO A FRANCHISE TO CONSTRUCT, MAINTAIN, AND OPERATE AND ICE PLANT AND COLD STORAGE IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF SANTIAGO AND ECHAGUE, PROVINCE OF ISABELA, AND TO SELL AND DISTRIBUTE ICE SO MANUFACTURED AND FURNISH COLD STORAGE THEREIN AND IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF ALICIA, ANGADANAN, CAUAYAN, CABATUAN, SAN MATEO, RAMON, CORDON, JONES, SAN AUSTIN, SAN GUILLERMO, AND SAN ISIDRO, ALL IN THE PROVINCE OF ISABELA.

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Fr. Romeo B. Gonzales, MS, PhD (Santiago City)

Fr. Romeo B. Gonzales, MS, Ph.D.

Fr. Romy with family and friends, leaving for the USA to start his studies.

In This Photo: Pedro Duran, <private> Carlos (Gonzales), Fr. Rev. Romeo Bareng Gonzales, Esperanza Gonzales, <private> Salvador (Duran), <private> Alcid, <private> Gonzales, Helen Cortez, <private> Semana, Lydia Alcid, <private> Madriaga (Bareng), <private> Duran (Bareng), <private> Ledesma (Alcid)

Event: Leaving on a Jumbo plane for the U.S

Date: 1965

Location: Manila, Philippines

In This Photo:

Eric Carlos, Fr. Rev. Romeo Bareng Gonzales, Rosenda Carlos, <private> Carlos (Gonzales), Charlotte Ann Carlos, <private> Wilkinson (Carlos-Gonzales), <private> Namoro (Alcid), agatha, Alexia Alcid, Hilario Carlos, <private> Semana, <private> Semana (Madrid), Rotiquio "Roth" Carlos, Petronilo Gonzales, Jesusa Carlos, <private> Gonzales Jr., Jessica Gonzales, Eutiquio Garo, <private> Gonzales, Mary Ann Dela Cruz, Lydia Alcid, Carlos Valentin G. Alcid, Jobert Carlos, Esperanza Gonzales, <private> Gonzales, <private> Respicio, <private> Duran (Bareng)

Date: 1977

Location: M.Pequeno / San Mateo, Isabela, Philippines

Highschool Graduation of Rev. Fr. Romeo Gonzales

Fr. Romeo B. Gonzales, MS, PhD

1946-2010

" I am a religious priest belonging to the Congregation of the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette, a Religious Congregation of Pontifical right.

I was educated in the Philippines, my native land, in the U.S. and Canada. I was given various pastoral ministries by my Superiors as a Curate, and Pastor in several Parishes in the country of my origin. My unforgetable and exciting part of my ministry was when I was serving as curate in the parish of American Martyrs Church in Manhattan Beach, California.

I want to believe that I was blessed being trusted by my superior to serve in the seminary as Prefect of Studies and eventually Director of our Major Seminary.

I continue to spend so many years of my life as an educator, chaplain and administrator of our La Salette Schools, and assisting the other private catholic and non-catholic schools in the region where I am based.

It is quite challenging to do ministry in the school, which is a potent intrument or arm of evangelization of the Church."

- Fr. Romeo B. Gonzales, MS, PhD

Fr. Romeo B. Gonzales, MS, Ph.D., served the college (University Of La Salette) since 1979 until 2010, and He was installed as the first University President.

___________________________

SOURCE: https://www.geni.com/people/Fr-Rev-Romeo-Gonzales/4017390988180042475

Photo and Text Credits to Eric Carlos

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Cagayan Valley Sanitarium and Hospital (Adventist Hospital Santiago City)

 

Photo courtesy of Precy D. Pascual

Photo Credits to https://mapio.net/pic/p-18700142/

Photo Credits to http://wikimapia.org/8427730/Cagayan-Valley-Adventist-Hospital-Compound#/photo/4453458

Cagayan Valley Sanitarium and Hospital (Adventist Hospital Santiago City)

Established in March 16, 1959, Adventist Hospital Santiago City (formerly Cagayan Valley Sanitarium & Hospital) started as a 12-bed hospital located at Dubinan East, Santiago, Isabela in the old Northeast Luzon Mission building.

Adventist Hospital Santiago City transferred in its present location on July 24, 1969 and saw the construction of its current hospital with a 50-bed capacity

ARTICLE 1:

Cagayan Valley Sanitarium and Hospital

Far Eastern Division Outlook, June 1959, p 7

The Cagayan Valley Sanitarium and Hospital

By Roy V. Jutzy, M.D.

The medical work in the North Philippine Union Mission took an important step forward on March 16, 1959, with the opening of a new hospital, the Cagayan Valley Sanitarium and Hospital, located at Santiago, Isabela. The inauguration ceremonies which were held on March 16, 1959, were attended by a large number of the local population headed by the mayor and vice-mayor of the municipality.

Also in attendance were an impressive number of distinguished visitors, including the governor of the province of Isabela, the congressman from the province of Isabela, and other prominent business people. The inaugural addresses were given by the Honorable Felix T. Caro, governor of the province of Isabela, the Honorable Delfin Albano, congressman of the province of Isabela, and Pastor Andrew J. Robbins, president of the North Philippine Union Mission.

The hospital is located in a thriving community in Northern Luzon and in the center of a population area of fifty to sixty thousand people. It is the only hospital within the radius of approximately one hundred kilometers and the only well equipped hospital located in Northern Luzon. Thanks to the many loyal friends in the United States, the hospital can boast of the best equipment of any hospital located outside of the Manila area.

The hospital was opened under the direction of the North Philippine Union Mission in cooperation with the Manila Sanitarium and Hospital and the Northern Luzon Mission. It is under the capable leadership of Dr. Celedonio A. Fernando, who has recently returned from the United States after taking a course in postgraduate surgery. He is the first Filipino doctor to return to the Philippines after taking advanced training. He has been very energetic in getting the hospital started and in collecting equipment both in the United States and in the Philippines. He is temporarily being assisted by Dr. Leonardo F. Rolle, an intern from Manila Sanitarium and Hospital, and by Dr. Teofilo Sumawang, a dentist. Associated with him are also a dedicated group of nurses and other workers, many of whom have been obtained from the Manila Sanitarium and Hospital.

The hospital will fill a great need both in the public welfare needs in the area in which it is located and also in assisting to promulgate the Seventh-day Adventist message. Since the opening day, the hospital has been very successful. Even before the opening ceremonies, patients were lined up waiting for medical care. In the two weeks since the opening of the hospital, there has been an average patient count of 16 inpatients per day, although the hospital was originally designed to accommodate only nine patients. In addition to this, there has been an average of 30 to 40 outpatients daily. During the first two weeks, ten major operations were performed as well as a number of minor operations and other procedures.

It is hoped that the opening of this hospital will be a start in a new era of medical progress throughout the Philippine Islands.

ARTICLE 2:

Far Eastern Division Outlook, January 1960, p 8

North Philippine Union Mission

A.J. Robbins, President

Our youngest union institution is Cagayan Valley Sanitarium and Hospital. Established less than a year ago, this medical unit promises to be one of our strong hospitals. Dr. Cclcdonio Fernando, one of our young men, has demonstrated what consecrated talent dedicated to the work of God can accomplish. In a converted office building capable of housing nine inpatients, the doctor and his staff have found a way to accommodate as many as 19 inpatients and they see as many as 30 to 50 outpatients daily. The reputation of the hospital is growing and creating good will in the entire area.

________________

SOURCE:

https://www.facebook.com/ahsciisabela

http://filadnet.blogspot.com/2013/08/cagayan-valley-sanitarium-and-hospital.html

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Aerial View of Coliseum, Municipal Hall, Rizal Park, Salakot Pavillion, Skating Rink, PCI bank and Banco Filipino Buiding (Santiago City)

CONTRIBUTOR:

Photo Credits to Jeanette Gollayan Gatbunton and Barangay Calao West Mark Mata Sotto

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Municipal Park 1972 Project by Santiago Lions Club (Santiago City)

 

Municipal Park 1972

Project by Santiago Lions Club

at Present day, Beside Sm Supermart at Likod ng SSAA

Photo Courtesy of  Francis Cruz Carlos

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The Carabao That Travels (Santiago City)

 

The Carabao That Travels (Santiago City)

First Locaton: Elino Miranda Boulevard (Santiago Isabela Municipal Hall)

Second Location: Public Market Panganiban Street and Maharlika Highway 

Third Location: Brgy. Balintocatoc

PHOTO CONTRIBUTOR:Edeliza Buck Ocampo

Precy D. Pascual

Nomer Zabat Catabay

Franc Espedido

Fernando Liggayu

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ILAGAN Ancestral House 1950’s (Santiago City)

ILAGAN Ancestral House 1950’s
Photo Courtesy of Doc Ramil Zapanta

ILAGAN Ancestral House 1950’s 

Located at Abauag Street, Centro East 

RAYMUNDO ILAGAN “ Tatang ” and “ Inang ” Ma. Trinidad Alisuag

One of the first traders of SANTIAGO ISABELA 

from Alitagtag Batangas ( Batangueños) 

Commonly known as ‘ Tatang Mundo’ Of Palengke 

Raymundo Ilagan and Ma. Trinidad Alisuag were the first couple from Batangas to come and sell their wares in Santiago.

They had no stores or a specific place to sell their goods consisting of blankets, abaca mats and mosquito nets. 

They carried this on their shoulders and went around the town to sell them.

After World War 2, they put up a big textile store in the town public market and became one of the most successful businessman to come to Santiago.

_______________________________

Photo Courtesy of Doc Ramil Zapanta

Source: Excerpt from History Of Santiago Book by Filipina Taguinod-Villapando

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Santiago Cultural Institute (Santiago Chinese School) Santiago City

 

Santiago Cultural Institute (Santiago Chinese School)

The Santiago Cultural Institute or SCI (simplified Chinese: 怡省仙朝峨中华中学; traditional Chinese: 怡省仙朝峨中華中學; pinyin: Yíshěng Xiān Cháo É Zhōnghuá Zhōngxué) is a private and non-sectarian academic institution. Founded in 1948, it is the only Chinese school in Santiago, Isabela, Philippines.

History

The school was first established in 1948 and was known as the Santiago Chinese School then. Its classroom were built out of Nipa and bamboo at its former location at the heart of Santiago City (then Santiago, Isabela). Three years later the rooms were renovated using walls as construction materials to provide stronger protection from the elements and the weather. This school was home to many students for the next two decades.

However, as years passed by, the gradual increase in number of students began to pose a space problem. The problem of scarcity of classrooms to accommodate both the children from the Chinese community and non-ethnic families wishing to avail of the quality system of instructions of SCI for their children was obviously to be addressed. The eventual dearth of rooms and campus space prompted the school's Board of Trustees (then the board of directors) to seek solutions in order that the school can satisfy the educational yearnings of a sizable portion of the city's population. The most feasible solution was the construction of new school building. So in 1966, the school board bought a piece of property for the school's future relocation.

The Board of Trustees foresight soon proved to be beneficial. In view of the burgeoning student population in 1976, the school authorities had no more option but to relocate to the newly acquired school site with an area of six thousand seven hundred square meters (acquired a decade before). The construction of project of the skill however entailed a big sum of money. Pursuing this under time constraint further complicated the problem. Considering the importance of the undertaking, the Board of Directors decided to push through with more vigor.

The groundwork for the construction of new school building at SCI's present location at Plaridel started in 1977. Hard-pressed for funds, the school administration and its Board of Trustees sought the support of the many magnanimous and philanthropic individuals and organizations through a fund raising drive. Auspiciously, the project was completed without any hitch. In 1978, the new school building was finally completed. This edifice has evolved as a concrete and symbolic marker of the cooperation, love, commitment, and hard-work rendered by different people who shared the same vision and aspirations for the youth of the generations to come.

The Santiago Cultural Institute is still located in the same 6,700 square meter lot Over the years since 1978, it has embarked on a number of modernization and upgrading programs in its educational curricula and facilities.

_____________________________________________________

 SOURCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santiago_Cultural_Institute

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Judge Vicente Bangilan Aggabao (Santiago City)

 

Judge Vicente Bangilan Aggabao (Santiago City)

Judge Vicente Bangilan Aggabao continued with his military career as he would have retired as a General. His Officer's Serial No. 0-85452 would have outranked many other Generals in terms of seniority. Wayback 1960 He was commissioned as a Major in the JAGO( Judge Advocate General's Office) at Aguinaldo! A bemedalled officer in the USAFFE during World War 2, and a Bataan Veteran! He opted to join the Judiciary and ended his colorful career as an Outstanding Judge!

    Dad was a survivor of the Historic Bataan Death after Bataan fell into the hands of the Enemies. A young 19 y/o youth drafted out of his Law School to be commissioned as gunnery Sgt. of the USAFFE & was assigned to defend the beach trenches of Pangasinan as the first-line of defense against the Japanese invading forces! 

from Neville Aggabao

____________________________________

CONTRIBUTOR: Angel Aggabao

SOURCE: Book; Isabela My Isabela By Raymund Katindig

Isabela Day 2011 First Edition

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