LUBANG ISLANDS, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO (INTRODUCTION)
Note: Banner from a photo courtesy of the Municipality of Lubang
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In the 2008/2009 Christmas Holiday period I, (David Hyde) stayed for three weeks in the Municipality of Lubang, Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. This was my first visit and this web-site records some of my impressions - primarily by the use of photographic images. This is a personal web-site, but when the Tagbac Barangay Captain, Arnel De Lara learned of my interest in creating this site, he was very helpful in assisting me to acquire information in the short time span available. Many other people also helped and I thank everyone for their assistance. It can be noted that I use the "nom de foto" 'David de la Hyde'. Some time in the future I intend to revisit the Lubang Islands and obtain more material to add to these pages. So far I have only had time to visit a few areas in the northern half of Lubang Island. Spanish sailors discovered the Lubang Islands in the 16th century. The Islands - other than the volcanic Island of Ambil - were found to be inhabited by people. They have proved to be primarily of Malayan descent. Prior to the arrival of the Spanish sailors Chinese Merchants traded with Lubang residents as proved by pottery and kitchen utensils that have been excavated. |
The first church in the Municipality of Lubang appears to have been built by Fr. Muriel in 1865. In 1918 there was a strong typhoon which destroyed many houses and buildings including the church. In 1935 the present concrete church in Barangay Poblacion was built with Fr. Enrique Rixner, SVD. (Divine Word Missionary), being the main proponent. 
One of the requirements for a Barangay, (the smallest government unit in the Philippines), is that it must have a place to play, and they usually have a basketball court. Other requirements include a chapel, plaza, barangay hall, school and health centre. |
Reference: HISTORY OF LUBANG by Rudy Candelario - translated into English by Benjamin Walata. (http://occidentalmindorohistory.googlepages.com/historylubang) |
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