Etymology
editThe town's name is derived from the Spanish-Tagalog portmanteau Pasa-Ikaw (English: Pass it on). This is because dock guards stationed at the Pasacao Port would regularly issue directions to passengers by shouting "Pasa ikaw, Pasa ikaw." Passengers mistook the phrase for the town's name, Pasacao.[1]
History
editSettlements before and during the Spanish Conquest
editAt this time, present-day Pasacao consisted of separate, independent barrios[2], with 'Pasacao' specifically referring to the poblacion, as recognized by other neighboring barangays. Located in a valley, this area served as a natural hub for settlement and trade. Alongside coastal settlements like Dalupaon and Tinalmud, Pasacao prospered due to its strategic position for trade and economic activity, while much of the surrounding region remained densely forested and sparsely populated. Several barrios had not yet been established, with early communities laying the groundwork for future development.[3][4]
From 1609 to 1616, under Governor-General Juan de Silva, two galleons, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe and Angel de la Guardia, were constructed in Barrio Dalupaon, along with the Astillero de Dalupaon (English: Dalupaon Shipyard). The Guadalupe played a crucial role in the galleon trade between Manila and Acapulco and contributed to defending the Philippines against the Dutch.[1][5]
In 1627, an attempt was made to establish a canal linking a river in Pasacao[a] to the Bicol River.[6][7][8] However, the project was abandoned due to high costs[9] and concerns about seawater intrusion affecting local rice fields.[7]
During this period, the area served as a critical defense port against Moro pirate incursions. A notable attack occurred on October 4, 1779, when Pasacao and nine other towns were entirely destroyed.[10] By 1823, the town's population was estimated at only 200 due to frequent raids.[1] In response, Alcalde Jacinto Rodriguez Morales contributed materials to fortify the town, and the fortifications established in 1848 were part of a broader initiative that included towns such as Cabusao and Pantao (now Libon).[1]
Pasacao was officially established as a small port in 1843 to facilitate transportation between Manila and Nueva Caceres (present-day Naga City). By 1854, it had evolved into a full-fledged settlement, largely due to population growth, and appointed its first local leader, known as the "Teniente Absoluto." It's economy flourished through trade, serving as a key entry point for goods traveling between Manila and other provinces in Southern Luzon, as well as the islands of Masbate and Burias.[11]
Expansion during the American and Japanese era
editAfter the Spanish-American War, the establishment of the American civil government led to the reorganization of municipal boundaries across the Philippines.[2] In Pasacao, this resulted in the expansion of its territory to include the formerly distinct barrios of Dalupaon, Balogo, Odicon, Itulan, Tinalmud, Cuco and Quitang. The settlement surrounding the port, which had historically served as a trading hub, became the town center. This administrative restructuring integrated various communities under a single municipal governance, marking a significant phase in the consolidation and development of Pasacao.
In 1900, American forces landed in Pasacao during the Philippine-American War. Local resistance fighters engaged American patrols, resulting in the deaths of 11 Americans in Barrio Quitang and a subsequent ambush in Barrio Caranan. By 1903, a cholera and dysentery epidemic led to significant mortality, with the deceased being transported in sleds. The church built during the Spanish period was destroyed by an earthquake in 1907. During this time, Domingo San Jose emerged as the first Filipino teacher in Pasacao[11]
During World War II, the Tangcong Vaca Guerilla Unit, operating near Mount Bernacci, conducted significant operations against Japanese forces.[11] Notably, after Japanese ships docked at Pasacao Pier, they were targeted for bombing as part of the guerilla resistance.[1] The arrival of the Six Daughters of Charity marked the establishment of Naga's first regular girls' school, Universidad de Santa Isabel, in Pasacao.[1]
Post-colonization and reconstruction
editThe American Liberation Forces landed at Magtabid Point in Pasacao, signifying the town's liberation. Following this, pre-war municipal officials were reinstated, and schools reopened. The town experienced moderate destruction during the wars; however, it was relatively spared from extensive damage compared to other areas. The Japanese primarily targeted suspected guerilla sympathizers.[11]
Post-liberation in 1945, reconstruction efforts began under the Philippine Rehabilitation Act of 1946, with support from the War Damage Commission. New homes and government buildings were erected, and essential infrastructure, including the Pasacao Central School, was restored.[11]
On July 20, 1966, a fire ignited by chimney sparks devastated Pasacao's commercial and residential center, destroying approximately 13 blocks and displacing around 700 families. Damage was estimated between PHP 3 to 4 million, with significant losses, including the mayor's residence and a rural bank. Inadequate firefighting resources led to looting during the chaos. In response, President Marcos and Governor Armando B. Cledera allocated ₱10,000 each in aid, while organizations like the Philippine Red Cross contributed essential supplies.[12]
Contestants
editContestant | Age | Ranking | |
---|---|---|---|
Episode 4 |
Final | ||
# | # | ||
An Jeongmin (안정민) |
17 | K30 | K13 |
Geography
editGeographical Setting
editPasacao is located in
Attractions
editSignature Park
editSignature[c] Park is an 1,145-square-meter reclaimed property owned by the Local Goverment of Pasacao located in Barangay Sta. Rosa Del Norte. It serves as a recreational park and is also the location of several government offices. StrEat Park, Central Business District Terminal housing various government offices, a covered court housing the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management office, an Eco-Park, a Plaza, and a Grandstand are some of the buildings in the park. Construction of a two-story PNP Building is also ongoing. It is intended to serve as the center of government, but the offices have not yet been built.
Infrastracture
edit- ^ The river mentioned is not specified, but it could be the Tinalmud River, given its proximity to the Bicol River. [citation needed]
- ^ The Planet Pass is a vote by the mentors, where eliminated contestants are given a chance to be saved from elimination.
- ^ Seat of Inclusive Governance
- ^ a b c d e f "History of Pasacao | LGU Pasacao Official Website". Retrieved 2022-05-13.
- ^ a b "NLP Digital Collection HD01.p13.m19.b1". nlpdl.nlp.gov.ph. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
- ^ "NLP Digital Collection HD01.p13.m19.b2". nlpdl.nlp.gov.ph. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
- ^ "NLP Digital Collection HD01.p13.m19.b4". nlpdl.nlp.gov.ph. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
- ^ Jr, Juan Escandor (2012-06-20). "Camarines Sur village relives days of galleons". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ Best, Elsdon (1892). "The Races of the Philippines". The Journal of the Polynesian Society. 1 (1): 7–19. ISSN 0032-4000.
- ^ a b "133rd Parish Fiesta Celbration in honor of Saint Rose of Lima". Diocese of Libmanan.
- ^ Abella, Domingo (1954). Bikol Annals: The see of Nueva Cáceres.
- ^ The Philippine Journal of Science. Bureau of Science. 1911.
- ^ Abella, Domingo (1954). Bikol annals: A Collection of Vignettes of Philippine History. . Manila.
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ a b c d e "NLP Digital Collection". nlpdl.nlp.gov.ph. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
- ^ Milano, Ben H. (July 28, 1966). "4M fire razes Pasacao". The Bicol Mail.