Cultural Heritage

Mapping of Significant Natural Resources

Category: Bodies of Water

NAME OF NATURAL HERITAGE: BARANGAY POOK DEEP WELL

PHOTO:

I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A. SUB-CATEGORY:

[ ] SEA

[ ] RIVER/RIVERBANK

[ ]WATERFALL

[ ] POND

[ ] ESTUARY

[ ] WETLAND

[ ] STREAM

[ ] SPRING

[ ] DAM

[ ] CANAL

[ ] LAKE

[√ ] OTHER DEEP WELL

B. LOCATION: Brgy. Pook, Agoncillo, Batangas

C. AREA (in hectares): Approximately 30 square foot

D. OWNERSHIP/ JURISDICTION: The deep well is owned and controlled by the barangay.

II. DESCRIPTION
(Describe the physical features of the water formation)
The deep well is having a concreted opening with a diameter of around 12 inches wide. It has a depth of approximately 20 feet, including the more or less 9 feet depth of water beneath. It was protected with a steel fences and roofs.

III. STORIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE WATER FORMATION

It is said to be existed since 1911, where the people from the nearby 4 barangays of San Jacinto, Pamiga, Poblacion, and Pook, are getting water to use in their everyday living. It is being said to be potable water which is cold and clear and coming from the underground spring. And in August 4, 1934, through the initiative of MPL President A. Atienza, the opening of the deep well was concreted.

But due to the emergence of pumping stations and water districts, people suddenly preferred to use the commercial water supply rather than getting in the deep well. It resulted for the deep well to become full of leaves and woods. On the other hand, last 2018, with the initiative of Sangguniang Barangay headed by Barangay Chairman Hon. Edgar D. Carolino, it was rehabilitated and constructed a cement flooring around the opening of the deep well, and also a steel fence and roofs for protection.

IV. SIGNIFICANCE
Indicate type of significance, e.g. historical, aesthetic, economic, social, socioeconomic, socio-political, spiritual and then explain
Historical – it was considered as the primary sources of clean drinking water for the people before the emergence of water districts.

V. CONSERVATION

A. STATUS OF PROTECTION:
Currently, there is no declaration or order from the local government regarding the protection for this natural heritage. However, the barangay has a pending proposal to the local government to consider it as a protected area.

B. CONSTRAINTS/THREATS/ ISSUES:
The deep well is located beside a dry creek. Aside from that, there can be found some fissures few steps away due to the Taal Volcanic eruption.

C. CONSERVATION MEASURES: (Describe the conservation measures taken at the level of the community, provincial and/or national)
The community, particularly the Barangay Pook, is closely monitoring and maintaining the cleanliness and preservation of the area. They are visiting it oftentimes to check the status of this natural heritage.

VI. REFERENCES

KEY INFORMANT/S:

Hon. Edgar D. Carolino

REFERENCE/S:

Experiences, and stories from the elders

NAME OF MAPPER/S:

Mr. Zorcastro E. Cabello and Ms. Charlyn Ann C. Dela Luna

DATE PROFILED:

October 18, 2021

Mapping of Significant Tangible Immovable Heritage

Category: Heritage Houses/Vernacular Architecture

NAME OF IMMOVABLE HERITAGE: Carolino’s Heritage House

PHOTO:

Photos credit to Charlyn Ann C. Dela Luna; taken on October 19, 2021.

I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A. PERIOD:

[ ] INDIGENOUS

[√] SPANISH PERIOD

[ ] AMERICAN PERIOD

[ ] WORLD WAR II PERIOD

[ ] POSTWAR
_____________________

B. OWNERSHIP

[ ] PUBLIC

[√] PRIVATE

C. ADDRESS/LOCATION/COORDINATES (Longitude & Latitude):
D. AREA: 1. Total Land Area: 430 sqm. 2. Structure:
E. YEAR CONSTRUCTED/ESTIMATED AGE: 100 years old
F. OWNERSHIP/JURISDICTION: Eugenia Carolino (owner through title)
G. DECLARATION/LEGISLATION: No declaration or any legislation

II. DESCRIPTION

A. Physical Description (Describe the exterior, , the interior (the various rooms of the house, the stairs, the floor, the architectural details such as woodcarvings, windows, implements, caryatids and others), and the surrounding landscape and other structure around the house such as the water source/cistern/well, camarin/kamalig, gazebo, and/or pergola).

It is considered as one of the oldest house in town which is never been renovated since it was built, but retains its original material. It illustrates a Spanish-style architecture and concrete materials are used. There is also a varnished hardwood on the floor, and Capiz windows.

B. History of the Structure (Write the history of construction, use/function of the building over the years, history of intervention)
It was constructed during the Spanish period, and served as an evacuation center of the nearby barangays, namely: Sto. Tomas, Panhulan, San Teodoro, and Pansipit when the Taal Volcano first erupted on 1911.

Ms. Jing Balba, daughter-in-law of the owner, is the one who currently maintains the heritage house.

C. Status [ ] Occupied [√] Not occupied

III. STORIES ASSOCIATED WITH STRUCTURE

IV. SIGNIFICANCE
Indicate type of significance, e.g. historical, aesthetic, scientific, social, socioeconomic, socio-political, spiritual and then explain

Historical – it served as an evacuation center for the people from nearby barangays when Taal Volcano first erupted on 1911

V. CONSERVATION

A. STATUS/CONDITION OF STRUCTURE: (Describe the physical condition of the structure)

[ ] Excellent
[ ] Good
[√] Fair
[ ] Deteriorated
[ ] Ruins

Remarks: The structure maintains its original appearance and also preserved the original materials being used. However, there are some parts needed to be repaired.

B. INTEGRITY OF THE STRUCTURE:

1. [ ] altered 2. [ ] moved

[√] unaltered [√] original site

Remarks:

C. CONSTRAINTS/THREATS/ISSUE
D. CONSERVATION MEASURES: (Describe the conservation measures taken at the level of the community, provincial and/or national)

VI. LIST OF SIGNIFICANT TANGIBLE MOVABLE HERITAGE (within the premises of the built heritage, with the consent of the owner/caretaker):

VII. REFERENCES

KEY INFORMANT/S:

Jing Balba

REFERENCE:

Experiences, and Stories from the Elders

NAME OF MAPPER/S:

Charlyn Ann C. Dela Luna

DATE PROFILED:

October 19, 2021

Photo credits to Magandang Agoncillo Batangas, May 31, 2017.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION AND RANGE OF THE ELEMENT: (Describe the place where intangible heritage is practiced, even including the extent of the practice in neighboring areas or places)

Subli is being practiced primarily at Brgy. Pook, Agoncillo, Batangas.

It is a place situated at approximately 13.9264, 120.9314, in the island of Luzon. Elevation at these coordinates is estimated at 64.4 meters or 211.3 feet above mean sea level. It has a population as determined by the 2020 Census was 2,798. This represented 7.16% of the total population of Agoncillo. (PhilAtlas.com, 2021)

The practice of Subli has extended on the other barangays of Agoncillo such as Banyaga, Bilibinwang, and others, when the manunubli migrated on those places due to their spouses.

RELATED DOMAINS OF THE INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE: (Tick appropriate box/es.)

[ ] Oral Tradition and expressions

[√] Social practices, rituals and festive events

[ ] Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe

[ ] Traditional craftsmanship

II. DESCRIPTION OF INTANGIBLE HERITAGE

1. Summary of the element (Description of the history of the practice, occasion/season, processes involved, procedures, beliefs associated, settings, aims, social functions, cultural meaning, and other pertinent data)

The subli in Pook, Agoncillo, Batangas was came from the subli from the municipalities of Alitagtag and Bauan. Basically, it is a ceremonial dance of worship to the Holy Cross. It is believed that this Holy Cross is mysterious. There is a story of a wood that no one can ever move it. But when they offer songs and and dances, they were able to move that wood, and they crafted it to become a Holy Cross.

People in the barrio believed that any wishes and thanksgiving can be granted by the Holy Cross if they will dance subli. On the other hand, anyone cannot be able to make fun of it as this can be a sign of bad luck.

Through dancing the subli, people in the community have the harmonious relationships with one another.

2. Culture-bearer/s and practitioner/s of the element (Description of person/s or people practicing the intangible heritage)

The elders from the barrio, regardless whether they are male or female) are those persons practicing and executing the tradition of subli. Most of them started practicing subli at their very young age, and until now, they can able to do it still. They are also the people who can be described as faithful and committed in respecting the Holy Cross.

3. Mode of transmission (Describe how the knowledge and skills related to the element is passed on)
   The knowledge and skill related in subli is being transmitted to the younger generation through the parents. Those parents, the manunubli, are started to teach their children about subli as early as 6 years old.

D. LIST OF SIGNIFICANT TANGIBLE MOVABLE HERITAGE USED/ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELEMENT:

E. LIST OF SIGNIFICANT FLORA/FAUNA USED/ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELEMENT:

III. STORIES/NARRATIVES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELEMENT
There are wishes of the people being granted after they offered subli to the Holy Cross. On the other hand, people who make fun of it encountered bad lucks.

IV. SIGNIFICANCE
(Indicate type of significance, e.g. historical, aesthetic, scientific, social, socioeconomic, socio-political, spiritual and then explain)

Social – Through the subli, people are being binded and cooperative with one another in the community.
Spiritual – Subli strengthens the faith of the people that the Holy Cross can able to grant their wishes.

V. ASSESSMENT OF THE PRACTICE

A. CONDITION/STATUS OF THE PRACTICE

Subli is still being practiced well by the people in the barrio.

B. CONSTRAINTS/ THREATS/ ISSUES/ CHALLENGES: (Reasons for the condition/status)

Some of the older manunublis are showing less interest to teach their children about the subli. This is somehow evident as the young generations nowadays are interested more on the technologies and social media.

C. MEASURES AND DESCRIPTION OF SAFEGUARDING MEASURES TAKEN:

Tick one or more boxes to identify the safeguarding measures that have been and are currently being taken at the level of the community, provincial and/or national with regard to the element

[ ] transmission, particularly through formal education

[√] transmission, particularly through non-formal education

[ ] identification, documentation, research

[ ] preservation, protection

[ ] promotion, enhancement

[ ] revitalization

Description of Safeguarding Measures Taken:

At home, parents are guiding their children about the practice of subli. Even though, there is no formal education regarding that matters, but because it is a family effort, still, this culture can be preserved.

VI. REFERENCES

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: (Tick appropriate box/es)

[ ] Audio/video recording

[ ] Photographs and sketches

[ ] Others (e.g. Music notations etc.) __________________________

KEY INFORMANT/S: Jose Mendoza, prominent resident of Brgy. Pook, Agoncillo, Batangas

(Include basic information on the informant’s background)

REFERENCE/S AND OTHER RESOURCES: (PhilAtlas.com, 2021)

NAME OF MAPPER/S: Zorcastro E. Cabello and Charlyn Ann C. Dela Luna

DATE PROFILED: October 21, 2021

Mapping of Significant Tangible Movable Heritage

Category: Ethnographic Object

NAME OF OBJECT: Gilingan na Bato

PHOTO:

Photos credit to Charlyn Ann C. Dela Luna; taken on October 20, 2021

I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A. TYPE:

[ ] WORK IMPLEMENT [ ] CRAFTS [ ] DECORATIVE ARTICLES

[√] HOUSEHOLD ITEMS [ ] WEAPONRY [ ] GAMES AND HOBBIES

[ ] CLOTHING [ ] OTHERS _____________________________

B. YEAR/DATE PRODUCED: Undetermined
C. ESTIMATED AGE: More than 100 years old
D. NAME OF OWNER: Original owners are Paulina Cabadin and Claudio Gonzales, the parents of the current owner, Dionisia Cabello
E. TYPE OF ACQUISITION: Inheritance

II. DESCRIPTION OF THE OBJECT
(Describe the Material, Dimensions, Color, Markings, Design, Use, etc.)

This “gilingan na bato” is made of stone from the river, which believed to be carved by the Spaniards. It is round-shaped and having 10 inches diameter (mouth of the jar), and both 15 inches for the body and base.

III. STORIES/NARRATIVES/BELIEFS/PRACTICES ASSOCIATED

It is believed to be more than 100 years old and was carved by the Spaniards. Since the beginning, the original appearance of the “gilingan na bato” was preserved and maintained. No repair was ever done to it. It became the family’s source of income to provide their needs through making different rice cakes, and others. With that, they can able to send their children to the schools and support them to earn their degrees.

They are teaching their descendants on how to use it properly to pass it through generations.

There was also a time that there were people who wanted to buy the “gilingan na bato” from them for the amount of Php 5,000.00, but they refused, because their parents to whom they inherited it, asked them to never sold it to anyone.

IV. SIGNIFICANCE

A. PRIMARY CRITERIA (Indicate type of significance, e.g. historical, aesthetic, scientific, social, socioeconomic, socio-political, spiritual and then explain)
Socioeconomic – this is very useful in making different rice cakes that could be sold for a living

B. COMPARATIVE CRITERIA (Indicate Provenance, Representativeness, Rarity, Interpretive Potential)
Rarity - At present, based on their knowledge, they are the only ones who have this kind of “gilingan na bato” which is still functional.

V. CONSERVATION STATUS

A. PHYSICAL CONDITION:

[ ] YELLOWING

[ ] STAINS

[ ]FADING

[ ] FOXING (BROWN SPOTS)

[ ] ACCRETIONS

[ ] HOLES

[ ] FINGERPRINTS

[ ] TEARS/BREAK

[ ] LOSSES

[ ] CREASES

[ ] BRITTLE

[ ] ABRASION

[ ] MISSING PART ___________________

[ ] FOLDS

[ ] WRINKLES

[ ] MOLDS

[ ] INSECT INFESTATION

[√ ] OTHER

___________________

Remarks:

The “gilingan na bato” is still in good and its original condition, with no repairs or any restorations being made.

B. CHALLENGES/THREATS/ISSUES/:
With the fast-pacing technology, younger generations nowadays preferred to use modern equipment, hence, resulting to some ethnographic objects to be forgotten.

C. CONSERVATION MEASURES: (Describe the conservation measures taken at the level of the community, provincial and/or national)
As of now, conservation measures such as maintenance, was being conducted by the family of the owner.

VI. REFERENCES

KEY INFORMANT/S:

Nardo Gonzales

REFERENCE/S:

Experience, and stories from the elders

NAME OF MAPPER/S:

Charlyn Ann C. Dela Luna

DATE PROFILED:

October 20, 2021

Mapping of Significant Tangible Immovable Heritage

Category: Sites

NAME OF IMMOVABLE HERITAGE: Pook Bridge

PHOTO:

VII. REFERENCES

KEY INFORMANT/S:

Milmar Alilio

REFERENCE/S:

Experience, and Stories from the Elders

NAME OF MAPPER/S:

Charlyn Ann C. Dela Luna

DATE PROFILED:

October 19, 2021