9/13: BATTLE OF PULANG LUPA

(A Filipino victory that continues to awe-inspire the young)

Today’s the commemoration of the 110th Anniversary of the Battle of Pulang Lupa.

The Battle of Pulang Lupa was first celebrated in Marinduque in the early 60s (still tracing the exact year), during the incumbency of Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal, with Miguel Manguera as governor of Marinduque. A civic-military parade was held to commemorate the September 13, 1900 battle with the main program held in front of the provincial capitol building. A re-enactment of the engagement was performed at the capitol grounds that culminated in the mock surrender of Capt. Devereux Shields (he was depicted then riding a horse), and his American force. The event was then known as “Marinduque Day” by virtue of Macapagal’s proclamation.

(View of Malindig Volcano from the historical site. The coastal town of Torrijos is seen at left of center in this photo)

President Ferdinand E. Marcos, by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 435 also declared September 13 as “Marinduque Day”. During the Second Regular Session of Congress (1988), however, Republic Act No. 6702 was passed, an Act declaring September Thirteen as “Battle of Pulang Lupa Day” and a Special Non-Working Holiday in the Province of Marinduque. This Act which originated in the House of Representatives and sponsored by Cong. Carmencita O. Reyes was finally passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on September 22, 1988 and December 2, 1988, respectively. The Act lapsed after the prescribed period and came into force sans the signature of President Corazon C. Aquino.

SONGS

(Folk dancers from Mogpog showcase a local dance)

A folk song, now forgotten, about “Pulang Lupa” once told about the exploits of the fierce “Alapaap” (Cayetano Vida), Abad’s reserve 1st Lieutenant in the Infantry Battalion, whose deeds were later mentioned in a report by an American soldier who figured in the engagement.

(Another panoramic view from the historical landmark)

“Pulang Lupa Hymn” was later composed in the 1960s by Perla Mogol, a music teacher while she was teaching at Boac North Central School. This was required learning for grade-school students of that era. In 1997, this blogger composed the music and lyrics of “Awit sa Pulang Lupa” in pop genre, as theme for a dance-drama presentation on the battle’s story. It was re-staged 10 years later at the historical site.

(File photos)