The Intriguing Keeper's Dwelling and Geodetic Azimuth Mark in Baltazar Island: Potential sites for tourism development

Baltazar Keeper's Dwelling and Lighthouse, 2008.
Photo: Lakwatserong Sulit

Earlier photo of Baltazar Keeper's Dwelling.
Baltazar is one of the Tres Reyes Islands

Historical significance:

1.  Baltasar Lighthouse was built during the American occupation between 1901-1903, when Howard Taft, a future US president and Marinduque visitor during those days, was the Governor-General. The director of the Bureau of Coastal Surveys was the famed George R. Putnam at that time.

It was eventually ravaged by time and typhoons, but in 1954 RA 1144 was passed appropriating funds for lighthouse stations including the repair of the said Baltasar Lighthouse keeper's dwelling.

The lighthouse was eventually rehabilitated through a 1991 deal with Japan's ODA Loan executed by MARINA. The keeper's dwelling apparently remained untouched. Latest picture taken in 2008, shows the structure damaged by typhoons/elements but later stronger typhoons finally brought it down.  Until then it was the oldest American-built standing structure in Marinduque but now it’s gone.

2.  Azimuth Station Baltasar:

Station Balanacan (more popularly known as Luzon Datum), in Brgy. Hinanggayon had for its geodetic azimuth mark the Station BALTASAR (azimuth: 90 12' 37".00) located in Baltazar Island, one of the Tres Reyes Islands.  O.W. Ferguson established both stations with H.D. King as Chief Of Party. The historical document on the triangulation of the Philippine Islands gives the establishment of this Azimuth Station as 1906.

In view of this, there exists AN AZIMUTH MARKER in Station Baltasar (such a marker's actual existence is, however, not mentioned in any currently available literature).  But with GPS coordinates specified it, it is right there for the curious adventurers to trace, where might be found even more intriguing relics.

Background:

The Philippines has a long history of diverse settlers. Chinese traders were here in the 10^th century AD (Don’t forget that the Marinduque Celadon Jar has turned out to be the oldest jar of foreign origin found in the Philippines). The Muslims settled in the southern part of the islands in the 15^th century. Then the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan rediscovered these islands in 1521, the first European settlement was made here by Spain under Miguel Lopez de Legaspi in 1565. In fact the national government is advising those interested to join the quincentennial anniversary of Magellan’s discoveries which has begun.

What about the Americans? They were here in the country later of course at the turn of the 20th century. The U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (USC&GS) executed the earliest topographic work of significance from 1901-1942. Numerous local datums were established at “Astro stations” in various parts of the Philippines. But as the triangulation was extended to the central and southern part of the islands it was found necessary to establish a new datum, the Luzon Datum of 1911. It is defined by its origin near San Andres Point on Marinduque Island. Making this island the geographical center of the Philippines.

That point is at station Balanacan (name of the port) where: Fo = 13° 33’ 41.000” North, Do = 121° 52’ 03.000” East of Greenwich, and the geoid/spheroid separation Ho  - ho = 0.34 meters.

But it cannot exist without an azimuth. The defining geodetic azimuth (from south) to station Baltasar is: ao = 009° 12’ 37.000”, the ellipsoid of reference is the Clarke 1866 where: a = 6,378,206.4 meters, and 1/f  = 294.9786982. *

It was well controlled by 98 measured base lines, 52 observed azimuths, and 49 latitude and telegraphic longitude stations. The supplementary triangulation extended along the shores of bays and harbors and up rivers and creeks.

CONCLUSION:

The defining geodetic azimuth (from south) to station Baltazar is  ao = 009° 12’ 37.000”, the ellipsoid of reference is the Clarke 1866 where: a = 6,378,206.4 meters, and 1/f  = 294.9786982. Baltazar Island is one of the Tres Reyes Islands.

The historical documentation on the triangulation of the Philippine Islands provides the establishment of this Station in 1906.

It isn't wishful thinking to make a claim that there still exists an AZIMUTH MARKER in Station Baltasar (such a marker is, however, not mentioned in any of currently available literature, but only waiting to be discovered). This, however, may be a challenge to other historical researchers and investigators. But it brings to mind how the stone marker with a hole (6cm deep and 1.5 cm in diameter) was found at the summit of Mataas na Bundok in Brgy. Hinanggayon.

As far as the lighthouse keeper’s dwelling ravaged by typhoons is concerned, the possibility of the structure’s rehabilitation should continuously be explored as the place, alongside other tourist curiosities (underwater caves, rare marine species discovered), is another tourist spot just waiting there to be explored, for protection and further development.

*Used as a source for this blog is PE&RS Grids and Datums, August 1999 Issue - Philippines, by Clifford J. Mugnier

Sample of Azimuth Mark.  Geodetic Survey Benchmark - Image Courtesy of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Department of Commerce

Another Azimuth Marker sample for the curious.

Driving is more fun in Marinduque, too. A 'motoring paradise'

Part of our celebration of Sentenaryo ng "Araw ng Marinduque" is the holding in this island-province of the 4x4 Jeep Club Philippines Jamboree from February 22-24, 2020.

Marinduque. Known for the Moriones Holy Week ritual with the colorfully-garbed moryon or Roman soldiers who crucified Jesus Christ, this is a motoring paradise for its gorgeous highways and low vehicle density. With only a 150-km circumferential road, you can have more time to devote to the sights and sounds or even redo the island’s circumnavigation.

Marinduque can be reached by air or by boat via Lucena City.

Road to Luzon Datum. Photo by Eli J Obligacion

Exciting road trips for 2020

By Bernard L Supetran
Philippine Daily Inquirer
January 19,2020

Every New Year brings new challenges and bucket lists of things to do or places to go for the weekend warriors. With new exciting car models from the popular brands and relatively unexplored destinations, 2020 will be another banner year to hit the roads less traveled and discover why “Driving is more fun in the Philippines.”

Here are some routes worth exploring on wheels across our enchanting chain of islands.

Palawan. Named time and again as the world’s best island by prestigious global publications, this archipelago boasts of owning the “every island an adventure” tag and rightfully so. With 1,780 islands and islets and a road network of about 1,000km, there is so much to discover here, aside from the famous St. Paul Underground River in the capital city of Puerto Princesa. 

The city, one of the country’s biggest, is in itself a consummate trip with its scenic winding roads hugging the coastline. With a vast land area, its nearest town to the north and the south would take more than an hour to reach. Puerto Princesa also has a bevy of recreational spots on top of its usual beach destinations, which are sometimes affected by inclement weather.

Beyond the city, motor to the newest hotspot of San Vicente, a 14-km long master-planned beachfront colony, and up to the northern most town of El Nido. Roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferries will be put in place to connect it to the equally-exciting island of Busuanga and Coron town.

Down south, you can drive to Narra and Quezon towns, all the way down to Brooke’s Point where a Ro-Ro service is being eyed to connect it to the Malaysian state of Sabah.

  

Silliman University Portal

Negros. This huge island is composed of the Oriental and Occidental provinces, and is among the most enticing drive destinations because of its blend of the mountains and sea. Dumaguete, the “City of Gentle People”, is an ideal entry point because of its blend of the old and the new.

Its most popular road is Rizal Boulevard where the national hero made a stopover en route to his exile to Dapitan. This bayside promenade has evolved into a nocturnal colony dotted by cafés, watering holes, hotels and restaurants which offer cool sea breeze and sunrise view. A must see is the iconic Silliman University, with its iconic American-era Siliman Hall and Museum, the Romanesque-style Church and its ampitheater, and its twin portal gates along the tree-lined avenue. 

Named as among the best retirement places, Dumaguete has also become a sports tourism haven for its promotion of physical fitness programs.

Circumnavigate Negros and swing by the cities of Bais, San Carlos, Escalante, Sipalay, Victorias, La Carlota, and Silay, which have interesting pit stops before winding up in Bacolod, the capital of the Occidental province. Along the coastal areas, go beach bumming and engage in various water sports, most notably scuba diving. 

 

Mountaintop view of Sarangani Bay from Maasim

Sarangani. Don’t let reports of earthquakes scare you from discovering this well-kept secret which blends adventure and culture. Reachable via Gen. Santos City or Davao on a three-hour panoramic journey, this province embraces Sarangani Bay which has pockets of powdery sand and marine sanctuaries on its 200-km coast. Roads are well-paved, and peace and order situation is remarkable which make driving a pleasant experience.

Take adventure to the next level literally and try paragliding in the mountains of Maasim for a breath-taking view of the bay. Not to be missed is an interaction with Blaan, Tboli or Tagakaolo indigenous peoples which are known for their sought-after exquisite dyed handwoven fibers. 

A highland spot worth-driving is the 816-meter high Kalon-Barak Skyline Ridge in Malungon which has a commanding view of Mt. Apo, Mt. Matutum, the Sarangani Bay and Davao Gulf.

 

Camarines Norte zigzag road. Photos by Bernard L. Supetran

Camarines Norte. Declared as the country’s “zigzag capital”, this is among the best places to test new SUVs and four-wheel drives. With some 100km of twists and turns in the midst of tropical rainforests, this Bicol province region has been under the radar for decades until it surprised everyone with the Calaguas islands group which was named as the top tourism gem in an online poll.

Feast on succulent seafood and spicy dishes, tan on the alluring unspoilt Pacific side beaches, or frolic on the icy waterfalls and river resorts. CamNorte is marking its centennial this year and will be filled 100 festive events that will entice you to visit. 

 

Moryons of Mogpog, Marinduque by Provincial Tourism Office

Marinduque. Known for the Moriones Holy Week ritual with the colorfully-garbed moryon or Roman soldiers who crucified Jesus Christ, this is a motoring paradise for its gorgeous highways and low vehicle density. With only a 150-km circumferential road, you can have more time to devote to the sights and sounds or even redo the island’s circumnavigation.

Marinduque can be reached by air or by boat via Lucena City.

Whew! So many roads, so little time.

Marinduque a century hence

Centennial Queen candidates at the capitol building

BOAC, Marinduque – 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of Marinduque as a province of the Philippines. The centennial celebration is slated for Feb. 16-22 this year featuring a historical parade, cultural heritage shows, film festival, street dance competition, trade fair, culinary arts contest, off-road jeep jamboree, unveiling of Centennial monument and Bantayog Wika monument in recognition of Tagalog-Marinduque and the Gawad Marinduque awards night. Other activities include installation of a historical marker at Boac Cathedral as Important Cultural Property and the search for Centennial Queen.

Governor Presbitero Velasco led the 100-day centennial countdown on Nov. 14 at the provincial capitol grounds in this capital town. On centennial week, the National Museum of the Philippines will open a new maritime archaeology collection at its satellite museum near Boac’s municipal hall, along with the launch of Marinduque’s centennial commemorative stamp by the Philippine Postal Corp.

Marinduque is the geographical center of the country

Agriculture propels the economy of this heart-shaped island province at the geographical center of the country. Rice, coconut, handicrafts, and fishing are its main industries. Tourism is fast becoming an important revenue source, especially during the Moriones Festival when the Lenten season peaks in the summer. During the 40-day Lent, centennial organizers are set to stage weekly activities together with various cultural groups as Holy Week approaches with spirituality and renewal as the underlying theme. 

Mining contributed significantly to the provincial coffers starting from the late 1960s. But the 1996 Marcopper environmental disaster at the minesite in Barangay Hinapulan abruptly halted a once thriving industry. Tragedy struck when the drainage tunnels of Canadian mining firm Marcopper’s open pit ruptured and spilled a huge amount of toxic waste that contaminated the Boac River, flooded adjacent villages, killed marine life, and affected the health of surrounding communities.

View from the historical Luzon Datum marker in the heart of the Philippines

Almost a hundred years after its founding, Marinduque is still a fourth-class province in terms of income according to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2018 Standard Geographic Code. Among its six municipalities, only Boac and Santa Cruz are classified as first-class, while three others (Gasan, Mogpog, Torrijos) are considered third-class and Buenavista is rated fourth-class. - by J Albert Gamboa, Manila Bulletin with updates by this blogger.

Monicker 'Heart of the Philippines' rightfully belongs to Marinduque - Velasco

The very Heart of the Philippines. Screenshot of Kulas' vlog on 'The real Heart of the Philippines'. The Canadian vlogger, a recent visitor, has fallen in love with Marinduque

Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco today said that Marinduque is at the heart of the Philippine Archipelago even as he pushed for the construction of a monument to mark that spot in the Philippine map.

Called the “Luzon Datum,” Velasco called on his colleagues to formally recognize the findings of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Provincial Government of Marinduque and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), declaring the national significance of Datum Station Balanacan or the Luzon Datum as a historical landmark to mark the “Heart of the Philippines.”

Marinduque lawmaker explained that the landmark is the primary geodetic reference or origin of all geological surveys in the Philippines which means all maps and surveys made in the country use the Luzon Datum as a reference point.

This photo from Inquirer

Also called the “Luzon Datum of 1911,” the monument should signify that it is the geographical center of the Philippine archipelago.

Marinduque, dubbed as the “Heart of the Philippines”, is a heart-shaped island in the Southern Tagalog Region. Coincidentally, the island is also the geographical center of the archipelago and a stone marker marks its significance in Philippine geography.

Velasco said a marker has been fixed in what is known as the Luzon Datum of 1911 or Station Balanacan. This piece of stone marker is located on top of a hill that locals call Mataas na Bundok or Mt. Mataas in Barangay Hinanggayon, town of Mogpog.

In other countries, their geographic centers have become tourist attractions due to their creative initiative to build large stone monuments in these centers. Examples of these countries are Japan, India, Taiwan, Australia and the United States of America.

Velasco said the current global trend is to set up monuments in their respective geographic centers.

“It is high time we convert the Luzon Datum of 1911 into a modern-day tourist spot,” Velasco said.

In his House Bill No 1075, Velasco said that the development of a large stone monument in the Luzon Datum is feasible and beneficial, as it will help this country’s tourism and will also identify that the Luzon Datum is a significant geographical point in the Philippine archipelago.

Promoting ecotourism in Marinduque gain House committee approval

Maniwaya. Creating more jobs and improving local livelihood.

 Ecotourism projects are meant to create attractive tourist destinations without depreciating the environment and nature. On 23 May 2018, the House Committee on Tourism approved three Ecotourism Bills sponsored by Cong. Lord Allan Velasco. 

The three House bills numbered 7022, 7023 and 7024 are specifically aimed to conserve and develop the Municipality of Sta. Cruz, Torrijos White Beach and Station Balanacan, the Datum Origin of Luzon Datum of 1911, into ecotourism areas.

Original tower of Sta. Cruz Church built in 1714, the oldest in Marinduque

Appearing before committee members, resource persons and observers, Velasco endorsed these House measures by presenting a tourism video which showcased the wonders and beauty of his province of Marinduque. The video was able to highlight the unlimited potential of his province and this country to become a top tourist destination.

Luzon Datum of 1911. Marinduque as center of the Philippines

Thereafter, the Committee on Tourism, led by Chairperson Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, approved the bills. At a time when environmental protection and conservation are at the forefront of global issues, these legislative measures are very timely indeed, and are helpful reminders of the importance of nature.

Kawakawa Falls in Brgy. Bangcuangan, Sta. Cruz. Photo: Lantaw

These Ecotourism projects will certainly address the need to observe sustainable development in the island-province and the protection of its eco-system.

Bagumbungan Cave in Brgy. San Isidro, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque

Mesmerizing Mogpog

Bergen - just like Balanacan


A visiting Norwegian friend from Bergen has likened it to his hometown of snaking fjords. Balanacan harbor in Mogpog is Marinduque’s major entry point, one of the country’s finest and probably the most picturesque of all natural harbors. In its vicinity called Mataas na Bundok lies a marker, now a national landmark and eco-tourism site, that defined the origin of Luzon Datum of 1911, known as Datum Station Balanacan.
Now this is Balanacan. Photo courtesy of Gblontok

As the Mother of all Surveys in the country, all surveys had to be corrected and based only on the position of this station, and that makes it the geodetic center of the Philippines.




A new resort, Palms by the Beach, has opened in Balanacan that offers a spectacular view of the cove. Wednesdays and Fridays here means dancing with a live band till 11 p.m.








This view awaits visitors to Palms by the Beach

Going extreme at the old Capayang mine site

Sports enthusiasts may bike to Tarug Caves and Municipal Forest Park that offers raw rock climbing and spelunking episodes. Those fit to make it to the top will be rewarded with a 360 degree glimpses of the towns of Mogpog, Sta. Cruz, and Boac. More extreme sports enthusiasts have also frequented an abandoned mine site in Capayang that offers real extreme conditions where a lot of technical drops, turns, climbs, mud pits and rock beds for the adrenalin 'junkies' exist.

The town boasts of its claim as the birthplace of the “Moryonan”, popularized as “Moriones”, that old form of Holy Week penitence involving the wearing of masks in the guise of Roman soldiers or how the penitents imagined the centurions to look like. The practice has given Marinduque its unique identity in terms of folk culture.

The joy of life and thanksgiving are celebrated through the “Kangga Festival” in the month of May with carabao-drawn carts filled with the farmers’ harvests to give thanks to the patron saint, San Isidro Labrador.

Datum Station Balanacan claims

Gerry Jamilla's slide pics from 'Overview of Marinduque Tourism Industry, 2008'



"Nanay Carmencita Reyes": "You have to note that the original photo was taken around 3 years ago. There was no plan to rehabilitate or even put a marker on the area that would make it a significant national landmark then..." (Her Fb comment)

The hardest tumble a man can make is to fall over his own bluff. ~Ambrose Bierce

But I sayeth that:

It would perhaps be more accurate to state that not once during the entire regime of Gov. Carmencita Reyes from the time she was Interim and Regular Assemblywoman from 1978 to 1986, then Congress Representative from 1987 to 1998, then governor from 1998 to 2004, then Congressman again from 2004 to 2007, that covers a span of more than three decades, did she ever talk about or ever expressed if she knew anything about Datum Station Balanacan, the origin of Luzon Datum of 1911. That would have been an item in any of the tourism brochures or features she may have caused to be printed or presented within that era, don't you think?

Ton Monteagudo's poster, 'Journey to the Center of the Philippines' (Luzon Datum of 1911, The Geodetic Center of the Philippines (2009).

“Marinduque: pinaka-gitna ng 'Pinas" published in the The Weekly Marinduque” (issue of Nov. 16-22, 2007), dealt with the said subject that this blogger first wrote about. Surely, before that date in 2007, none about that this datum thing had ever been published in any local or national newspaper, nor any photograph of it had ever appeared in any Marinduque website nor in any tourist brochure.

I have blogged about this subject before, but must go back to that said post (reproduced below in full), in the light of Gov. Reyes' claim that "there was no plan to rehabilitate or even put a marker on the area that would make it a significant national landmark.."



Former Gov. Carrion with officials of DENR and NAMRIA. Plans for Luzon Datum of 1911 National Landmark and Eco-tourism Site Development.

After publication of my article, the idea to turn the site into an eco-tourism site was, in fact, hatched, that by June 2008, the National Mapping and Resource Information authority in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources paid a courtesy visit to former Gov. Bong Carrion to recognize this mother of all surveys in the Philippines as an important national landmark.


Task Group Balanacan was created by NAMRIA in the same month to undertake further research and gather available records and maps, undertake coordination meetings with concerned agencies and hold information campaign activities.

Then provincial administrator, now Cong. Allan Velasco during his trek to the datum site with barangay officials of Argao and Hinanggayon, 2008.

The plan for the Luzon Datum of 1911 National landmark and Eco-tourism Site Development was finalized by DENR, NAMRIA and the provincial government, with special meetings called by the SP committee on tourism (chaired by BM Querubin), with the barangay officials of the surrounding villages in attendance. Securing the necessary construction permits from concerned authorities for the civil works to be undertaken came next.

Part of the provincial tourism office’s information campaign activities was an invitation to ABS-CBN’s “Trip na Trip” that did a first-ever feature on the datum station marker. “Marinduque Center of the Philippines” was Gerry Jamilla’s theme for the Marinduque trade and tourism exhibit at WOW Philippines in July 2009, graced by Gov. Carrion and now Cong. Allan Velasco.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (formerly National Historical Institute), eventually issued a certification declaring the national significance of Datum Station Balanacan.

As far as the “original photo… taken around 3 years ago”, that’s precisely the photo produced for the provincial website in 2008 as part of the awareness campaign.

WHY MARINDUQUE IS THE CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES (repost)

(Heart-shaped island of Marinduque)

“Heart-shaped” has long been used in local folklore to romanticize the island of Marinduque because as the island map will show, it does reveal the outline of an imperfect heart. That was enough to inspire early students of the old Marinduque High School, the first secondary school in the province, to adopt “The Heart” as the name of their official school organ, followed until today.

“The Heart of the Philippines” as a tourism slogan was, therefore, also a natural choice by travel writers for the same reason. In a 1995 brochure this blogger was commissioned by then governor Bong Carrion to draft the text of brochure for distribution in connection with the Moriones Festival and there used the phrase "smack center of the Philippine archipelago".

I was dismayed to later find that at least two other provinces, namely, Romblon and Masbate were using the term “center of the Philippines” in describing the geographical location of said provinces and for purposes of touristic distinction, obviously so vital in promoting a destination. One of the two had become more aggressive in repeated claims as evidenced by glossy travel brochures that I had gotten hold of.

And that was a ‘puzzlement’. But, thanks to the Internet information highway, it became fairly easy to have access to data that could shed light on the matter and settle the issue once and for all. So it surfaced by surfing on the net that in 1901, when the Philippines was under American rule, the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (USC&GS), started the process of identifying specific points in the ellipsoid, the mathematical model of the distance and shape of the earth, through the use of latitude and longitude. A painstaking process, called datum, that identified specific geodetic points in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao was then undertaken by USC&GS.

(Seascape view from Datum Station Balanacan)

It also surfaced, that the vastness of land and sea from Luzon to Mindanao became such a tough and ambitious challenge for the geodetic engineers. This necessitated the identification of a new datum to serve as the origin of all surveys. The formed triangulation network spanned vast distances with datum stations that were located in high mountain peaks and far across straits and channels.

(Hole drilled on diorite rock that had been there for a hundred years)

The result of trigonometric surveys from North to South and East and West of the Philippine Archipelago were consolidated until a single datum was pinpointed – the Luzon Datum of 1911, the primary geodetic reference of all surveys in the country. The origin of this particular Datum was then defined by Datum Station Balanacan located 13°33'41"N, 121°52'3"E. Consequently, all surveys in the entire country were corrected and based on the position of this station.

(Reference marker on one cubic meter of boulder)

A boulder of a rock marker, long forgotten and hidden in a snake-infested area on the mountain top of what is locally called Mataas na Bundok near Balanacan harbor was apparently still intact. It is located where the boarders of Brgy. Silangan, Brgy. Argao and Brgy. Hinanggayon nearly meet. A hole appeared to have been drilled in a cubic meter of diorite rock marker, accompanied by a boulder of another rock some 10 feet away that as a reference marker.

“Marinduque: Pinakagitna ng ‘Pinas” by this blogger describing the research find was published in “The Weekly Marinduque” issue of Nov. 19-22, 2007. By June 2008, a technical team from the National Mapping Resource Authority (NAMRIA), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), had paid a courtesy visit to then governor, Bong Carrion. It was to recognize this mother of all surveys in the Philippines as an important national landmark that had to be preserved.

(NAMRIA and DENR team shows map to Gov. Carrion and briefs him on the plans of the task group)

Task Group Balanacan was created by NAMRIA in the same month to undertake further research and gather available records and maps, undertake coordination meetings with concerned agencies and hold information campaign activities.

(NAMRIA's marker at the site)

The NAMRIA team headed by mapping department assistant director, Randolf Vicente then conducted a reconnaissance survey of the vicinity of the” mother of all surveys” together with the provincial tourism team of Gerry Jamilla and Joven Lilles. Lilles, who took up geodetic engineering was already familiar with the site and had taken earlier photos for the provincial website.

(NAMRIA's Task Force Balanacan with DENR provincial director)

A plan for the Luzon Datum of 1911 National Landmark and Eco-tourism Site Development was eventually hatched. Preparation of plans and securing the necessary construction permits from concerned authorities for the civil works to be undertaken came next.

To spread information about the existence of such an important landmark in their midst and to create awareness on the potential of the site’s future development as an eco-tourism site, barangay captains from the areas north of Balanacan were gathered by the tourism committee of the provincial board, then headed by board member, Yolando Querubin. The news was welcomed by the barangay officials who saw its potential to, indeed, spur interest and progress in their less-visited barangay cluster.

("Trip na Trip" crew at the site. Franzen, the show host interviewing Joven Lilles)

Soon came the technical team of ABS-CBN’s popular TV-show “Trip na Trip” that did a special feature on Marinduque with a visit to the datum station marker atop Mataas na Bundok. By July 2009, “Marinduque: Center of the Philippines” billboards were installed by Jamilla in the WOW Philippines festivities in Intramuros, featuring a special “Marinduque Day” cultural show with Carrion and provincial administrator, now Congressman, Lord Allan Q. Velasco gracing the opening ceremonies.

(Popular photographic view of Balanacan Harbor. Datum Station Balanacan is atop Mataas na Bundok, the mountain in the background)

The task group composed of NAMRIA and DENR has since worked closely with the Provincial Government of Marinduque and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), formerly National Historical Institute. The NHCP eventually issued a certification declaring the national significance of Datum Station Balanacan. To reserve a parcel of public land as the site of the Luzon Datum origin national historical landmark, a presidential proclamation continues to be worked out by the task group.

Literature on the Geography of the Philippines - such as one by Wikipedia – was eventually updated by said Internet organization referring to Marinduque now as the center of the Philippines (sourced from a write-up of this blogger), based on the Luzon Datum origin. More significantly, the previous claims made by the other concerned entities appear to have slowly and grudgingly quieted by now, and it is such great pleasure.

"Marinduque: Pinaka-gitna ng 'Pinas"

Marinduque: pinaka-gitna ng ‘Pinas
ni Eli J. Obligacion, Reprinted mula sa “The Weekly Marinduque”, November 16-22, 2007.


Noong 1995, inatasan ako ni Gov. Bong Carrion na gumawa ng tourist brochure para maipamahagi sa mga bisitang dumarating dito. Sa paglalarawan ng lokasyon ng Marinduque ginamit ko ang phrase na “it’s right at the very center of the Philippine archipelago”. Nabasa ito noon ng kaibigan kong si Charlotte Schoneman, isang PCV, at minungkahi niyang palitan ko ng “smack center of the Philippine archipelago” para raw mas descriptive. Kaya iyon na nga ang ginamit namin.

Sa promosyon ng turismo siyempre, dapat ilahad kung ano ang mga bagay na kakaiba sa isang lugar na hindi maaangkin ng iba. Ang claim ng pagiging sentro ng lalawigan noong mga panahong iyon ay dala lamang talaga ng hangarin na mailagay ang Marinduque sa gitna ng mga usaping pangturismo.

Subalit makaraan ang higit sa isang dekada, makaraang pumaimbabaw na nga sa bawat sulok ng daigdig ang mga makabagong teknolohiya, mas mabilis na komunikasyon, impormasyon, at dito ay Internet nga ang pinaka-kamangha-manghang imbensyon ay ito ang biglang lumitaw:

Ang pag-ako na ang pagiging pinaka-gitna ng Marinduque sa mapa ng Pilipinas ay may siyentipikong basehan. Higit sa lahat, dokumentado ang katotohanang ito sa makakapal na opisyal na research documents, at scientific papers na nakatago sa mga aklatang pandaigdig!

May marker pa.

Lumitaw din na halos isang-daang taon na ang nakakaraan ay natuldukan na kung saan mismong lugar sa Marinduque ito matatagpuan; na noon pang 1911, ay tinayuan pa ito ng marker ng mga banyagang geologists! At naroron pa rin ang marker hanggang ngayon, napaglimutan na sa mahabang panahon, at natabunan na ng mga elemento at higanteng mga damo! Pero naroon!

Alam naman natin na sa loob ng kung ilang siglo, gamit ang mga sinaunang compass o galaw ng mga tala at bituin sa langit, nakarating sa Pilipinas ang mga Tsino noong ika-10 siglo, ang mga Muslim noong ika-15 siglo sa katimugang bahagi, at nadiskubre nga ni Magellan ito noong 1521. Sinakop ito ng mga Amerikano noong 1898, at sa usapin ng geodetic surveys, mahalaga sa sino mang mananakop, ay dito na nga nagsimula ang mahabang proseso ng pagmamapa sa bawat sulok ng Pilipinas – at ang pag-identify sa sentro ng Pilipinas.

Kaugnay pa ring marker sa Datum Station Balanacan.


USC&GS

Sistematikong trabaho ang isinagawa ng U.S. Coast ang Geodetic Survey (USC&GS), mula 1901-1942. ‘Datum’ ang tawag sa sistema ng pagtatalaga ng specific points sa ellipsoid (matematikong modelo ng sukat at hugis ng mundo), sa pamamagitan ng pag-gamit ng latitude at longitude. Ibat-ibang datum ang itinayo ng mga siyentipiko sa ibat-ibang lugar sa Pilipinas (‘Astro stations’): Bancalan Island, Cagayan Sulu Island, Davao, Iligan, Misamis Oriental at Zamboanga sa Mindanao; Legaspi at Vigan sa Luzon; Ormoc, tacloban sa Leyte Island, at Iloilo sa Bisaya. Ilan lamang ito sa halos sabay-sabay na datum na isinagawa ng mga Amerikano, subalit dahilan sa lawak ng kalupaan at karagatan mula Luzon, kalagitnaan ng Pilipinas, hanggang Mindanao ay kinailangang gumawa ng bagong datum, ina ng mga datum.

Ang resulta ng mga trigonometric surveys mula sa lahat ng mga datum ay pinagsama-sama nila hanggang nabuo ang tinatawag na Luzon Datum of 1911.

Luzon Datum of 1911

Ang origin, simula o pinakagitna ng Luzon Datum of 1911, ay malapit sa San Andres Point na nasa Datum Station Balanacan. Ang longitude at latitude nito ayon sa orihinal na tala ay: “F o = 13 degrees 33’ 41.000” North, D o = 121 degrees 52’ 03.000” East of Greenwich, and the geoid/spheroid separation H o – h o = 0.34 meters”

Ang Luzon Datum of 1911 ang malawakang ginagamit na datum sa Pilipinas. Ito ang ginagamit sa lahat ng mapa na nalilimbag ng National Mapping and Resources Information Authority (NAMRIA), at ang origin ng lahat ng ito ay tumuturo ngani sa nabanggit nang lugar sa may Balanacan.

Latter-day marker na inilagay ng DENR na nagsasabi ng latitude at longitude.

Zooming out

‘Balanacan’ at ‘San Andres Point’ naman ang ginagamit sa mga teksto sapagkat ito ang mga pangalang makikita sa mapa. Subalit kung talagang gugustuhin na mapuntahan ang ‘gitna ng Pilipinas’, ay makikita ito sa pagitan ng San Andres Point at Balanacan Port. Nasa bulubunduking kagubatan ito na kung saan ang mga bahagi ng Silangan, Argao at Hinanggayon ay nagsasalubong (isa pa ngang curiosity ito), subalit matatanaw kapag ikaw ay nakasakay sa barko at malapit nang dumaong sa Balanacan.

Si Joven Lilles ng provincial assessor’s office ang unang nakapagsabi na mayroon ngang marker na itinayo doon ang mga Amerikano noong 1911, at ito ay napuntahan na niya. Kinumpirma din sa akin ng barangay captain ng Argao (Bonifacio Subil). May kahirapan nga lamang daw mapuntahan ang lugar dahil sa sukal at mga ahas na naglipana dito.

Kapag tumigil na ang tag-ulan marahil ay mainam itong mabisita kasama si Jov at ang kapitan. Ideya ni Jov na magbukas papunta doon ng isang trail at maglagay ng malaking karatula: “You are now at the Center of the Philippines”. Masisiyahan ang mga mahilig sa ecotourism, mga boy scouts at girl scouts, mga adventure seekers, at mahiligin sa souvenir shots!

NAMRIA ay naglagay din ng kanilang sariling marker sa site.

Pero kung tutuusin, parang masaya ang pakiramdam na malaman mo na ikaw ay nakatira sa sentro ng Pilipinas, hindi ba? Hindi lamang pala pang-tula at awit lamang ang mga katagang “puso ng Pilipinas” kapag Marinduque ang pinag-uusapan, na kung saan daw, ayon sa mga mistiko, magsisimula ang pagbabago ng Pilipinas. Pero saka na, ibang kuwento na ‘yun…

Romancing Philippine and Marinduque Maps

Philippine Cartography from Vibal Foundation on Vimeo.

The evolution of Philippine maps from ancient times to the present could be seen in this video that also traces the economic and political importance of the Philippines to the rest of the world.

People familiar with the exact location of Marinduque in Philippine maps would also be interested to see the evolution of the map of the island of Marinduque, and what transpired after further studies by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (USC&GS) was began in 1901. This involved the identification of specific points in the ellipsoid through the use of latitude and longitude, until a single datum was pinpointed – the Luzon Datum of 1911.

The origin of this datum was defined by Datum Station Balanacan, in Mogpog, Marinduque, located 13°33'41"N, 121°52'3"E. Consequently, all maps and surveys in the entire country were corrected and based on the position of this station.

The Philippines' National Mapping Resource Authority (NAMRIA) hatched in 2008 the development of the site atop Mataas na Bundok near Balanacan as a national landmark and as a site for eco-tourism development. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines has since issued a certification declaring the national significance of Datum Station Balanacan.

This makes more concrete Marinduque's tagline as the Heart of the Philippines or Center of the Philippines.

Why Marinduque is the Center of the Philippines

(Heart-shaped island of Marinduque)

“Heart-shaped” has long been used in local folklore to romanticize the island of Marinduque because as the island map will show, it does reveal the outline of an imperfect heart. That was enough to inspire early students of the old Marinduque High School, the first secondary school in the province, to adopt “The Heart” as the name of their official school organ, followed until today.

“The Heart of the Philippines” as a tourism slogan was, therefore, also a natural choice by travel writers for the same reason. In a 1995 brochure this blogger was commissioned by then governor Bong Carrion to draft the text of brochure for distribution in connection with the Moriones Festival and there used the phrase "smack center of the Philippine archipelago".

I was dismayed to later find that at least two other provinces, namely, Romblon and Masbate were using the term “center of the Philippines” in describing the geographical location of said provinces and for purposes of touristic distinction, obviously so vital in promoting a destination. One of the two had become more aggressive in repeated claims as evidenced by glossy travel brochures that I had gotten hold of.

And that was a ‘puzzlement’. But, thanks to the Internet information highway, it became fairly easy to have access to data that could shed light on the matter and settle the issue once and for all. So it surfaced by surfing on the net that in 1901, when the Philippines was under American rule, the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (USC&GS), started the process of identifying specific points in the ellipsoid, the mathematical model of the distance and shape of the earth, through the use of latitude and longitude. A painstaking process, called datum, that identified specific geodetic points in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao was then undertaken by USC&GS.

(Seascape view from Datum Station Balanacan)

It also surfaced, that the vastness of land and sea from Luzon to Mindanao became such a tough and ambitious challenge for the geodetic engineers. This necessitated the identification of a new datum to serve as the origin of all surveys. The formed triangulation network spanned vast distances with datum stations that were located in high mountain peaks and far across straits and channels.

(Hole drilled on diorite rock that had been there for a hundred years)

The result of trigonometric surveys from North to South and East and West of the Philippine Archipelago were consolidated until a single datum was pinpointed – the Luzon Datum of 1911, the primary geodetic reference of all surveys in the country. The origin of this particular Datum was then defined by Datum Station Balanacan located 13°33'41"N, 121°52'3"E. Consequently, all surveys in the entire country were corrected and based on the position of this station.

(Reference marker on one cubic meter of boulder)

A boulder of a rock marker, long forgotten and hidden in a snake-infested area on the mountain top of what is locally called Mataas na Bundok near Balanacan harbor was apparently still intact. It is located where the boarders of Brgy. Silangan, Brgy. Argao and Brgy. Hinanggayon nearly meet. A hole appeared to have been drilled in a cubic meter of diorite rock marker, accompanied by a boulder of another rock some 10 feet away that as a reference marker.

“Marinduque: Pinakagitna ng ‘Pinas” by this blogger describing the research find was published in “The Weekly Marinduque” issue of Nov. 19-22, 2007. By June 2008, a technical team from the National Mapping Resource Authority (NAMRIA), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), had paid a courtesy visit to then governor, Bong Carrion. It was to recognize this mother of all surveys in the Philippines as an important national landmark that had to be preserved.

(NAMRIA and DENR team shows map to Gov. Carrion and briefs him on the plans of the task group)

Task Group Balanacan was created by NAMRIA in the same month to undertake further research and gather available records and maps, undertake coordination meetings with concerned agencies and hold information campaign activities.

(NAMRIA's marker at the site)

The NAMRIA team headed by mapping department assistant director, Randolf Vicente then conducted a reconnaissance survey of the vicinity of the” mother of all surveys” together with the provincial tourism team of Gerry Jamilla and Joven Lilles. Lilles, who took up geodetic engineering was already familiar with the site and had taken earlier photos for the provincial website.

(NAMRIA's Task Force Balanacan with DENR provincial director)

A plan for the Luzon Datum of 1911 National Landmark and Eco-tourism Site Development was eventually hatched. Preparation of plans and securing the necessary construction permits from concerned authorities for the civil works to be undertaken came next.

To spread information about the existence of such an important landmark in their midst and to create awareness on the potential of the site’s future development as an eco-tourism site, barangay captains from the areas north of Balanacan were gathered by the tourism committee of the provincial board, then headed by board member, Yolando Querubin. The news was welcomed by the barangay officials who saw its potential to, indeed, spur interest and progress in their less-visited barangay cluster.

("Trip na Trip" crew at the site. Franzen, the show host interviewing Joven Lilles)

Soon came the technical team of ABS-CBN’s popular TV-show “Trip na Trip” that did a special feature on Marinduque with a visit to the datum station marker atop Mataas na Bundok. By July 2009, “Marinduque: Center of the Philippines” billboards were installed by Jamilla in the WOW Philippines festivities in Intramuros, featuring a special “Marinduque Day” cultural show with Carrion and provincial administrator, now Congressman, Lord Allan Q. Velasco gracing the opening ceremonies.

(Popular photographic view of Balanacan Harbor. Datum Station Balanacan is atop Mataas na Bundok, the mountain in the background)

The task group composed of NAMRIA and DENR has since worked closely with the Provincial Government of Marinduque and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), formerly National Historical Institute. The NHCP eventually issued a certification declaring the national significance of Datum Station Balanacan. To reserve a parcel of public land as the site of the Luzon Datum origin national historical landmark, a presidential proclamation continues to be worked out by the task group.

Literature on the Geography of the Philippines - such as one by Wikipedia – was eventually updated by said Internet organization referring to Marinduque now as the center of the Philippines (sourced from a write-up of this blogger), based on the Luzon Datum origin. More significantly, the previous claims made by the other concerned entities appear to have slowly and grudgingly quieted by now, and it is such great pleasure.