Community Profile

Maragondon is a 4^th class municipality in the province of Cavite. It is 54 km away from Manila going southeast. Maragondon is politically subdivided into 27 barangays. 

 LOCATION (COORDINATES): 14°16′24″N   120°44′18″E

 REGION: Region IV-A CALABARZON

 PROVINCE: Cavite

 DISTRICT: 7^th District of Cavite

 NO. OF BARANGAYS: 27

 GOVERNMENT MAYOR: Mon Anthony A. Andaman

 POPULATION:  (TOTAL) 33,604

                       (DENSITY) 264.5/km² (685.1/sq mi)

 TOTAL AREA: 127.04 km² (49.1 sq mi) 
 INCOME CLASS: 4^th class 

ORIGIN OF TOWN'S NAME

Maragondon was derived from a Tagalog word, “madagundong” or “maugong”, which means loud or too much noise. The sound or noise that was described here comes from a river called Kay Albaran in the barrio of Capantayan. Because the word “madagundong” is not pleasant to our ears, the people had changed it to “marigundong”, in honor of the patron saint of the town which is the Nuestra Seňora Maria Asuncion (Our Lady of the Assumption).

                 

After the establishment of the American regime, Lope K. Santos, an authority on Tagalog language and a member of a geographic committee recommended the change of “marigundong” to Maragondon which is more pleasant to our ears. Maragondon is still the present name of the town.

FOUNDATION OF THE MARAGONDON TOWN:

          
  Maragondon has three foundation dates:

a. (1611) When the Franciscan Fathers from Silang, Cavite established their first visita or chapel

b. (1690) The Fundacion Ecclesiastica or founding of the regular parish by the Jesuits, dedicating it to “Our Lady of the Assumption”

c. (1727) The Fundacion Civil - When the original barrio of Maragondon was separated from Silang during the administration of the Recollects and converted it into an independent municipality with Gregorio Silvestre. Maragondon belonged to the corregimiento of Mariveles (now Bataan province) until 1754 when Spanish governor General Pedro Manuel de Arandia (1754 A- 1759) abolished the politico A- military administration and restored Maragondon Cavite Province.

LOCATION AND LAND AREA

           
The municipality of Maragondon is an upland town of Cavite located at the western part of the province at approximately 120-degree, 40.1-minute east longitude and 140-degree, 10.6-minute north latitude. It is situated along the foothills of the mountain ranges bordering the provinces of Cavite and Batangas and is bounded to the North by Naic and Indang, to the South by Nasugbu, Batangas, to the West by Ternate, to the East by Gen. Aguinaldo and Alfonso to the Southeast by Magallanes. Corregidor Island located on the Northwest of Maragondon is about 15 kilometers from the nearest coast of Maragondon. Travel between Maragondon and Metro Manila is approximately 54 km and 12 km to Trece Martires City.

            
Maragondon is the biggest town in the whole province of Cavite with a total land area of 16,549 hectares, occupying about 13% of the provincial total land area. It is the most forested part of Cavite situated nearest the Batangas boundary.

MAPS:

BARANGAYS

Maragondon is politically subdivided into 27 barangays:

Bucal I                                                           Pantihan IV
Bucal II                                                          Patungan
Bucal III A                                                      Pinagsanhan I A
Bucal III B                                                      Pinagsanhan I B
Bucal IV A                                                      Poblacion I A
Bucal IV B                                                                      Poblacion I B
Caingin Pob.                                                  Poblacion II A
Garita I A                                                       Poblacion II B
Garita I B                                                       San Miguel I A
Layong Mabilog                                               San Miguel I B 

Mabato                                                          Tulay Silangan

Pantihan I                                                       Tulay Kanluran

Pantihan II

Pantihan III

FACILITIES AND SERVICES:

A. Health Services

          
 Maragondon has one Rural Health Unit that serves the whole municipality. This was located in Garita-B near the Maragondon National High School and on the way to PUP-Maragondon Branch. Stationed in the health center are the following: 1 doctor, 1 nurse, 5 midwives, 2 sanitary inspectors, 1dentist and 2 support staff. The services offered by the Rural Health Unit (RHU) include maternal and child care, family planning, dental services, control of diarrhea, anti-respiratory infections and environmental sanitation.

 

 B. Fire Protection Services

            
The Maragondon Fire station has 8 personnel giving a fireman to population ratio of 1:3897. Prescribed standard is one fireman per 2000 population. It has one fire truck stationed at Garita A besides the institutional zone.
 

C. Peace and Order

          
 The municipality’s peace and order is being maintained by the Maragondon Philippine National Police (PNP) Force which has presently a total of 26 police force. The PNP Force is assisted by 205 Barangay Tanod from 27 barangays and auxiliary traffic enforcer.

D. Education

         
  At present, Maragondon has 15 public elementary schools, 1 private elementary school, 4 public secondary schools and 1 public tertiary school. The public elementary schools are supervised by the District Supervisor, private elementary school by the Director, public high school by Principal and public tertiary school by the Director. In addition, there are 26 Day Care Centers which offers pre-school education. These are being supervised by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office. 

                       

Project Description

CavSci Video Blog: Doon po Sa Amin May Bakas ng Himagsikan is the official entry of Cavite National Science High School to the Doon Po Sa Amin: Ano ang Kuwento Mo Contest. The video blog features the wonderful local tourist spots in Maragondon which plays a significant role in the Philippine history. Specifically, this study aims to:

1. Provide enough information to local and foreign tourists about the historical spots in Maragondon

2. Feature the historical spots in Maragondon by using video documentaries

3. Guide tourists for place visits

4. Promote the rich local content of Maragondon by using a video blog

5. Create videos that can raise the awareness and actions  of the people in the community

           

            Maragondon is one of the towns in Cavite that played a great role in our history especially during the Spanish regime in our country. The sites that were involved in this are the Bonifacio Trial House, Bonifacio Shrine in Mt. Hulog, the Our Lady of Assumption Church, the Ancestral Houses and Pico de Loro in Mt. Palay-Palay.

            The study focuses only on the different historical tourist spots and the society in Maragondon . This will also tackle about the main problems of the community regarding its tourism so the officials and the people can start an action about it.

The Focus Study

A. Bonifacio Trial House

 I. Historical Significance

               

The Cry of Pugadlawin that happened on August 23, 1896 is well-known in history as the start of the Philippine Revolution against Spain. Later that year, it was proposed that a new government be established to unite the Katipuneros under a single leadership and to prevent the conflict between the two groups, the Magdalo and the Magdiwang.

                

The election was held on March 22, 1897 at the Tejeros Convention where they had agreed to establish a revolutionary government. Emilio Aguinaldo was elected as their president. The convention would have ended without a problem if not for Daniel Tirona who questioned the election of Andres Bonifacio as the Director of Interior. Tirona argued that the position required a lawyer. Bonifacio, who felt insulted, declared the election null and void.

                 

When Aguinaldo learned about the Naic declaration, he ordered to arrest Bonifacio and his men at Limbon, Indang, Cavite. As the arresting officers caught up with them, Bonifacio’s group fought back. Bonifacio and Procopio were wounded. His other brother, Ciriaco, was killed during the encounter.

                  

A Council of War was formed to try the case of the Bonifacio brothers. This trial that happened in Maragondon, Cavite lasted for a week from April 29 to May 4, 1897. Though there was not enough evidence against Bonifacio and his brother, they were found guilty of treason and sedition and were sentenced to death.

                 

II. Trial House Today

The Bonifacio Trial House can be found in Maragondon, Cavite. It is one of our National Historical Landmarks and it was fixed and improved in the time of President Joseph Ejercito Estrada. This house was originally owned by Teodorico Reyes in 1889.

The house where Andres and Procopio Bonifacio were trialled was preserved to honor their courage and love for their mother country. Its centerpiece is a life-size diorama recreating the trial scene. You can also see here the evolution of the flags of the Katipunan group and the Tagalog translation of "Mi Ultimo Adios" of Jose Rizal. Bonifacio translated it which shows that he is intelligent even though he came from a lower class family.

Art pieces like paintings and poems were dedicated to Bonifacio as thanksgiving to the heroism and bravery of our hero who courageously fought the colonizers to achieve independence.

The trial house is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The curator of the house is Mrs. Estela B. Asis.

III. What it needs to improve?

B. Pico de Loro

                

I. Historical Relation

Centuries ago, the Spaniards aboard their galleons to Manila Bay and noticed the form of a giant parrot perched in the forested mountains in Cavite. They named it “Pico de Loro – Parrot’s Beak”. The peak’s rock outcropping is dramatic and sharply contrasts the plains of Cavite and waters of South China Sea.

II. What is Pico de Loro nowadays?

Today, Pico de Loro is a part of protected forest in Maragondon, Cavite reserve of Mt. Palay-Palay/Mataas na Gulod National Park. At 664 meters above sea level, it is the highest peak in the province of Cavite. Many hikers often climb this mountain to explore its magnificent and spectacular views from the summit. On your way to the peak, you will be able to see its lush forest cover and exotic plants and animals.


Pico de Loro is a very popular getaway. It is always packed with hikers especially on weekends and summer vacations. It's an awesome 360 degree panorama of indented coves and beaches, mountain ranges and thick forest covering.

It has one base camp and one waterfalls. The waterfall is near the campsite after the nipa hut at the first base camp - a short 3 minute-walk off the main trail. They are best visited during the rainy season. The registration fee at the DENR is 20 pesos per head.

III. Environmental Alert!!!

                 

Pico de Loro is tagged as one of the mountains of environmental concern in Pinoy Mountaineer for mismanagement of garbages and undisciplined climbing. The bald spots in some area were also a  lot of disappointment considering it is a protected forest park. Hikers are encouraged to police the mountain by reprimanding littering and dirty campsites; cleaning up trails and educating locals about the importance of the mountain’s cleanliness.

There is also a serious threat of ruin because of a land fill that would be built although in Ternate, still this could affect the diverse ecosystem of the heritage site. Another fact is the continuous quarry that destroys not only the mountains but also threatens the lives of people living nearby.

  

C. Bonifacio Shrine (Mt. Nagpatong)

I. In Relation to History...

It is very historical because this is where the Bonifacio brothers, Andres and Procopio, were shot and killed. On May 10, 1897, Major Lazaro Makapagal led the firing squad of the two brothers. They were sentenced to death because of being guilty in treason and sedition even though there are no enough evidence.

II. As of now...

                

 It was built to showcase selected period of Andres Bonifacio’s biography, which represent the events and personalities involved in molding our history. It has a relief sculpture covering a great wall showing the Filipino revolution against the colonization of the Spaniards. The shrine is situated at Mt. Nagpatong.

III. Main Problems they Encounter

One of the main problems they encounter in this place is its lack of water and another is the the lack of electricity in the place. To make this place better, they should have souvenir shop for the tourists and food stalls on it.

D. Our Lady of Assumption Parish Church

I. What is its significance in the Philippine History?

This historical church can be found in Maragondon, Cavite and its town’s patron saint is Nuestra Seňora Maria Asuncion (Our Lady of the Assumption). The church was founded in the early 18^th century (1618), in the time of the Spaniards, by the Jesuits, with later additions by the seculars, Augustinian and Recollects. It became a parochial church in the year of 1627. The church was then fixed and improved in the years of 1630-1633.     

The church was used as a base (tanggulan) by General Emilio Aguinaldo during the revolution when his main base is in Maragondon, Cavite. Bonifacio and his brother were imprisoned in its convent prior to their execution.  Bonifacio’s cell is now a prayer room.  

II. Today the church is... 

This historical place became a regular church were masses and other religious activities were held. You can still see there the church's ornate interior which has intricately carved retablos and pulpit, antique doors with intricately carved galleons, castle turrets and sinuous flora. Much of the church, the lower portion of large convent and the old watchtower were built with irregular river stones, an indication of the early level of technology at that time. 

Bonifacio's cell is now a prayer room. A part of the church became a Catholic school, the Maragondon Parochial School.

III. Rooms for Improvement

     
Parish Church was known for its great doors rich with galleon carvings. However, only few visit the said church because it lacks advertisements and infomercials that will promote the significance of the church in the Philippine history. History enclosed within the walls of the church was not prioritized for there are no recognitions and honor given to it.
         

E. Riego de Dios: Ancestral House

I. Historical Connection

                               

When the revolution started, Emiliano Riego de Dios together with his two brothers, Vicente and Mariano, joined the KKK or Katipunan. During the election, he was elected as the Secretary of War of the revolutionary government done at the Tejeros Convention on March 22, 1897. When General Emilio Aguinaldo established a second revolutionary government, he was appointed to be the politico-military governor of the province of Cavite.

                

When the war between Philippines and America broke out, he was named as the vice president of the diplomatic mission under the leadership of Felipe Agoncillo. He also became the head of HongKong Junta. When peace was restored in our country, he served as a secretary-general of Asociacion de las Veteranos de la Revolucion.

II. Recently...

                

The wooden ancestral house that was originally owned by General Riego de Dios is situated at Brgy. Poblacion 2. It is one of the oldest houses in the area. Its old structures show that it is made during the Spanish period. Right now, the house was owned by a private family.

III. Suggestions

It must have been better if the Riego de Dios: Ancestral house has been opened for public viewing for them to understand the Philippine history better and clearly. If it has been open to the public, we could have honor the generals who originally own this house. 

Methodology

An investigation about the tourist spots in Maragondon that are related to the Philippine history was conducted by the researchers. The researchers explored, gathered information and investigated thoroughly throughout the town of Maragondon, the lives of the residents, the historical landmarks and some legal issues about it. The researchers interviewed reliable individuals to answer some questions prepared by the researchers. Puppet shows were used to portray the events in our history that are related to the study. The film explained the historical events that happen in that particular place. The group also took some videos and photographs to provide evidence, support the data given and to document the research activity. The researchers consulted people who have the finest knowledge about Maragondon and some was taken from the internet, books and brochures.

The information were analyzed carefully and appropriate statistical tools, system and programs were used to interpret the quantitative data. The study was a collaborative effort not only of the researchers but of the community as a whole. The research adviser with the researcher set out to the familiar sight and attraction to let the researcher observe the natural beauty of Maragondon for themselves. But after a hard work, the study was successfully conducted.To post what the group had come up of, a video blog was made to describe, let you visualize and have a better look at Maragondon and its society.

RESEARCH PLAN

Doon Po Sa Amin: May Bakas Ng Himagsikan

(Maragondon Historical Tourist Spots)

Date	Activities	Person/s Involved	Remarks
August 16, 2010	Topic selection	Ms. Jennylou A. Pangilinan	The group has come up with the focus study topic about society and history
August 18, 2010	Making of plan	Ms. Jennylou A. Pangilinan	The outline of the whole study was created
	Registration for DPSA	Ms. Jennylou A Pangilinan	The team was registered for the DPSA Contest
August 30, 2010	Setting objectives and creation of times frames	Ms. Jennylou A. Pangilinan	Each of the members were given a task
September 08, 2010	Looking for references and related literatures	Ms. Jennylou A. Pangilinan	The group gathered information  from reliable sources such as books, brochures and journals
September 16, 2010	Data gathering	Ms. Jennylou A. Pangilinan	The gathered information became the basis of the blog
September 27, 2010	Formulation of questions and setting appointments for interviews	Ms. Jennylou A. Pangilinan	Questions regarding the historical sites were formulated
October 02, 2010	Interview with the DENR at Base Camp on Mt. Palay-palay/ Mataas na Gulod National Park	Mr. Harmuto Ramos	The DENR official cited the problems that they encountered and suggested actions
	Interview with locals at Base Camp Mt. Palay-palay	Mr. Rey Medina and Medina Family	The locals told stories about their everyday living
October 07, 2010	Brainstorming for the blog template	Ms. Jennylou A. Pangilinan	A design for the blog was developed
October 09, 2010	Interview with the curator in Bonifacio Trial House	Mrs. Etela B. Asis	The curator related the events that occurred during Bonifacio’s trial
October 16, 2010	Gathering information about  Gen. Riego de Dios Ancestral House and Bonifacio Shrine	Mr. Demetrio Agbayon	Mr. Dimetrio Abayon related their stories and techniques regarding the maintenance of the Bonifacio Shrine
October 20 – November 02, 2010	Creation of the blog template and layout	Ms. Jennylou A. Pangilinan	The researchers designed  the layout and their header
	Conducting surveys regarding the video blog	CNSHS students	Questionnaires were given to 50 random students of CNSHS
November 13, 2010	Uploading the video	Ms. Jennylou A. Pangilinan,	The videos were  uploaded to youtube
November 14, 2010	Final Editing	Jennylou A. Pangilinan	The blog was checked for errors and it was finalized

Recommendation

Maragondon not only showcases the historical landmarks but also the culture of the town and its attraction. Maragondon, being a historical landmark, needs care from problems that affect everyone in this municipality. There are issues regarding everyone in this town that need to be deal with. In this concern, the researchers suggest the following:

Maragondon has a lot to offer, attractions and historical landmark and others. So as a historical landmark, The Local Government Unit must pay vivid attention to help protect the ecosystem and prevent it to be destroyed. Maragondon needs the full effort from everybody to cooperate to encourage tourist to throw their trashes properly in the right place.

The Municipality of Maragondon needs to promote the place itself. Everybody needs to know the beauty of Maragondon like the issue about Mt.  Pico de Loro which is not in Batangas but located here in Maragondon. Also they need to advertise popular Maragondon products; examples are the bamboo crafts and weaved cloth.

Finally, the researchers recommend expanding the scope of this study. Deepen the studies of the sight and other attractions.

Team Profile

The DPSA Team

Mrs. Estrellita M. de Vera

Principal III/Adviser

Ms. Jennylou A. Pangilinan

ICT Coordinator/Moderator/Moderator



Alexis M. Himelo

Researcher

IV- Nitrogen

Project Narrative; Interviewer; Screen 

Appearance; Script Writer 

Tracy Ann C. Martinez

Researcher

IV - Oxygen

Project Narrative; Interviewer; Screen

Appearance; Blog Layout 

Decylyn D. Ocampo

Researcher

IV - Oxygen

Blog editor; Video Editing; Blog Layout

Interviewer; Screen Appearance 

Bobby B. Punzalan

Researcher

IV - Oxygen

Cameraman; Blog Editor; Video Editing

Mary Lianne C. Fabi

Researcher

IV - Oxygen

Project Narrative; Interviewer; Script Writer;

Screen Appearance 

Ralph Rian G. de Ocampo

Researcher

IV- Hydrogen

Cameraman; Video Editing; Blog Layout

Bibliography

Bibliography:

Key informants:

Ø  Rey Medina, resident of Base Camp 1 on Mt. Palay-palay/ Mataas na Gulod National Park, October 02, 2010

Ø  Harmuto Ramos, DENR official at Mt. Palay-palay/ Mataas na Gulod National Park, October 02, 2010

Ø  Danilo Alvarez, Tour Guide at Mt. Pico de Loro, October 02, 2010

Ø  Estela B. Asis, curator and officer-in-charge of Bonifacio Trial House, October 09, 2010

Ø  Demetrio Abayon, night-shift caretaker at Bonifacio Shrine at Mt. Nagpatong, October 16, 2010

Ø  Emelinda A. Pareja, Master Teacher II of Cavite National Science High School, November 3, 2010 

            

Print Documents:

Ø  Brochure from Bonifacio Trial House by the National Historical Institute

Ø  Brochure of Maragondon by the Municipal Tourism Department

Ø  Printed history of Maragondon from Ms. Emelinda L. Pareja of Cavite National Science High School

Internet Sources

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maragondon_Cavite

2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katipunan

3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emilio_Aguinaldo

4. http://philippine-revolution.110mb.com/aguinaldo_detailed.htm

5. http://bailey83221.livejournal.com/84994.html

         

 a. The Tragedy Of Andres Bonifacio

                Philippine Daily Inquirer

                November 27, 2005

                Isagani A. Cruz

           

b. The Supremo Lives

                Philippine Daily Inquirer

                November 21, 2005

                Manuel L. Quezon

           

c. Thinking Aloud Dead Ends Need Not Be Dead

                Manila Times

                November 29, 2005 Tuesday

             

d. Bonifacio: The Neglected Hero

                Philippine Daily Inquirer

                December 9, 2004

                Marlon Ramos

          

e. Where Are the Bones of Bonifacio?

                Philippine Daily Inquirer

                December 1, 2004

                Ambeth R. Ocampo

            

 f. Bonifacio & Our Changing Notion of ‘Hero”

                Opinion & Editorial Manila Bulletin

                November 29, 2004

                Fr. Bel R. San Luis, SVD

             

g. CAVITE TO UNVEIL BONIFACIO MURAL

                Philippine Daily Inquirer

                November 29, 2004

                (Anonymous)

             

h. Andres Bonifacio: The Katipunan Supremo

                Metro & National News Manila Bulletin

                November 27, 2004

                Ellalyn B. De Vera

6. http://www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/1898/bonifacio.html

7. http://hubpages.com/hub/Talambuhay-ni-AndresBonifacio

8. http://philippine-revolution.110mb.com/bonifacio_detailed.htm

9. http://www.tribo.org/history/andres.html

10. http://opmanong.ssc.hawaii.edu/filipino/katipunan.html

11. http://katipunan1892.multiply.com/notes/item/2