LAST week’s piece on the nineteen-eleven earned an email from Mr. Ramon “Boboy” Durano IV (boboy_rd @yahoo.com), former city administrator, vice mayor and councilor of Danao City. I emailed him back and asked about the treasure trove of firearms and firearm-history that he calls his hometown. His reply deserves to see print.

“Based on my little research, the gun industry in Danao started around 1905-1906 and one of the most popular gun maker at that time was a certain Mario Durano. I don’t know how he is related to us.

“I have a piece that was supposedly made by him in 1912. It is a revolver chambered for cal. 32, made out of bronze and patterned after the revolvers used either by the Spaniards or the early batch of American soldiers sent out to fight Aguinaldo. Gun making was then considered as a backyard industry, of course, and outlawed by the government.

“When World War II came, the Danao gunsmiths went underground, joined the guerrilla movement or were inducted into the USAFFE under the command of Gen. Douglas McArthur.

“Their task was to re-chamber the Japanese Arisaka rifles to fit the US cal.30 round or kept the original Japanese rifle in good serviceable shape for the use of our forces.

“After the war, there was a lull because of the proliferation of US surplus goods, among them firearms.

“The industry went on, still underground. Until the ’60s, somebody coined the word ‘paltik’ to the guns. The brand made it popular and, being synonymous to Danao, people now began to realize that there was something, a special skill, that is embedded in the Danao gunsmiths.

“Aside from being cheap, it was a ‘throw-away-after-use’ item, primitive in looks but reliable and easy to obtain. They even made “ball pen” guns, chambered for cal.22 LR (Long Rifle).

“Thus came the era of the Danao-made revolvers, with chambering set either for the twenty-two and the twenty-two magnum, cal. 32 and cal. 38.

“The semi-automatic pistol version was still either on the drawing board or in the testing stage and this took a long time for them to perfect.”

He traced the industry to one Mario Durano who taught the skill to family and friends and who, in turn, taught it to others.

Skilled Danao gunsmiths, he said, played a pivotal role in the guerrilla movement during the Japanese occupation of Cebu in World War II. And, after the war, gunsmithing became a good way for people to augment their income. He continues:

“When martial law was declared in 1972, every gunsmith went into hiding. They buried all their tools, products, and other illegal items for fear of being arrested.

“They re-surfaced in 1973 and were manufacturing handcuffs and thumbcuffs instead for law enforcement people and interested civilians. These were not illegal and it restored part of their lost income.

“They took can openers and refashioned them as keys for the cuffs.

“In the end, they still went back to gun making because the demand for their products continued. People were looking for it to protect their homes and families.

“They began making revolvers for more powerful calibers including the .357 Magnum and ammunition designed for the M16 (5.56mm) and the M1 Garand (cal. 30-06) rifles.

“I saw them test fire the revolver chambered for the Garand ammo, and it was great. I stood 20 yards away, afraid that it might blow, up but it never did. They fired five rounds in succession without any hitch.

“I remembered in the late ’80s when the Cebu Pistol and Rifle Association invited Smith and Wesson to come to the range and display/test fire their new products for the police, they sent no other than IPSC shooter Tom Campbell to do the demo.

“After the fireworks, we showed him a Danao-made revolver chambered for the M16 ammo. The gun even had the S&W logo engraved on the frame.

“He shook his head and said that this ammo is not made for a revolver, but he took a lot of pictures of the gun from all angles. He tried the action but did not attempt to fire the gun, I am sure he was scared. Then in the ’90s, they started tinkering with the semi auto, the 1911A1 in particular. It was followed by the 9mm, .380 and the cal.40 S&W. they all proved successful.

“Presently, the industry is still growing, a skill that is not found in other provinces. It is a skill that was passed on from generation to generation and supported the livelihood of thousands of families for over a century.”

As a postscript, the mid-90s saw major efforts being thrown at organizing the gunsmiths of Danao to make their operation legal. The moves found a sympathetic ear in then Recom 7 chief Jose Andaya, who recognized that the only way to beat the proliferation of unlicensed gun is to license the makers and regulate their trade.

These efforts paved the way for the creation of the Danao Arms Manufacturing Corp., a private firm set up by Byron Garcia, and the workers league of Danao, a multi-purpose cooperative.

But the lack of government support in research and development as well as almost non-existent access to quality materials and metallurgy doomed the two ventures and forced the gunsmiths to go back in the black once again.

I strongly believe that these talented smiths will resurface once they see the government being earnestly serious in legalizing their operation by helping provide an environment that can sustain their trade.

Until then, these smiths will continue to make Danao’s thunder things in the shadows

While in Danao Elementary School I never heard about these two Danawanon patriots who fought bravely against the Japanese. Their names were never mentioned by our History teachers. And sadly, not a street, not even a tree has been named in their memory. Monching)

**************
Colonel Alejandro Almendras, A Military Strategist

by: Cayetano Villamor, author, “The Cebu Patriots in Action”, published 1946.

Times change and the hearts of men change with them. The statement is absolutely correct.

But I propose to make an exception. With greatest confidence and with an enormous lift of my heart I can forcefully state that our people sincerely believe our recent resistance against Japan will always remain a glorious chapter of our country’s history.

There should be no controversy on this point. You and I cannot quarrel with Fate and cannot successfully rise against posterity’s verdict.

It is therefore fitting and proper that honor, pride and glory, in fact, everything that is best and sacred in our people be given the patriots. Their sacrifices and miseries gladly undertaken because they love their country readily found responsive echoes in our hearts.

This is precisely the reason why I always greet with respect and appreciation Lieutenant Colonel Alejandro D. Almendras, a brilliant mind, a forceful and persuasive character.

During the most perilous years of our national existence this dashing and energetic leader cheerfully defended his country and its institutions.

The heroic part recently played by this born soldier with a genius for battle strategy and tactics is now a matter of history and, for certain, it will always fascinate the utmost attention of future historians. The people will always be proud of his courage and gallantry in action during the bloody engagements with the enemy.

Sincere and convincing evidence may be presented to prove these assertions. And to be sure, they are devoid of exaggerations. They are facts as recorded and witnessed by the guerrillas themselves.

Lieutenant Colonel Alejandro D. Almendras, 27 years old, married and resident of Danao City, Cebu was commanding officer of the 88th Infantry Regiment during the the guerilla against Japan in Cebu.

After his graduation from the Cebu Provincial High Scool in 1938, he took up aeronautical engineering at the Far Eastern University in Manila up to the third year. In 1941 he successfully finished the ROTC advance course in the same institution. He then took up a two-month cadre training at Camp Lapulapu, Cebu City.

On July 1, 1941, our young graduate entered the Philippine Army air corps as flying cadet until the outbreak of the war between the United States and Japan. He was credited with 96 flying hours.

Being determined to finish the course, our flying cadet returned to Cebu, his home province, where during the months of February and March, 1942, he continued his flying training at Lahug airfield.

Then our young man’s unit was ordered to proceed to Malaybalay, Bukidnon, where he was assigned as its censor officer. On May 9, 1942, Gen. Sharp ordered the surrender of the whole Mindanao force to the Japanese Imperial Forces.

“I did not surrender to the enemy”, Lieut. Almendras told his friends in a dignified tone. “Instead, I fled to the mountains of Mindanao and when the Japanese campaign was no longer hot somehow I managed to return to my home province with the other air corps officers.”

Upon arrival at his hometown Lieut. Almendras observed that the Japs were extraordinarily busy in capturing ex-USAFEE soldiers and loyal Filipinos. He then fled to the mountains of Danao.

But, evidently, the Japs were determined to capture the young officer. And when his hideout was raided to effect the capture, he escaped to Bantayan Island where he patiently and secretly campaigned to organize a resistance unit in the place.

Sometime in November, 1942, Lieut. Almendras with some enlisted men joined the Far Northern Cebu Sector of the guerrilla force. He became the executive officer of Company “C” of said Sector. A month later he was transferred to the Eastern Cebu Sector and was assigned as Company “E” commanding officer under the leadership of Major Maximo M. Albundio, batallion commander. Japs estimated to be three hundred wanted to break Abundio’s line of defense.

Without loss of time the patriots deployed themselves ready to engage the approaching enemy at Talamban, Cebu City. Lieut. Almendras’ company was at the right flank of Capt. Acantillado’s unit.

The encounter proved disastrous to the Japs, seventy of whom being killed. Major Abundio’s batallion suffered six casualties while Lieut. Almendras’ unit suffered two casualties, one killed and the other wounded.

The Japs must have felt their losses deeply and hurriedly asked for help. Six enemy planes came to their assistance which made the patriots’ withdrawal imperative.

During the first week of June, 1942, Lieut. Almendras’ company again engaged the more than 250 Japs at Mit-ol, Balamban, who wanted to penetrate the area occupied by Col. James M. Cushing, Cebu’s supreme resistance leader.

“At that time”, Lieut. Almendras related in a manner that carried conviction, “I was still the commander of Compnay “E” of the Eastern Cebu Sector and during the engagement I was assisted by Lieuts. Tabal and Opsenar.

After a short pause, Lieut. Almendras continued. “My company was in a better position than the Japs when they attacked our line of defense.”

During the three-day fight the patriots were able to kill 180 Japs including ranking officers. But, again, Japanese planes came to their rescue, thereby making the Japs’ withdrawal safe.

Col. Cushing was at a hill nearby and was able to observe at close range the activities of his men who were able to capture two samurai swords, and Japanese battle flags, Japanese shoes, blankets, two enemy rifles and 5000 rounds of ammunitions. Days later, Lieut. Almendras was promoted to First Lieutenant in recognition of his amazing achievements.

The third encounter participated in by the newly promoted officer took plance in Taptap, Cebu City in September, 1943. At that time he established his headquarters at this barrio and hwen the Japs knew it, a company of enemy soldiers guided by Filipino traitors from nearby Adlaon proceeded to their patriots’ area to crush any kind of resistance.

“Before the Japs attacked my line of defense,” Lieut. Almendras recalled, “I asked for support. Hours later Capt. Ignacio Pepito’s company was within our vicinity to tackle the approaching Japs.”

Lieut. Almendras’ company was able to hold the enemy for 2-hours. The enemy casaulty was unestimated. The patriots suffered one casualty.

In September, 1943, Major Abundio’s battallion engaged the Japs at Balisong, Cebu City. Lieut. Almendras’ company was at the right flank of Capt. Acantillado and Col. Cushing was with the company commander.

The enemy could not be estimated and due to the patriots’ heroic determination to hold their line, the Japs were forced to withdraw disorderly to Pit-os, Talamban, from where they started.

As a result of this encounter two of the patriots were wounded. The Japs suffered more than fifty casualties.

The enemy withdrawal to be sure, provided tremendous pleasure at the patriots’ headquarters. Both Col. Cushing and Major Abundio as well as Lieut. Almendras indulged in drinks that night to fittingly celebrate the rousing victory.

Days later while Lieut. Almendras was relaxing at his command post, a report was received by the battallion commander that an unestimated number of Japs was approaching the patriots’ area. His company was ordered by the battalion commander to intercept the enemy at Cang-Irag Ridge, Cebu City.

Due to heavy enemy pressure Lieut. Almendras was forced to withdraw and to establish another line of defense at Balisong Ridge. The Japs pursued the patriots and were twice repulsed. The enemy beaten and horrified, retreated backwards in terror.

Lieut. Almendras’ unit was able to capture plenty of enemy equipment and supplies and the enemy, it was reliably reported, suffered forty casualties.

On December 30, 1943, more than 400 Japs surprisingly attached the patriots’ general headquarters at Tupas, Cebu City. Col. Cushing and the members of his staff were there. The enemy, it must be truthfully reported, succeeded its mission at a tremendous sacrifice. The patriots had three casualties, including Lieut. Sena, NC., who was wounded in action.

On January 1, 1944, the 400 Japs who were able to penetrate Tupas were determined to enter the area occupied by Capt. Almendras’ company. The young and energetic Captain was likewise determined to hold his line of defense and his soldiers were hastily deployed at the Cabaasan Ridge of said city.

“You cannot successfully defend your line due to enemy superiority,” Col. Cushing told Capt. Almendras.

“That, sir, may be true,” the modest company commander answered in a convincing tone. “But this is my camp and I have to defend it to the best of my efforts.”

Hours later on the morning of that fateful January first the Japs attacked the patriots’ defense line from three points. When the Japs were about two hundred yards from the patriots, the latter opened fire.

“I was at the right side of our machine gun emplacement and the bloody encounter lasted for two solid hours,” Capt. Almendras recalled.

Capt. Victorino Orcullo, Lieut. Pedro Suico as well as Lieut. Tabal took part in this memorable engagement and for sure, must also have enjoyed shouting the Japs.

Capt. Almendras’ force suffered nine casualties, three killed and six wounded. Two of the patriots were captured and latter were able to escape and to report at the resistance headquarters that more than sixty Japs including a captain and a lieutenant were killed in that grim encounter.

The hand-to-hand fight which ensued forced Capt. Almendras to order his boys to withdraw. The fanatics, however, pursued them up to Liki, Cebu City and the situation was so precarious for the patriots that Major Bonsukan reported to Col. Cushing that the dashing company commander was killed in action according to an enlisted man’s report.

The report worried and deeply disturbed the Cebu Area Command leader. However, said report proved false later on. Capt. Almendras, healthy and sound, was able to withdraw safely with his men to his second line of defense.

In January, 1944, Capt. Almendras became a battallion commander under Col. Maximo M. Albinda, the regimental commander. At the same time he was the plans and training officer of the regiment.

Weeks later unestimated Japs coming from Asturias and Balamban were on their way to Yuta-on, the headquarters of the 86th Infantry Regiment under the command of Major Albinda, Capt. Almendras’ battalion engaged the enemy at Hagnom-Liputon.

Due to enemy pressure the whole battalion was forced to withdraw . The patriots suffered three casualties in this encounter while the Japanese casualty was unestimated.

While Major Almendras was the regimental commander of the 88th Infantry Regiment, Cebu Area Command, he personally led a number of his officers and enlisted men to ambush a stranded launch at Binungkalan, Carmen. All the members of the crew – 12 Japanese fanatics – were killed.

During the American bombings of the enemy vessels sometime on September 12, 1944, up to the last week of October of the same year the 88th Infantry Regiment captured 518 Japanese survivors within its area. It was also able to seize two thousand pairs of shoes, medicines, canned goods, sacks of rice, 112 barrels of gasoline, 13 machineguns, 2 twin machineguns, 12 Japanese luggers, six samurai swords, 180 Japanese rifles, 18,000 rounds of Japanese radio sets.

In October, 1944, Major Almendras also took command of Lieut. Orejudoz’s company in ambushing the Japs in Catmon on their way to the northern part of Cebu province.

“When the enemy was about four hundred yeards from us, I ordered my boys to open fire,” Major Almendras recalled with a grin. “Capt. Jose Armilla and Capt. Enrique Malazarte were with me on that occasion.”

Due, however, to lack of ammunition the patriots under Major Almendras’ command withdrew to a better position. I was reliably reported that twenty Japs were killed. The patriots suffered no casualty.

From February 18 to 21, 1945, Lieut. Col. Almendras received an order from the Cebu Area Command headquarters to drive the Japs to the northern tip of Cebu province. In this drive the activities of the 88th Infantry Regiment were supported by American planes under Capt. Thompson.

“In this drive,” Lt. Col. Almendras recalled, “my regiment was successful in pushing the enemy as far as La-o, Borbon. Capt. C. C. Navarro’s battalion was at the left flank while that of Capt. R. C. Mascarinas was at the center supported by our combat company. Our first battalion under Capt. Armilla was at the right flank.”

Days later Lt. Col. Almendras was ordered to defend the Tuburan airfield which was repeatedly threatened by the enemy. His regiment then established its defense line at Tabuelan – Kantakuyan Ridges, Tuburan.

The Japs attempted six times to get the Tuburan airstrip. But they were repulsed, for the patriots under Col. Almendras were determined to defend the place at any cost.

On April 23, 1945, when the American forces started their drive to the north after taking Babag Hill and Antuanga Ridge, Cebu City, the 88th Infantry of the Cebu Area Command under the leadership of Lt. Col. Almendras was attached to the 182nd Infantry, American Division. Lt. Col. Almendras’ regiment was given a mission to capture Solima Ridge, Kantakuyan Ridge and Gumbang Spring, Tuburan, which at that time were strongly defended by the Japs.

Gumbang Spring, it must be noted, was the only source of drinking water for the enemy. The renegades were determined to defend the place at any cost irrespective of consequences.

Col. Almendras’ mission was successful. His outfit, however, suffered tremendous casualties. The Japs reported three hundred six dead including three officers. The patriots were able to capture five samurai swords, two machineguns, nine rifles, one baby mortar and plenty of supplies.

In May of the same year Col. Almendras’ outfit was given another difficult mission, this time to capture and occupy Magdaguok, a Japanese stronghold in Sogod, and Tabili, Catmon, which was heavily fortified by the brutes.

A bloody encounter ensued and the Japs were beaten. Magdaguok was capture by Col. Almendras’ first battalion which was commanded by Capt. Jose Armilla. Forty-seven Japs were killed. The patriots suffered three casualties.

It must, however, be noted here that after the landing of the American liberation forces, the activities of Col. Almendras’ regiment were supported by the American artillery. And the support proved very effective and disastrous to the enemy.

Then the whole 88th Infantry Regiment was ordered to capture Amatugan, Camansi and Amancion Ridges in Tuburan where the Japs were concentrated. “In these places twenty-seven Japs including five women surrendered to us,” Col. Alrnendras related.

Col. Almendras’ outfit then was given garrison duties in Bogo, Borbon, Tabogon, Daanbantayan, San Remigio and Medellin. And immediately after the surrender of the Japanese Imperial Forces it was given a mission to contact the Japs and to tell them that the war is over.

“With Capt. Dicker, an American officer,” Col. Almendras recalled pleasantly, “I personally contacted the Japanese Chief of Staff at Caduangan, Tabogon. The Japs seemed to be afraid of the patriots. Hence, we made arrangement regarding their safe surrender.”

And the agreed Japanese surrender took place on August 28, 1945. All the Japs in the northern part of Cebu came down to Caduangan and surrendered to General Arnold.

Evidently, Lt.Col. Almendras is a patriot with a brilliant guerrilla record. I am proud of him and, certainly our country is likewise reasonably proud of this brave and courageous patriot, – a brilliant and magnificent leader.

For gallantry in action, Col. Almendras was awarded a Silver Star Medal by the Commanding General of the American Forces. From April 23, 1945, to May 11 of the same year he commanded a regiment against the Japs at Batawang and Solima Ridges and at Kantakuyan and Gumbang Springs.

“During the entire operation,” the citation clearly states, “he stayed with his troops in the firing lines inspecting newly won positions and supervising the construction of defenses in the preparation for enemy counter-attacks.”

“He also directed artillery fire on several occasions, disregarding personal danger in the face of enemy fire,” the citation continues. “On one occasion he displayed extraordinary bravery when he actually led and inspired his troops during an assault, in the face of withering enemy fire against the vital Kantakuyan and Gumbang Springs which were heavily guarded by the enemy because of the water supply.”

“Col. Almendras’ gallant and skillful leadership,” the citation concluded, “contributed greatly to the successful, completion of his regiment’s mission in a short period of time.

The late Captain Agripino D. Casia, 36 years old and married was a resident of Danao, Cebu and was a teacher by profession. He was a Normal School graduate.

He underwent the two-month teachers’ trainee instruction in 1938. Then he became the Commandant of the pre-military training in Compostela Elementary School from 1936 to 1941.

He became a Probationary Third Lieutenant. He also attended the Reserve Officers’ Training School at Canlubang, Laguna, in 1940. In 1941 while at Camp Lapulapu he was the commanding officer of the combat company.

In 1940 Agripino Casia was a commissioned Lieutenant. On December 31, 1941 he was inducted into the USAFEE as 2nd Lieutenant Infantry.

Lt. Casia was assigned as Junior Officer of the headquarters and headquarters company. Visayas-Mindanao force. He also became the Junior Officer of the 302nd Quartermaster company stationed in Bogo, Oriental Misamis.

Lt. Casia did not have battle engagement with the enemy by reason of his assigned before the Japanese invasion. He never surrendered to the enemy.

In December 1942, he joined the resistance movement as 2nd Lieutenant. On March 15, 1943, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and to Captain on October 21, 1943.

During the guerilla he was assigned as Junior Officer of Sector 19; Junior Officer of “C” Company, Northeastern Cebu Sector; Acting Executive officer and adjutant, 1st Battalion of the Northeastern Cebu Sector; and Executive Officer and Adjutant, 88th Infantry Regiment.

As a patriot he participated in the following engagement with the enemy attack of Danao garrison from January 7 to 8, 1943, under Col. Baura and Col. Sanchez; attack of an enemy launch in Carmen from January 11 to 15, 1943; Gilagila battle from March 5 to 9, 1943 and Catmon-daan battle on May 4, 1943.

Captain Agripino D. Casia, the brave and courageous patriot, was killed in Sogod, Cebu, in a bloody encounter with the enemy. He died a hero. .

FEEDBACK

From: Felixberto Buot, Ph.D.
Oakton, VA

Capt. Casia’s surviving family lives in Suba, one of our close neighbors. I grow up with his surviving children and have fun memories of our childhood.

‘Boy’ their oldest son and I applied to the ‘West Point’ in Baguio, but did not proceed all the way; then we went on our separate ways. I decided to pursue mechanical engineering at CIT and I believe Boy went on to a Marine officer school.

Just my 1c contribution to history.

Felix

Who are they?

Anyone who can identify all three will be conferred the title of Miss or Mr. Danao 2004 to be crowned during the Balik Danao Night. For a clue click “Read More”.

clue:

One belongs to a family of physicians, the other from the Lao clan and the third belongs to the Ypil Clan.

The American soldiers came to Danao on August, 1900 with Gen. Lawton as the commanding officer.

They had an encounter with the Danawanon soldiers, but because of their superior weapons the soldiers and the civilians including their families fled to hinterlands to spare their life. Danawanons felt a reign of terror.

The leader of the resistance movement in Danao, Capitan Candelario M. Cuizon fled to Hagnaya in his farm. The American officer ordered to demolish the big residential house of Tan Dayong in the corner of now C.M. Enriquez and B. D. Durano streets.

A wedding in old Danao

His big sugar plantation, his big Camalig Bato or bodega of muscuvado sugar in Taboc and several sugar mills were set on fire by the American soldiers. Because of the destruction of his properties and business he came down to the Poblacion and pledged allegiance to the American government.
Capitan Victorino C. Buot, the Presidente Popular of Danao at that time was captured and put to jail in Fort San Pedro, Cebu City. He was forced to swear allegiance to the American government.

Few days after he was released and appointed as the first President Municipal of Danao on June 10, 1901, according to the Municipal Code of Danao Number 82. This Municipal Code was the establishment of the Democratic municipal government of Danao under the American regime.

Sr Agustin B. Tito, the former Juez de Paz de Danao (under the Spanish Era) was municipal vice-president. Sr Felix G. Batucan, the former maestro of Spanish class (during the Spanish Era) was the municipal treasurer.

Sr Antonio D. Lao was auxiliary municipal treasurer Sr Benito G. Enriquez, the Vice President of the Revolutionary soldiers in Danao was the Municipal Judge.

Sr Tomas G. Lao was chief of Police. Sr Jose Ma. Escalante, Spaniard (the former secretary of Capitan Vito during Spanish era) and his brother in-law was municipal secretary. The municipal councilors were Sr Alejandro B. Derecho, Sr Severo B. Duterte, Sr Catalino G. Buot, Sr Roman B. Gonzales, Sr Manuel Ma. C. Roble, Sr Valentes Mata (Capitan Municipal), Sr Fabian D. Casas (cabeza), Sr Macario Castro (cabeza).

Danawanons who hid in the hinterlands came down to the Poblacion and once again lived in Danao peacefully. The Danao folks were happy and life returned to normal.

On August, 1901, the Thomasites arrived aboard USS Thomas. The old teachers who served during the Spanish era were recruited to teach. They were trained in English by the Thomasites at night and during the daytime they taught English lessons.

The training lasted several months. Those who were trained were the prominent teachers during the last years of Spanish era. A few names were mentioned. They were Sr Felix A. Alvarez, Sr Amando G. Osmena, Sr Aquilino A. Tito, Sr, Alfonso Lao, Srta. Romana A. Alvarez, Sra. Leonarda A. Alvarez, Srta. Anunciacion C. Manipis, Srta. Maria Pasaol, Srta. Tomasa D. Casas, Srta. Canuta Almerez and other names who were no longer remembered. The first principal was an American educator Mr Vimien.

Children of school age were forced and obliged to attend classes. Those who hid and did not attend classes were caught and were sent to the classrooms. By the encouragement of Mr. Vimien, the enrollment increased. The rooms of the old school building built during the Spanish era in the year 1863 (now the City Central School) were not enough for the growing enrollment. The Old Cuartel de Civiles in the street now Bonifacio Street was used as classrooms. Classes were held in this tabique building.

The first graduate of the fourth grade class were made to teach in the barrios. This was the humble beginning of the democratic education in Danao.

Sources:

1. The American Occupation in Cebu – by Jose Quisumbing
2. Diary of former Municipal President Don Benito G. Enriquez
3. Diary of Former Juez de Paz, Sr Antonio D. Lao
4. Interview of old folks
Miss Julia Derecho
Mrs. Felicidad Ypil
Mrs. Beatriz Ralota Rodriguez y Rivera
Mr. Jose Andres G. Derecho
Mr. Eleuterio Enriquez
Mr. Andres A. Silvedo
Mrs. Sofronia A. Tecala
Mr. Pio Roble

Formally organized in September 1993 by a small group of Danawanons, DAUSA has gone a long way from just holding a pot-luck during the feast of the town’s patron saint, to conducting an annual medical- surgical mission, free dental clinic, adopt-a-student, adopt-a-school programs and forming Little Leagues.

Gemma Montegrande, DAUSA President

Crosine Roble was elected first president in 1993; next was. Dr. Plutarco Almendras in 1995. Ramon Barriga was president in 1997 and served the allowed maximum two terms until 2001. Crosine Roble.

With the help and strong support of past 2 presidents, and some active members and officers the first medical mission was conducted in 1998, then the scholarship program in 1999.

The Little League project was commenced in 2000 aimed at reviving the sports of baseball in Danao.
Gemma Montegrande was elected in 2001 and strongly pushed for the continuity of all projects.

She capably spearheaded the 2001 and 2002 medical missions which had become a much awaited event in the whole province.

DAUSA received recognition and awards from various associations, in 1998 from the Kiwanis International who gave a leadership award to Crosine Roble for her role in formally organizing DAUSA; then in 2000 from the National Associations of Cebuanos in USA (NACUSA) received by Ramon Barriga for Community Service and from the Danao Professionals Organization (DPO) in 2001.

The Cebu Provincial Government through a Provincial Board Resolution authored by then Provincial Board Member Agnes Magpale also recognized and expressed its appreciation in 1999 to DAUSA’s projects in Danao. On September 2002, the DPO again recognized DAUSA’s missionary efforts and awarded its perennial volunteers, Dr. Julian Banzon, a medical mission pioneer, for community service, and Crosine Roble, for civic leadership.

To mark its 10th year DAUSA will hold a Dinner Dance on Saturday, September 6 and a Fiesta in the Park the next Day at the Long Beach Recreational Center.

Danawanons from all over U.S. and Canada will come to L.A. to experience the fun, share the joy and meet long lost friends and relatives at these anniversary events. (MB)

• In 1755 the parish church was constructed by the Venerable Padre Fray Manuel de Santa Barbara, the Vicario Prior of Danao in its present site.

• The San Alipio bell was cast in 1845 which now hung in the bell tower (45 kilos).

• The crucero (right and left wing of the church and the beautiful stone fence that surrounded the church were constructed by Padre Manuel Fernandez de la Virgen del Rosario, parish priest in 1843 to 1867.

• The Sta. Felomina bell was cast in 1867, (60 kilos). It now hangs in Sto. Tomas School.

• In 1887 the construction of the sacristy was completed by Padre Fidel Moreno de San Hilarion. He also beautified the interior of the church and installed mechanical clock in the bell tower and pipe organ for the choir.

• In 1913, the construction of the fence around the church was completed by Fr. Antonio Medalle.

• Two bells were cast in 1917, the Santo Tomas de Villanueva bell (630 kilos) and Sagrado Corazon bell (249 kilos) both of which now hang in the bell tower during the term of Rev. Fr. Vicente Roa. (Note from Editor: We don’t see these two bells anymore. Sulti pa sa mga beata gikawat ang duha ka kampana, gipatimbang sa mamalitay ug puthaw and made into a kaldero)

• Another bell was cast in 1923 which now hangs in Santo Tomas School. (Sister, can you put back one of your bells to the Kampanaryo where it belongs? Ed.)

• The church was repaired by Rev. Fr. Nicolas Batucan del Carmen. In 1937 the wooden floor was changed with tiles with the help of Ex-Justice of the Peace (1890-1895) of Danao, Don Demetrio T. Durano.

• In 1937 the Eucharistic Congress was held in Danao Church.

• On September 8, 1942 the church was destroyed by fire including the religious items and the important records, leaving only the thick solid stone walls.

• In 1946 the Church was reconstructed under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Emilio Vicentello together with former Municipal President of Danao, Carlos M. Enriquez.

• The reconstruction of the Church was continued by Rev. Fr. Diosdado Camomot in 1951. Tile floorings and the ceiling were completed.

• In 1960 the reconstruction of the Church was completed by Fr. Cesar Alcoseba in preparation for the ordination of the three Danawanon priests, Pascual M. Ypil, Ranulfo D. Iway and Mariano P. Batucan which was held on March 18, 1961 together with six other new Cebuano priests including Alfeo Manalili.

• In July 1963 Celso Barriga was baptized in this church. (Editor’s Note: This item is not in Sisoy’s research. Nakalimtan seguro pag-imbitar sa iyang Nanay, otherwise Sisoy wouldn’t forget to include such a historical event in his compilation. So gi-insert ko lang.)

• In 1981 during the term of Msgr. Santos de La Serna the renovation of the Church was started which was sponsored, financed and supervised by Don Ramon M. Durano, Sr. and his family. This was finished in September 1985. The following are the outstanding features of the reconstructed church

Roof in red tiles with gold coated miter dome.
2,500 sq. me. Of solid Romblon marble slab altar-facing.
½” thick stained glass swing-out windows with anodized aluminum frames.
3,200 sq.m. manually-cut antique coral stones.
Wooden balustrade (Narra) and overhanging railings.
Electronic carillon
21 units of gold-plated chandeliers in heavily-decorated antique design.
Purely hand-carved solid narra main and side doors, gallenera and pews.
2,000 sitting capacity.
Spacious brick finish patio.
Baldachino over the sanctuary
Hand-carved antique wooded tabernacle
Ramsa-Electronic sound system.
52 units of electric oscellating wall fans.
7 Units of multicolored stained formacraft covered windows
The Holy Cross of Limpas.

• The new church was inaugurated and consecrated on December 23, 1985.