HISTORY OF BARANGAY BOLODBOLOD

In the early days, the area now known as Barangay Bolodbolod was considered a wilderness where various kinds of wild animals, birds, and beautiful flowering plants thrived. The kalaw bird served as a natural timekeeper for farmers, signaling morning, noon, and afternoon. Flowers such as Mana-aw, including Waling-waling and other fragrant blossoms, grew abundantly in the dense forest, with vines connecting the trees where monkeys often played. Clean drinking water sources were plentiful throughout the area. Later, migrants arrived from Maasin, Bohol, Malitbog, San Juan, and other places, gradually settling in the region.

Between 1907 and 1920, after the forest was cleared and the flat land was revealed, settlers observed that the terrain consisted of many hills or mounds (“bolod”), which led them to name the place Bolodbolod. In 1907, after naming the area, they celebrated their first fiesta on January 15 to introduce the barangay officials, with strong devotion to Sr. Sto. Niño. The celebration became an annual tradition led by barrio officials and leaders of the Catholic Church. The first officials included Lieutenant Marcelo Gorme and his assistant Leon Kalaw. During this period, disasters such as cholera and smallpox affected the community. The original barangay location was at what is now Bolodbolod Elementary School, formerly called Baryong Daan.

From 1921 to 1930, many stories and legends emerged, including tales of love, betrayal, and folklore involving supernatural beings such as sigbin, wakwak, and witches. The Catholic Church was established during these years, and the population steadily grew due to the fertile soil. Between 1931 and 1940, residents continued farming, but in 1932 a strong typhoon caused flooding and landslides that resulted in many deaths. This calamity was followed by severe drought and locust infestations that destroyed crops.

From 1941 to 1950, news of war reached the area, and Japanese forces eventually arrived in the Municipality of Cabalian and established a garrison. Filipino soldiers and guerrillas resisted, but civilians suffered greatly from 1944 to 1945. After liberation, from 1946 to 1950, peace returned, and a Mexican aviator named Henry Paloma visited the area. During the period from 1951 to 1960, the population continued to grow despite challenges such as typhoons, pests, and crop diseases that damaged farmland and livelihoods, prompting some residents to migrate to Mindanao. Nevertheless, the community continued celebrating its annual fiesta, and Sta. Felomina became the patron saint. Traditional performances such as Principe Don Juan Tenoso, Tres Hermanos, and Arestotiles were introduced, along with drama presentations including the award-winning “Awit sa Buang.”

Between 1961 and 1970, a significant religious event known as the “Dark Ages” occurred when the statue of Sta. Felomina disappeared, leading to divisions between Roman Catholics and Aglipayans. The Roman Catholics honored Birhen sa Fatima with a fiesta on May 12–13, while the Aglipayans celebrated Sta. Felomina on August 15–16. In 1972, Martial Law was declared by President Marcos, and the barangay experienced political and social challenges during this period. One notable incident involved a resident suspected of being an NPA member who was reportedly killed but later found to have escaped and migrated to Mindanao before eventually returning alive.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Barangay Bolodbolod received many blessings and developments despite facing major calamities. Typhoon Besing struck on March 26, 1982, destroying more than half of the community’s livelihoods, and Typhoon Rufing followed on November 10, 1990, bringing further hardship. Many residents temporarily stopped schooling and sought work elsewhere, but through unity and perseverance, the community gradually recovered. Those who had left school returned and completed their education. From 1990 to 1997, important developments included the establishment of a Day Care Center for children aged three to six, with Araceli Gorme as the first Day Care Worker, as well as the construction of the Barangay Hall and Health Center. A major infrastructure project completed in 1996 was a riprap along the roadside, and in 1997 traditional ensayo performances were revived during the fiesta to commemorate the project. During the fiesta on May 12–13, 1997, an accident occurred when fireworks misfired toward the audience, causing burns and panic, yet the performance continued until completion. The ensayo titled “Principe Callilio,” featuring Mayor Felix B. Lim as the king of the Christians, became one of the most memorable performances in the barangay’s history.

From 1997 to 2002, predictions about the end of the world circulated, and many people stayed awake awaiting midnight, but nothing happened except continued peace in Barangay Bolodbolod. From 2002 up to the present, Barangay Bolodbolod has celebrated its centennial since establishment. Despite numerous trials over time, the community remains strong, united, and cooperative, guided by faith and the blessings of the Almighty.

Population : 1,156 (Source): 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System, Philippine Statistics Authority