KASAYSAYAN NG SAN RAFAEL, BULACAN

Summary

The video provides a historical account of San Rafael, Bulacan, formerly known as Kaman. Founded in 1750, it was part of the Buenavista Estate, which included other towns like San Miguel and Baliwag. The land was initially donated by Don Pedro Gomez and managed by the hermanos of San Juan de Dios, who built a chapel in 1737. The area later faced disputes over land ownership, with farmers resisting confiscation by the church. San Rafael also played a significant role in the Philippine Revolution, notably in the Battle of November 3, 1896, where many lives were lost within the town's church.

Takeaways

• 🏞️ San Rafael, Bulacan, originally known as 'Kaman,' was established as a town in 1750.
• 🏘️ The town currently has 34 barangays and hosts the Angel Festival.
• 🏰 San Rafael was part of the large Hacienda San Juan de Buenavista, which included parts of San Rafael, San Ildefonso, and other nearby towns.
• 🤝 Don Pedro Gomez donated the land after receiving treatment from San Juan de Dios Hospital in Manila.
• ⛪ The Hermanos de San Juan de Dios organized secular priests to manage the land, which they leased to farmers to raise funds to build a stone church.
• 🗡️ In 1896, a bloody battle took place in San Rafael, with many casualties inside the church, led by General Anacleto 'Matang Lawin' Enriquez during the revolution.
• 👨‍🌾 Farmers of the Buenavista Estate rebelled against land seizures after being tricked into signing waivers, forming circles dedicated to socialism.
• 📜 Despite legal battles, the farmers failed to reclaim their lands, but efforts for land reform were initiated later, including by President Quezon.
• 📚 The parish of San Rafael is linked to the execution of the Gomburza priests, which inspired Filipino nationalism, as referenced in Dr. Jose Rizal's novel *Noli Me Tangere*.
• 🙏 The church of San Rafael holds historical significance as the site of the bloodiest battle in Bulacan’s history, with hundreds of casualties.

Q & A

What is the old name of San Rafael, Bulacan?

The old name of San Rafael, Bulacan, was Kaman before it was established as a town.

How many barangays does San Rafael currently have?

San Rafael currently has 34 barangays.

What is the significance of the Angel Festival in San Rafael, Bulacan?

The Angel Festival is a local celebration held in San Rafael, Bulacan, though the script does not provide specific details about its significance.

Who was Don Pedro Gomez, and what was his contribution to San Rafael?

Don Pedro Gomez was a landowner who donated his property, which later became part of the Hacienda San Juan de Vista or Buenavista Estate, to the hospital of San Juan de Dios in Manila.

What role did the Hermanos de San Juan de Dios play in San Rafael?

The Hermanos de San Juan de Dios organized a congregation of secular priests under the patronage of San Rafael de Arkangel and managed the land donated by Don Pedro Gomez to support their religious mission.

Why did the Augustinian priests confiscate the hacienda from the Hermanos?

The Augustinian priests confiscated the hacienda when its income grew, and they assumed control over it, as the Archbishop of Manila, Archbishop Gregorio Martinez, did not intervene.

What was the impact of the American civil government on San Rafael?

During the American civil government era, San Rafael was merged with Baliwag from 1899 to 1907. New laws were implemented for land ownership, which led to conflicts with local farmers.

What was the outcome of the land conflict involving the farmers of San Rafael?

The farmers' legal battle to reclaim the land they had farmed was unsuccessful. In their frustration, they formed socialist groups to resist the seizure of their lands by Buenavista Estate.

What was the role of former President Quezon in the land reform movement in San Rafael?

Former President Quezon held a dialogue with the farmers, aiming to promote land reform and return the confiscated lands to them, which ultimately helped resolve the issue.

How did the Gumburza execution relate to San Rafael?

The execution of the Gumburza priests, who were advocates of the secularization movement, took place in San Rafael, and this event is believed to have inspired Filipino nationalism as depicted in Dr. Jose Rizal’s novel *Noli Me Tangere*.