A BRIEF HISTORY OF BARANGAY CONSOLACION By: Jesus S. Pagapulaan Long time ago when Cagayan de Oro City was yet a town, a tree which was called by the residents “lambago” grow abundantly everywhere, especially at the bank of Cagayan de Oro River. The tree has lots of usefulness to the lives of the residents. Not only preventing the river from eroding the bank, but the whole parts of the tree are useful. The bark is used in lieu of the for fastening the fence, and the wood being light, is used for making wooden slippers (bakya). Selling wooden slippers is one of the sources of daily income of the residents. Having known by the neighboring residents that it is a lucrative business, many of them migrated to this place. For that time, “Kalambaguhan” had been used to name the place. Aside from selling wooden slippers, although seasonal income, selling lanzones was also their source of livelihood. After several years, the population of “Kalambaguhan” increased by leaps and bounds. Aware of the situation headed by the Barrio Lieutenant (Teniente del Barrio) and aided by the officials, barrio government was organized. Its was function was only to maintain peace and order. The first Barrio Lieutenant appointed was the late Benigno Ubayubay followed successively by the late Agaton Maandig and Silverio Fuentes. Since the increased population followed hand in hand with the of school children, the barrio officials agreed the need to open school. Composed of parents, the Parents Association was organized. Some civic spirited parents such as Mr, Bridigo Betonio, Mr. Domingo and Mr. Claro Tampus, were tapped by the barrio officials to represent to the Department of Education, requesting for the establishment of primary school. After presenting the supposed classrooms and the number of school children eligible for enrollment, the opening was approved. Not long after, natural calamity (El Nino), which was long dry season (drought) hit thewhole part of the province. Since no rainfall for three months, sources of food such as rice and corn and working animals were the victims of the catastrophe. Residents were able to survive by eating root crops, such as camote, ube, lotia, etc. After three months of frustrations and suffering, surprisingly rainfall came. Thanksgiving mass was celebrated. Residents again returned to their usual activities. Several months after the calamity, one of the barrio officials proposed to the Town Mayor and Councilors to change the name of the barrio “Kalambagohan” to Julao-Julao. Asked why? To perpetuate in the minds of the residents the crisis that struck the barrio. Considering the name “Kalambagohan” was not official, the request was granted. In 1960’s, the territorial boundary and the population of Julao-Julao increased tremendously. Burgos Street, which was only up to the Jocson St. before, was extended about a kilometer. More unfamiliar people from other places migrated and live here, unaware that some of them are bad elements. Red light houses were established. Prostitution was rampant. JulapJulaon was known throughout the province as a place where happiness abounds, where sex can be bought. Although the late Barangay Captain Manuel R. Vega accompanied by lawmen frequently raided the prostitution houses, yet the illicit activities were going on. Fully aware of the situation, the late City Mayor Justiniano Borja ordered to close all prostitution houses and to summon all maintainers. Because of this executive order, all prostitutes were disbanded, some wandered around the city looking for costumers. The late Barangay Captain Manuel R. Vega was looking for a name to change the barangay Julao-Julao to erase its bad image. Sensing the life story of a teenage girl by the name “Consolacion” worthy of admiration, emulation and imitation, the Barangay Council filed a resolution changing the name “Julao-Julao” to “Consolacion”. The resolution was passed to the City Council and after heated deliberation, the resolution was unanimously approved. A mass was celebrated followed by an announcement informing the residents about the change of name of the Barangay. After the crisis, Barangay Consolacion become peaceful, progressive, and the residents become religious. After several years of this administration, Captain Vega died, leaving his exemplary outstanding achievement, among them are 1) acquiring of one hectare lot as school site of the elementary school; 2) eviction of the informal settlers who occupied portion of the school site; 3) establishment of complete elementary school; 4) changing the Barangay name to Consolacion; and maintenance of peace and order. After the demise of the late Captain Manuel R. Vega, the late Ramon Dandasan assumed as Barangay Captain. Although criticism hurled against his administration for tolerating the proliferation of squatters, yet his achievements are the following: 1) Construction of Legaspi Road; and 2) construction of the Barangay Basketball Court. Here under is a brief profile of political succession: 1st (appointed) - Hon. Silverio Fuentes 2nd (appointed) - Hon. Adriano Legaspi 3rd (appointed) - Hon. Claro Tampus 4th (appointed) - Mr. Manuel R. Vega 5th (elected) - Hon. Atty. Felipe Monstessa 6th (elected) - Hon. Manuel R. Vega 7th (elected) - Hon. Alberto T. Laude 8th (appointed Officer in Charge - Hon. Ramon Dandasan 9th (elected) - Hon. Pedro W. Saarenas 10th (elected 1994-1997) - Hon. Alberto T. Laude 11th (elected 1997-2002) - Hon. Alberto T. Laude 12th (elected 2002-2006) - Hon. Alberto T. Laude 13th (elected 2006-2011) - Hon. Robert A. Bolong, Sr. 14th (elected 2011-March 2013) - Hon. Cesar S. Pagapulaan, Sr. 15th (by succession April-November 2013) - Hon. Dante P. Roa 16th (elected December 2013-) - Hon. Dante P. Roa The Barangay Captain who served the longest number of years and has done the most number of achievements is Barangay Chairman Alberto T. Laude who was elected 4 terms until 2006. During the several years in office, the following are his major achievements: 1) Barangay hall; 2) Health Center; 3) Day Care Centers; 4) New school site for the Consolacion National High School and several classroom buildings constructed in the site; 5) Ronda Tanod headquarters; 6) Barangay Stage and Basketball Courts; 7) maintenance of peace and order; 8) through a resolution naming Magsaysay Extension as Manuel Vega Street in honor of the late Barangay Captain; 9) increase of the barangay annual income; 10) construction of interior pathways and open canals. Barangay Consolacion at present is composed of 7 districts. As planned, all roads will be soon cemented and crossroads will be constructed. Author’s Note: This brief article was made possible through the cooperation of the following persons, who have furnished the author some important data of information: 1) Mrs. Franciscano Enerio, 88 years old; 2) late Leoncia Bacarrisas- 84 years old. BARANGAY CONSOLACION HAS THE FOLLOWING BASIC FACILITIES Barangay Hall Health Center- Primary/lying in hospital Covered multi-purposed court Public High School Public Elementary School Senior Citizens Hall TB DOTS Katarungang Pambarangay Hall Botika ng Barangay Tanod Outpost Safer River Meet Hall ALEXANDER B. LIGTAS Punong Barangay DERSEY T. PACUDAN Brgy. Kagawad RONA KHRISTINE A. CHLIA Brgy. Kagawad RUBEN A. BOLIBOLI Brgy. Kagawad CECILIA A. PAGAPULAAN Brgy. Kagawad HANNAH C. MEJORADA Brgy. Kagawad RICKY U. LAUDE Brgy. Kagawad ROBERT A. BOLONG Brgy. Kagawad JULIUS L. BACARRISAS SK. Chairman ORO BARANGAY POLICE ANDRES CLEOPAS ALEXANDER T. MERCADO WHENNA DE GUZMAN EDWIN U. SAMPUANG ALBERTO CANUANAYON ARMANDO H. SIMBAJON JOSEPH BAGTONG RICKY T. AMPO LEO E. DANDASAN JOSEPH C. ABRIO LOURDIRICO PEDEMONTE DOMINADOR R. AGAN RODULFO ENGLIS ARNOLD BERONGOY EFREN C. LOLOR EUSTAQUIO G. LIGTAS ARDEX ABAO JOSE CAEL EMMANUEL D. SALON RUTH DANDASAN
