Barili diay inyoha!

October 9, 2005

There are a lot of things a Bariliño can be proud of, be it tourist spots, delicacies, brilliant leaders or exceptional personal characters.
“Barili diay inyoha,” a colleague asked then, and referred to Barileños who emerged as notable Cebuano writers like Antonio Abad, Manuel Briones, and the renowned journalist Edward Gutang, a respectable icon in the Cebu media industry during his time.
    Saying that, it occurred to me that something was expected of me being part of their world. I felt obliged to create an impact.
Very few people get the chance and privilege to assume vital social responsibilities. I’d like to think that as I do my job everyday in my own modest way, I contribute to society. It doesn’t have to be anything big. Earlier in my youth, I promised to myself I would serve my community in whatever way I can.
Now that I’ve achieved what I aspired for, I’d to learn to deal with situations both unexpected and difficult.
    Although instead of being reasons to yield, they gave me more reason and courage to pursue every endeavor as best as I can.
Being a member of the press and Barili-born and bred at that, I’m proud to recall that this place once became a bastion for Cebuanos defending press freedom during the dangerous Japanese occupation.
As Isidro Abad wrote about the war, he devoted a chapter in his book, “Ang Sugbo sa Panahon sa Hapon” narrating what the writers had to go through to write against the Japanese occupation.
    On October 15, 1942, a Japanese warship bombed our town. Our brothers ran to save their life and limbs, jumping out of windows, crawling and persevering on mud and thickets. Others sought the safety of the hills. Some were quick to save a few belongings as they fled while some left empty-handed.
Later that day, Barba Press came out with an “extra” edition of a paper called “Kadaugan” to tell the people what the Japanese soldiers did to sow fear among our brothers and sisters.
    It took a lot of courage among these people to produce an extra edition amidst the bombardment. More than 15 men carried the letterpress machine to Barangay Kang-Undo, one of our mountain barangays, and hid it in one of the caves.
    The ordeal went on as the printing machine had to be transferred from one cave to another to avoid detection. Unfortunately, the Japanese soldiers discovered and seized the machine, which was then hidden in Barangay Patupat.
Abad noted one writer’s death. It was that of veteran journalist Procopio Causin who, along with his wife and daughter, were executed by the Japanese soldiers.
Bravery and courage, I wish we still have such great qualities, which our notable Bariliños in the past proved way, way back.

 

(Napatik ni sa Barili Fiesta Souvenir Program in 2004)