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Masbate History
When Captain Luis Enriquez de Guzman anchored on the shores of Masbate in 1569, he found tiny settlements spread along the coasts engaged in a flourishing trade with China. Chinese traders visited Masbate and found small settlements during the Shri-Vijaya and Madjapahit periods. Ruins of cave-like dwellings resembling “kiva,” possibly built by Indians who accompanied the Chinese traders, were found along the coast of Aroroy, Palanas, and Masbate. Porcelain jars dating back to the 10th century were excavated at Kalanay (Aroroy) in the 1930s.
Historic accounts show that the Christianization of the Bicol Region actually began in Masbate in 1569. Father Alonso Jimenez was the first missionary to the islands of Masbate, Burias, Leyte, and Samar. Then he went to Ibalon (Bicol) in the province of Camarines, where he resided for many years, and made many religious incursions into Albay and Sorsogon. Fray Jimenez is considered the apostle of the island of Masbate.
In December 1600 Dutch Commander Admiral Oliver van Noorth sought refuge at San Jacinto Harbor after his fleet lost to the Spanish Armada in Manila. He was later engaged in a fierce clash with Limahong’s fleet at the Canlibas-Matabao passage.
At the height of the Galleon trade, Mobo contributed first class lumber for the construction of galleons, making it the center of trade in the province apart from having been the provincial capital in the early part of the Spanish occupation.
The Americans came to Masbate in 1900 to extend their pacification campaign. In December 1908, Masbate was annexed to the province of Sorsogon. A bill declaring Masbate as an independent province was approved on February 1, 1922.
As early as 1906, the Masbate representative made the proposal to the United States Congress to grant the Philippines its independence.
The first Japanese elements arrived in Masbate at dawn on January 7, 1942 from Legazpi. They landed in several places without facing opposition – the province was too stunned to mount any resistance. The Japanese occupation reduced Masbate to economic shambles. Economic activities were limited to fishing, buying/selling or stealing. Food production ground to a halt. Camote, pakol, banana blossoms, pith, and even such obscure fruits as barobo were used as food substitutes. Lakan-bulan served as cigarette, tea or coffee. Barter transaction prevailed. For lack of nutrition and sanitation, many people succumbed to beri-beri or malaria. Lice and tick infestations spread to an unlucky few.
Dr. Mateo S. Pecso, who was governor of the province, having refused to cooperate with the Japanese, evacuated the provincial government to Guiom, a command post used by the guerillas. Pecson was eventually arrested by the Japanese and incarcerated in Cavite. He managed to escape; he later joined the guerilla movement in Central Luzon.
Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, the lone house representative of Masbate, fought against a congressional bill authorizing the conscription of Filipinos into service of Imperial Japan and for this he was detained in Fort Santiago.
When Masbate was formally liberated on April 3, 1945, Pecso was sent to Masbate by President Osmeña to organize the civil government. Pecso took reins of government on May 11, 1945.
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