Originally, San Antonio was under the jurisdiction and control of Gapas. This new barrio lies on the northwestern part of the Municipality of Guinayangan, about 11 kilometers from the poblacion. In the year 1936 when the provincial road connecting Calauag and Guinayangan was under construction which incidentally traverses the barrio of San Antonio, sturdy pioneers settled the place. Finding the place fertile they lived there permanently and developed the land. They raised different vegetables and began planting rice, coconuts, and fruit trees.
In the year 1939, the original settlers consisting of about thirteen families petitioned the Municipal Council of Guinayangan to make their place as an independent barrio. This petition got the positive response from the Council and the barrio was formally separated from Gapas. To commemorate such occasion, a barrio fiesta had been arranged which accidentally fell on the St.Anthony of Padua (San Antonio de Padua) day and the people agreed to name the place San Antonio in honor of the Patron Saint.
The following barrio elders were responsible for the independence of this place whose secrifices and initiatives hastened the realization of their objective-to be an independent barangay: They are Urbana Alano, Gaudencio Morales, Florentino Buñag, Antonio Villapando, Eusebio Boncayo, Agaton Patnubay, Juan Morales, Urbano Mariano, Diego Lorbes, Pablo Silverio, Nicolas Requiron, and Vicente Agad.
Immediately after its legal separation from Gapas, the locals organized themselves and elected their officials. The first “Teniente del Barrio” elected was Gaudencio Morales. He was a good leader and wise executive. Due to his good and just leadership, the place became progressive and prosperous. During his incumbency, the construction of Calauag-Guinayangan road was finished passing the barrio.
Guadencio Morales was succeded by one, Eusebio Boncayo as the Barrio Lieutenant. As head of the place, Boncayo was very unfortunate as it was during his term that the World War II broke out. He was harsh and there was always misunderstanding among his constituent. During the occupation, he did not cooperate with the underground movement so the “Guerillas” suspected him to be in connivance with the Japanese. He was kidnapped and disappearance gave notion of his intimate connection with the Japanese. He has not returned ever since.
Tiburcio Alano succeeded Boncayo as head of the Barrio. He was considered as one of the best barrio lieutenant ever elected by the people. A proven leader, very understanding and always interested for the improvement of his barrio.
No historical facts, events and incidents of vital importance are available during the Spanish and American regimes as San Antonio originally was a part of Gapas.
The rapid progress of this barangay was hampered by the outbreak of World War II. During the Japanese Occupation, the due processes of law were suspended. People were mercilessly executed when found to be collaborating with the underground movement. On the other side the “guerrillas” were also forced to do the same to further their fight for the liberation of the country. This state of condition greatly affected the barrio. There were acute shortages of foods and medicines. There were no doctors and nurses to help the people. The only alternative was to adhere to the antiquated treating of the “quack-doctors”. For all these, hunger and sickness lurched around, until there was a terrible malaria epidemic which caused an enormous loss of lives.
Immediately after the war, came the era of reconstruction and rehabilitation. The liberation forces of the Allied Nations particularly the American Soldiers have greatly helped the suffering people. Their supply of foods, clothing and medicines alleviated the condition. The War Damage Commission helped the rapid rehabilitation of agriculture, transportation, commerce and communication, until the place reached its normalcy.
Compiled by:
Ms. Belen Epino
Excerpt from the manuscript:
Collection And Compilation Of Historical Data And Cultural Life Of The
Municipality Of Guinayangan Including Its Barrios And Sitios,
Province of Quezon, Philippines
Philippine (Republic) Bureau Of Public Schools
Division Of Quezon
