Dilasag History, Philippines

As the native language would connote “Di” means abundance. It is added to the word “Lasag” which meant meat to the natives. However, the name Dilasag does not only mean bountiful meat but also marine and aquatic resources, forest and mineral resources. It also includes the famous Yamashita treasures believed to be buried at the coastal areas of the municipality.

The creation of Dilasag can be traced early in 1924 when a group of family settlers came to the Tarlac province. Bernabe, Briones, Ynigo and Dugo families reached Casiguran. Because the natives were not friendly to these families, these new settlers decided to move to the coastline going north and settled there. Today that area is known as Dilasag.

Because of the favorable conditions of the area and the warm acceptance of the native Dumagats to new settlers in the area, more and more families moved to settle also in the place forming a community. Soon it was recognized as a Sitio, then later became a Barrio of Casiguran because of its rapid development and progress.

Finally, it was in 1959 that Congressman Enverga sponsored House Bill 2863 to make Dilasag a municipal district. Dilasag officially became a Municipality on June 21 1959.

Since the institution as a municipality progress had become slow, although the appointed first Mayor Hon. Panfilo de Leon instituted initial moves for progress in his 6 years in Dilasag. The next elected Mayor, Deogracias Briones who governed the municipality for 8 years, did not make that much progress either. To make the situations worse, insurgency was high and the peace and order of the place worsen. This forced many of the residents to flee away to various provinces leaving their farms and homes making the produce very minimal thus again slowing down the progress.

 With these happening the President of the Philippines suspended Mayor Briones and had appointed a Military Mayos in the person of Emilio Almazan for 6 years.

In 1980 holding of local elections was again permitted to restore the administration and to give back the leadership to civilian’s hands. This time Jesus Briones triumphed the election and had lead the municipality until 1986 when the political structure was altered appointing Hon. Jacinto Tablang Sr. as OIC mayor. In 1998 Hon. Dionision Marza Sr. won the local election but his administration instituted slow progress as compared to the other municipalities in Aurora Quezon due to lack of financial means.

On his 2nd term Dilasag started already to boost however he was not able to continue because it was already his last term as Mayor. As per the law, you can only serve 2 consecutive terms as Mayor. This time a native from Dilasag won the election in the person of Vicente dela Cruz who notable won by landslide. He had started to institute changes particularly on government employees’ attitudes. Little by little, insurgency subsided and illegal activities were lessened.

But this was only the beginning of Dilasag’s progress.

 

With dedicated people and people ready to serve for the benefit of the many, it is no doubt that the longed progress will soon be achieved.