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CHAPTER 1
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CHAPTER 2
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CHAPTER 3
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CHAPTER 4
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CHAPTER 5
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CHAPTER 6
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CHAPTER 7
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      On July 4, 1946, the Republic of the Philippines was inaugurated with colorful ceremonies at Luneta, Manila. This historic ceremonies were highlighted by the lowering of the American flag and the raising of the Philippine flag, symbolic of the end of American rule in the Philippines and the birth of the Philippine Republic. This republic, historically speaking, is the Third Philippine Republic to emerge in history's limelight. The first was the Malolos Republic (1899-1901); and the second, the Japanese-sponsored Republic of the Philippines (1943-1945).
      During the three decades of our Republic, the blowing winds of change swept the town of Pagsanjan, bringing portentous events which shaped the contemporary history of the town.

Exodus of Pagsanjan Families to Greater Manila

      Because of the destruction of their ancestral homes in Pagsanjan and the threat of the Huk movement in the towns and barrios of Laguna province, many Pagsanjeño families evacuated their native town and lived permanently in the Greater Manila area. This exodus of Pagsanjeño families was an irreparable loss to the town because they mostly represented the elite of the local population. Most of them were the rich landlords and the talented intellectuals. A few prominent families noted for their lineage and inherited wealth, however, remained in town and cooperated with the common people in the rebuilding of their ruined town.
      The rich Pagsanjeño families who left the town resided in Manila, Pasay, Makati, Caloocan City, and San Juan, where they built their homes and reared their families. Some of them sold out their ancestral residential lots in Pagsanjan, for they had no intention of restoring their old homes in town. They became absentee landlords, for they simply employed some persons called encargados to manage their family rice farms and coconut plantations.
      Although they lived far from their town, these migrant Pagsanjeños cherished in their hearts an eternal affection for the town where they were born. Those who possessed God-given talents achieved distinction in arts and sciences, in politics and diplomacy, in business and banking, and in other professions. Their achievements, of course, enhanced the celebration of the town fiesta (December 12th), Christmas season, All Saint's Day, Flores de Mayo, and Santacruzan, they try their best to visit childhood friends.
      To the credit of these Pagsanjeños or descendants of Pagsanjeño parents, it must be said that whenever their financial or moral support is needed by their town for any community project, for beautification program, or for the annual fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Patroness of Pagsanjan), they gladly give it. For instance, the historic stone town gate, one of the historical relics of Pagsanjan, was finally restored to its former colonial condition in May, 1975, because of the funds generously contributed by the Pagsanjeños in Greater Manila. The municipal government could not do it for lack of funds. Aside from giving financial assistance to the town, the prominent Pagsanjeños in Greater Manila help many of their jobless kababayan (townmates) secure employment in the national government, in private schools and colleges, and in commercial firms. So it can be said that no matter how far-away the Pagsanjeños live, their hearts are in Pagsanjan.

Re-Establishment of the Municipal Government

      Soon after the liberation of Pagsanjan, the municipal government was re-established. Pursuant to the orders of the Commonwealth Government which was restored at Malacañan on February 27, 1945 under President Sergio Osmeña, the following local officials constituted the Municipal Council: Mr. Emilio Aquino, municipal mayor; Dr. Casimiro Garcia, vice-mayor; and Dr. Mariano Z. Macalalag, Dr. Felix G. Yan, Dr. Zosimo Fernandez, Mr. Pio Caballes, Mr. Restituto Caballes, Mr. Guillermo Limlengco, Mr. Pable del Mundo, and Mr. Sancho Zalamea, Jr., as councilors. The municipal secretary was Mr. Primitivo Cabreza.
      Because the municipal building was destroyed during the war, the Municipal Council held its sessions at the old house belonging to the heirs of Don Crispin Oben. This was located at the corner of Rizal Street and Santiago Hocson Street.
      In December 1947 certain changes were made in the line-up of municipal councilors. Three new designated municipal councilors, Mr. Antonio Alvarado, Mr. Cornelio Oliveros, and Mr. Herminio Llamas, replaced Mr. Pio Caballes, Mr. Pablo del Mundo, and Mr. Sancho Zalamea, Jr.