Where are the sources of history?

BY: GERARDO CODILLA REYES JR.

There are three principal sources of history, first we have the relics or artifacts which can be examined by historians, second, the oral tradition and folklore which is still an interesting legend or narration about the past, and was transmitted from one generation to another, and thirdly, we have the written records or accounts, which is most reliable compared with the relics and folklore.

Valuable sources of information needed in writing local history are scattered. And it is frustrating to know that some of these materials are rare. But thanks to the help of our fellow researcher, Mr. Emil Justimbaste, former Editor-In-Chief of The Freeman newspaper, also a member of the Ormoc Historical Society, who willingly provide me some materials and help me in my research. The copies of the Reseña Historia de la Provincia de Leyte written by Manuel Artigas y Cuerva came from him and if I can complete this research and could come up with a book about Palompon's history (I hope so) Sir Emil, is one of those generous and kind fellow who is instrumental for the success of it.

To trace the past of Palompon that took place before the Spaniards came, is somewhat a very challenging tasks. because there are few written accounts during that time, and some of its documents are becoming rare. These can be found nowadays in National Archive, museums, and libraries.

The available materials that can be a good source of relevant data and information, are the books published by Jesuit missionaries when they began the Evangelization of Leyte on July, 1595. Some of these books are scattered in museums and libraries across the country. But it has a detailed narration of the missionaries' experiences in Christianizing the pagan and animistic natives, who by that time worship the trees, mountains and consider Diwata as their gods.

In the Souvenir Program of the Municipality of Palompon published on November 1990, it mentioned about the establishment of the settlement sometime in 1620, but that is remain to be seen if that is really the time when the town existed. Or earlier than 1620. If this is true that 1620 is the year when the coastal settlement was founded in Palompon, then Ormoc was established earlier than Palompon.

If there are records, published or unpublished accounts that could reveal the life in Palompon (Hinablayan, according to folklore) before the arrival of Spanish missionaries, that is still remain to be seen. And I am very confident that I could find one.