History of Sanchez Mira

The jungle clearing which grew to become what is now Sanchez Mira
was then a hunting ground called (Naluqui; distortion, Malolokit) of the Kalingas.
They were a nomadic tribe from the nearby sub-province of Apayao. When the
Spanish missionaries came, it became barrio Malolokit meaning “Nagsisiiman,”
of Pamplona.

Because it was located at the tip of a productive elevated region, and

because it was near the sea, settlers from Paoay, Ilocos Norte came here by
sailboat in 1883 to farm, hunt and fish. They were the Negre, Maccay, Cacatian,
Marzan and Paclibon families. Other immigrants followed suit only after they
heard of the easy life these settlers enjoyed within so short a time.

The present-day inhabitants are also a conglomeration of natives, so with

their occupation, distinct characteristics, and outlook toward life. What makes
them a bit different is their outward hospitality. Guests are usually treated to
“bannawag” (arac or nipa wine), “kilawen” roasted chicken and barbecued
fish. Their chief products are coffee, rice, lumber and coconuts.

The official founding of Sanchez Mira was August 20, 1984, a day after the
fiesta of Malolokit, a barrio of Pamplona. Town was named in honor of Manuel
Sanchez Mira, a Spanish brigadier-general assigned in the Cagayan Valley,
upon strong recommendation of Hilario Pulido and Fray Santiago Jutgla.
Actually, Malolokit (now Sanchez Mira) was declared a town by virtue of a Royal
decree on September 14, 1894. For his public spirit, Hilario Pulido was appointed
gobernadorcillo. He effected many reforms in the newly created municipality,
winning for him and his office the people’s esteem. Credit also goes to him for
the general beautification of Sanchez Mira.

In 1895, he was succeeded by Flaviano Arjonillo whose administration was

characterized by unrest because of the Philippine Revolution against America.
Captain Catalino Pulido, son of Hilario Pulido, took over the reins of the town
government sometime in 1898. Among his achievements was the maintenance
of peace and order because the people were still cold and unresponsive to the
policies introduced by the newly-arrived Americans. Also worthy of mention in
this regard were the men who followed after Captain Catalino’s term. They
were municipal presidents Vicente Aquino (1901), Cirilo Bangalan, Cesario
Paclibon, and Salustiano Pulido (1904). It was during Pulido’s term that the town
hall and church were burned down. In spite of this unfortunate incident, the
town progressed steadily under him. Also, the townspeople remembered him for
his sound judgement.

Sometime in 1910, Don Paulo Garcia, an energetic administrator, had his

term too. It was through his untiring efforts that all barrios under Sanchez Mira
were raised a bit from the squalor and filth they suffered since the early Spanish
regime.

Another standout leader was Don Esteban Negre, elected in the 1929
elections. His administration built a semi-concrete school building which he
dedicated on August 30, 1930. It was also through his initiative that a monument
to Dr. Jose P. Rizal was erected in the town plaza.

The rest of the town leaders who did their share for the townspeople’s
good are as follows: Antonio Cachapero (1932); Esteban Cacatian (1935);
Hipolito Valenzuela 91936); Juan Aragones (appointed military mayor by the
late Pres. Manuel Roxas on June 18, 1946). Don Cosme Marzam, ex-
Representative, was mayor when the war broke out on December 8, 1941.

Last but not the least was mayor Ambrosio Abrina, another outsanding
leader. During his term, the town saw the rise of a puericulture center and the
digging of artesian walls.

Sanchez Mira was one of the first towns to be liberated after World War II.
No incident of note took place here during the Japanese occupation, except
for the execution of acting occupation mayor Venancio Carillo who
collaborated with the enemy.

Though not as scenic as most of the well-publicized bright spots in the

country, Sanchez Mira has its lures also. For example, there are the ruins of
“Nagtutulagan” or “Nagsisiiman” atop the promontory in Pata. The Spaniards
used to hold their bull sessions there. Then there is Namuac its important barrio.
One of these days, either it becomes a separate town itself, or the seat of the
town’s government will be transferred there. A “must” to see are the ruins of the
old church of the former town of Pata, now a barrio of this town and that
Claveria. It was in Pata where the seven first baptized natives were born.