THE LEGEND OF CALAPI

In the ancient times, hunters named Juan Saguiday, Marcelino Labong,

Ambrocio Mabanan, Ignacio Dacles, Lopez Lagbo and Policarpio Labong
found a valley with a lot of wild rattan natively known as “Calapi”. It has an
edible shoot and a delicious fruit. They likewise, discovered two big rivers in
that valley and named the first as Calapi River because of abundant Calapi
Rattan found thereat and the other one as Maydaha River. These hunters
found the place as a good farmland. So, they began to settle there with their
families. They build their houses in Mt. Binungtuan and divided the piece of
land among themselves without any legal documents. Because of its fertile
soil, a number of families came to settle and so a barrio was formed.

Ambrocio Mabanan donated his parcel of land to become a

Later, barrio site. It was however, found out not beneficial as
dwelling place, because it was always flooded every time a typhoon visits the
area. So, Lopez Lagbo donated one (1) hectare of his land as their homestead
and later named it “Sitio Calapi”.

the year 1941, when the Americans invaded the Philippines,

In provinces, municipalities and barangays were organized and
developed as well as its respective jurisdiction. When Paranas converted into
a municipality, an American Citizen named Charles M. Shouger, (1st
Municipality President) registered Calapi as Barangay under the
Municipality of Paranas. And Motiong was also a barangay under this
jurisdiction.

on, Motiong became a Municipality with the support of

Later Vicente Lucban a member of the organizers in the creation of
provinces, municipalities and barangays. When Hon. Mariano Sapetin served
as the first mayor, he requested the provincial officials to enlist Barangay
Calapi in the jurisdiction of Motiong. Thereafter Calapi was one of the
Barangay’s of the Municipality of Motiong.
 During that time, rattan and abaca plantation was their source of
living. They used to bring all their harvests to the town. Wherefore, they felt
it difficult in going back and forth to the town just to sell their harvests. No
means of transportation could possibly help them in their needs. Even in
going to school for those who wanted to be educated, they have to walk five
(5) to six (6) hours a day (back and forth) just to reach the Primary School of
Paranas. Until such time that many Boholano’s dwell’s in the barangay as
merchants. By that time, people can shift their source of living from
agriculture to trading buy and sell. For this reason, the barangay officials
requested the province to make the place passable for any type of vehicle so
they could have their negotiations outside the barangay. By and by, the
barangay became the biggest and the central area of the Municipality of
Motiong.

As a product of the representation made by the Barangay Officials

requesting for the creation of Primary School, the Schools Division
Superintendent responded and thus, Calapi Primary School was created. It
was then a magnificent feeling given to the Calapinhon. As time pass by,
another request brought to the Division of Samar, Office of the
Superintendent to create a Barangay High School with the initiation of the
Brgy. Officials and so, Calapi Barangay High School then was created.
Products of these schools are now the public servants of the Barangay. Many
of which practiced their professions at the barangay. To name a few there
were four doctors, five midwifes, eight nurses, ten engineers, four
accountants, thirty teachers Elementary & Secondary and other professions.

Long before, Calapinhon were Roman Catholic born citizens. They

embraced the customs, traditions and beliefs of their ancestors though there
was no church or chapel to go into by the people of the barangay. With the
motivation and initiative of Antonio Lazarra and Ambrocio Mabanan a
chapel was constructed. Since Antonio Lazarra was chosen as the Fiscal of the
church, he selected St. Francis of Assisi as the Patron Saint, celebrated every
4th day of October. The chapel has been renovated many times in accordance
with the demand and style of the catholics and also many Parish Priests have
served the people of the barangay. But masses were served once a year, only
during fiesta celebration. The rest of the days especially Sundays were for
Novena Prayers only that were recited by the members of the catholics group.
For this reason, the Roman Catholic believers have split up. Different sects of
religion came about which parted the solidarity of the Roman Catholic
 Believers. When San Jose de Buan created as Mission Center, together with
Bagacay Mission Center, the Priest In-charged of this created Church, used to
served masses to the Calapinhon every Sunday with the fervently request by
the Legion of Mary Calapi Chapter with the permission of the Barangay
Officials to the Parish Priest of Motiong thru channel to the Office of the
Bishop of Calbayog. This was fully supported by the Municipal Officials
headed by Hon. Francisco M. Langi Sr., Municipal Mayor.

then, Catholics of the Barangay worked hand in hand in the

construction of the Convent so that during Sunday masses there
Since could have a place for the Priest to rest on. Highest recognition
was given to the donors and benefactors of the convent during the ground
breaking ceremony and blessing with the full support of the Municipal
Council Officials and Barangay Officials.

there were masses done during Holy week, Misa de

Thenceforth, Gallo, monthly celebrations for the Patron Saints,

Sunday masses and others. But still the Calapinhon
Catholics still dreamed to be a Mission Center in order to have a Priest In-
charge that could serve the catholic believers of the Barangay anytime
without delay. Presently, there is an on-going construction of the church to
replace the old one and a cash on bank with the full supervision of the Parish
Priest of Motiong. Still the Calapinhon is longing for a priest that will guide
them spiritually, morally and especially in the planning, decision-making and
in the implementation of the catholic projects. They also believes that
through the Will of the Holy Spirit and the aid of the Patron Saint, St. Francis
of Assisi their dreams and aspirations will come true.