From by “National Politics Viewed from Smokey Mountain” by Alex Bello Brilliantes Jr., in From Marcos to Aquino: Local Perspectives on Political Transition in the Philippines, edited by Benedict K. Kerkvliet and Resil B. Mojares, 1991, Ateneo de Manila University Press, Quezon City.
History of Smokey Mountain
Former barangay captain Isaias Dollente, 70 years old, who traces his roots to the area, says that it used to be a fishing village.” His own father supported his family by fishing in Manila Bay. Earlier settlers, too, were mostly fishermen; hence, the area was initially referred to as “Barrio Magdaragat.” Today, only a few fishermen remain. Dollente still vividly remembers the times when the area was all part of what is now referred to as Manila Bay. He also remembers President Manuel L. Quezon actually promising to give them the land where their houses stood.
According to Dollente, the owners of the area in the 1930s and 1940s were Tomas Cabangis and Simeon de Jesus. However, both Cabangis and de Jesus sold the land when they heard that President Quezon was going to turn it over to the squatters. Cabangis sold to a certain Mr. Green, an American, who converted the area into a subdivision. Simeon de Jesus sold his land to Ike and Berkin Cutter, also Americans, who likewise converted it into a subdivision. Consequently, the residents of the area—including the family of Dollente— had to leave. In his words, “Naitapon kami” (We were thrown away).
The Dollentes relocated to Navotas. After the Second World War, many people returned to the area that is now Barrio Magdaragat. They came upon the structures built by the Americans, referred to as “konset” (prefabricated portable quonset huts used by the occupying American forces in the Philippines). As their numbers grew, the people developed a community. Nothing symbolized this more than their project to build their own chapel. They also had electricity installed.
Dollente’s elder brother became the kapitan del baryo (barangay captain). During the administration of Mayor Arsenio Lacson of Manila, there was a threat to demolish the increasingly numerous squatter structures in Barrio Magdaragat. However, with the last-minute intervention of then President Macapagal, the planned demolition of the area was averted.
