Balakilong Laurel, Batangas

Laurel is a 4th class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines.

According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 27,604 people in 5,153
households. This is named after Miguel Laurel (The first Laurel).

The Story of Miguel Laurel

Three years of genealogical research have enabled the Laurel family to trace
their ancestry to a scion of the Sultanate of Brunei in the 15th century before the
coming of the Spaniards to the Philippines.

The Sultan’s eldest and heir had refused the throne because he loved to explore,
travel, and seeking adventures. His name is Gat Masungit, a prince, and an
appellation that bespeaks a touchy temper.

And instead of accepting his father’s throne he had decamped from Brunei with
his partisans and they had sailed off the islands that would later be known as the
Philippines. The sultan was disappointed because Gat Masungit had all qualities
to make a great leader.

First they landed in Panay where Gat Masungit founded the town of Batan. (The
people of Batan today still celebrate that foundation with a ritual frolic and dance
known as ATI-ATIHAN). Then he crossed over to Luzon, where they settled in
the southern realm they called Batang-an, and which we know today as
Batangas.

In Batangas, Gat Masungit begot his first son, Gat Leynes. Of course this clan
folk were Muslim-until the coming of the Spaniards when the eldest son of Gat
Leynes was baptized with a Christian name of Miguel Dela Cruz. Miguel grew up
to be a fierce foe of the Spanish invaders. People looked up to him as a leader,
the champion of their rights against the greed of their oppressors. He became a
notorious outlaw and an enemy of the Spaniards. Old age came upon him and a
desire to retire from war and strife. But how could he retire when his people still
clung to his leadership?

Miguel pondered for ways to escape his violent life. His wife suggested that he
ask the priest for help. “What?” roared the descendant of Gat Masungit. “How
can a man in skirt help me?” he repeated. His wife calmly urged Miguel.

One moonless night Miguel went to seek the priest of Taal to expound his
problem. Here he was willing to lay down his arms. He poured out his violent
ways against injustice of the Spanish conquerors. No matter where he went
people would seek Miguel to champion their cause and the Spaniards search for
his disposal. The priest gently put his hand on Miguel’s shoulder and said, “Why
not change your name”. Miguel had a puzzling look in his face and said, “Which
name should I take padre?” The priest paused for a few seconds and answered,
“Why not take the name Laurel… it means honor live the life of honor Miguel
Laurel.” Henceforth the first Laurel had come to be.

Barangays

Laurel is politically subdivided into 21 barangays.

As-Is Balakilong Berinayan
Bugaan East Bugaan West Buso-Buso
Dayap Itaas Gulod Leviste
Molinete Niyugan Paliparan
 Poblacion 1 Poblacion 2 Poblacion 3
Poblacion 4 Poblacion 5 San Gabriel
San Gregorio Santa Maria Ticub

History of Balakilong

The word or the name “Balakilong” has no meaning at all. In the history of the
barangay, we would know why it is called “Balakilong”. Before there was a
foreigner who visited the land, he asked what is the name of the bamboo-like
abaka that they use on creating or building roof of the houses, the people say it is
called “Balakil” and the foreigner said, “Oh! Balakil so long.” The people
pronounce, “Balakil-long” and it became the name of the barangay / community.

Barangay Profile

The community is composed of different groups where in every group has a big
where in every group as a big role in the community. This group is the family,
barangay officials, teachers, and health care givers. These groups are one of the
sectors that picture out what a community is.

Demographic

The community has a total population of 800-900 persons. Where it is said to be

a rural area and composed of both sexes, the morbidity rate of the community as
of 2006-2007 is 0.01% and a mortality rate of 0.05%, for infant mortality it is
0.01% and for maternal mortality rate is 0.01%. Migration of other norms, or
group is consistent through marriage factor that deals with the increasing number
of population of Balakilong, Laurel, Batangas.

Environmental Factors

The community is surrounded with trees, grass and other form of green plants
that is beneficial to the people of the community. As of now the community is
improving the physical outcome of the community, where the barangay
officials provide adequate lighting of the road. The community is close to the
mountains that might add to the hazards if natural calamities may occur. It
also follows clean and green program.

Social Status

People in the community socialize through gatherings even in a simple way

because almost all of them know each other so they don’t have the resistance
feedback when approaching or being approached by the same people in the
community. They usually go to church every Sunday and families there celebrate
occasions in their own simple way.

Political Status

Barangay Captain Domingo T. Tenorio governs the community in such a way to

maintain balance. Peace and is a must in every community so in times they rove
with the barangay tanods or volunteers to see if people there are safe.

Economical Status

Means of livelihood in the community:

Driving – driving tricycles, jeepneys, etc.
Fishing – culturing of tilapia
Cultural Status

Like other communities, they don’t have unusual cultural practices. They
celebrate their Feast of Saint every year in respect to Catholicism and they
attend to masses usually every Sunday.

Educational Status

As we observed there are many children attending the pre-school, elementary,

and high-school level. Some college students study in Tanauan College Institute
or in Manila.

Environmental Status

The community is both in a hill and seaside because it will be seen in between
hills and the Taal Lake. Like every province, the community is free from pollution
and has a nice air because it is not yet industrialized.