THE MUNICIPALITY OF ROSARIO BATANGAS has a vision statement with both "outward-looking" and "inward-looking" components, ten vision elements, and 25 success indicators. However, the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) 2016-2-2030, Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) 2016-2025, and Executive-Legislative Agenda (ELA) of 2020-2022 and 2022-2025 iterations do not provide clear descriptions of these elements. Therefore, we will present our interpretation of these vision elements in a series of posts, using the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, and CALABARZON Regional Development Plan (RDP): 2017-2022 Midterm Update as a guide. Our goal is to show how achieving these vision elements can improve the lives of the people of Rosario and lead to prosperity. This is the sixth post of a 25-part series.
TODAY, LET US TALK ABOUT HOW SPIRITUAL AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT is a crucial component of the vision statement of Rosario, Batangas, and how achieving this goal can lead to prosperity for the people of this community.
First of all, let's define what we mean by spiritual and cultural development. This encompasses a wide range of things, including the preservation of local traditions, the promotion of cultural diversity and inclusion, and the cultivation of personal values and beliefs.
Local historical narrative clearly indicates that formation of the town of Rosario is deep in spirituality and faith in God.
There was a time in its early history that a group of men, women, and children fled from the coast of Lobo to escape the pursuing Moros of the south. They recited the rosary for divine protection and settled in Kansahayan River in Hilerang Kawayan of Taysan, naming the area Rosario after their practice.
Due to the increasing Moro raids, the Dominican fathers relocated Rosario one league south of Lipa. The residents sought divine guidance and held a novena, relocating to the south bank of Tubig ng Bayan. This former town site became barrio Lumang Bayan and is presently the Municipality of Padre Garcia.
The original town site, Pinagbayanan, remains present in the form of street layouts, marketplaces, church sites, and cemeteries.
The officials noted the poor drainage and water supply of Rosario, and Don Melecio Bolaños planned to relocate the town to a more suitable site. Captain Ed H. Boughton discovered the ideal location at the southwest of Tombol Hill and, with the help of his fellow Americans and cooperation from the town's principal citizens, Rosario was planned. On June 9, 1902, the town's citizens met beside Tombol springs to formally reorganize the municipal government of Rosario (Note: For a more comprehensive discussion of the history of the Municipality of Rosario, please refer to the book authored by Mr. Conrado T. Reyes, Rosario of Batangas: Its Origin and Development).
Now, you may be wondering, how does this relate to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, and CALABARZON Regional Development Plan (RDP): 2017-2022 Midterm Update?
Well, it turns out that these goals all recognize the importance of cultural and spiritual development in promoting sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development. By embracing cultural diversity and promoting local traditions, we can foster social cohesion, strengthen community ties, and promote a sense of belonging among the people of Rosario.
Moreover, optimal spiritual and cultural development can help to promote human rights, social justice, and equal opportunities for all. By valuing diversity and promoting inclusion, we can create a society that is more tolerant, more accepting, and more equitable.
Finally, promoting spiritual and cultural development can also have important economic benefits. By showcasing local traditions and cultural practices, we can promote tourism and economic development, and create new opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
The municipality has a long-standing tradition of celebrating cultural events that reflect the values of its people. Every year on October 7th, Rosario observes its town fiesta, a special occasion that pays tribute to Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, the patron saint of the town.
During the Lenten season, the community comes together to commemorate Holy Week, a solemn and deeply meaningful celebration. The Penitensyahan ROSARIO is a major part of this event, where residents from different barangays join in parading giant mock-ups through the streets of Rosario. Many of the town's old-time residents also return home to participate in rituals such as Pabasa, never-ending processions, Stations of the Cross, the dance of the Virgins on Easter Sunday, and the salubong. These traditions serve as a poignant reminder of the town's rich cultural heritage and the enduring faith of its people.
WE BELIEVE that optimal spiritual and cultural development is a key component of the vision statement of Rosario, Batangas, and achieving this goal can have important social, economic, and cultural benefits for the people of this community. By embracing cultural diversity and promoting inclusion, we can create a society that is more sustainable, more equitable, and more prosperous for all.
No comments:
Post a Comment