by Albert Vincent F. Barretto, Museum Researcher II
Museo ni Jose Rizal Dapitan
When the term “living witness” comes to mind, we often envision an elderly human eagerly anticipating our interview. However, in Dapitan, a remarkable living witness to Rizal’s life in exile exists in the form of a tree known as the Baluno.
On 17 July 1892, Jose Rizal found himself in Dapitan, Mindanao, after being exiled as a consequence of his political ideas and writings, as imposed by the Spanish authorities. Merely two months following his arrival, in September 1892, Rizal achieved a notable victory in the form of ₱6,200. This sum was his rightful 1/3 share from the ₱20,000 second prize awarded by the Philippine National Lottery, also known as Loteria Nacional Filipina. Utilizing a portion of his winnings, Rizal made a wise investment by purchasing 16 hectares of land in Sitio Talisay, located north of the town proper of Dapitan. With great care, he oversaw the management of his land, diligently cultivating crops and maintaining the existing trees on the property. In a letter to his brother-in-law, Manuel T. Hidalgo, dated 8 February 1893, Rizal wrote:
I am clearing [my land] in order to sow rice and corn. My land, which is called here Talisay but has no talisay tree of any worth, is looking for a name. I am thinking of calling it Balunó or Bauno on account of a large tree with this name that grows there.
The majestic Baluno tree, referenced by Rizal, is a remarkable specimen known scientifically as Mangifera Caesia and belongs to the mango genus. Positioned in front of Rizal’s residence in Dapitan, this fruit-bearing tree commands attention with its grandeur. It serves as a picturesque backdrop, overlooking Rizal’s house and adding a touch of natural beauty to his abode in Dapitan. In Rizal’s letter dated 19 December 1893, he mentioned the Baluno tree to his best friend Ferdinand Blumentritt, a foremost Austrian scholar on Philippine studies; Rizal described:
From my house I hear the murmur of a crystalline rivulet that comes from the high rocks. I see the beach, the sea where I have two small crafts – two canoes or barotos, as they call them here. I have many fruit trees – mangoes, lanzone, guayabanos, baluno, nanka, etc. I have rabbits, dogs, cats, etc.
On 31 July 1896, Jose Rizal bid farewell to Dapitan, leaving behind a significant chapter of his life. Tragically, merely five months later, Rizal met his martyrdom in Manila, where he was executed by the Spanish authorities on 30 December 1896. As a result, Rizal’s property in Dapitan was seized by the Spanish government. In 1910, Rizal’s former property underwent a transformation, being converted into a park that sought to commemorate his legacy. This park gained further recognition when President Manuel Quezon declared it a national park in 1940. Recognizing its historical significance, President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. elevated the park to the status of a national shrine in 1973. Furthermore, in the year 2000, the park’s protected area was extended, ensuring its preservation for future generations to appreciate and honor the memory of Jose Rizal.
Rizal’s original house in Dapitan fell into disrepair and lay in ruins, as it remained uninhabited following Rizal’s departure from the area. However, in anticipation of Rizal’s birth centennial anniversary in 1961, the house was reconstructed in the late 1950s. This restoration aimed to honor Rizal’s memory and provided a fitting tribute to his life and achievements. In contrast, the Baluno tree continues to stand proudly, serving as a silent witness to the tranquil existence Rizal experienced during his time in Dapitan. It patiently awaits the opportunity to reveal the untold stories and unwritten chapters of the hero’s life. The Baluno tree has garnered fame among tourists and tree enthusiasts alike and is affectionately known as the “Century-Old Baluno Tree” of Rizal Shrine Dapitan.
At present, the Baluno tree stands at an impressive height of approximately 30 meters (98 feet) and boasts a diameter breast height of around 5.20 meters (17.08 feet). With estimated ages ranging between 150 to 170 years old, the Centurly-Old Baluno Tree truly represents a living natural heritage, symbolizing Rizal’s life in exile and his enduring legacy.
The Century-Old Baluno Tree as of 14 June 2023
NHCP ALBERT VINCENT F. BARRETTO
Photo of the Century-Old Baluno Tree as of 14 June 2023
Standing beside of the tree for scale is Mr. Albert Vincent F. Barretto (6ft),
Museum Researcher of NHCP Museo ni Jose Rizal Dapitan.
PHOTO BY GARY OROS
Archival photo of the Century-Old Baluno Tree (encircled) taken from the magazine of Lands Journal, November-December 1952 issue.
GEORGE ASENIERO
Photo of the Century-Old Baluno Tree as of 22 June 2023 from the same vantage point of the Lands Journal, November-December 1952 issue taken from Rizal’s residential house in Dapitan.
NHCP ALBERT VINCENT F. BARRETTO
References:
__________, Letters Between Rizal and Family Members 1876 – 1896. Manila: National Historical Institute, 1993.
__________, The Rizal-Blumentritt Correspondence. Manila: Jose Rizal National Centennial Commission. 1961.
Proclamation No. 616, s. 1940: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1940/09/03/proclamation-no-616-s-1940/ (retrieved 18 Aug 2021)
Presidential Decree No. 105, s. 1973: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1973/01/24/presidential-decree-no-105-s-1973/ (retrieved 18 Aug 2021)
Proclamation No. 279, s. 2000: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2000/04/23/proclamation-no-279-s-2000/ (retrieved 18 Aug 2021)