By: Christian Bernard A. Melendez,
Senior Shrine Curator, Museo ng Katipunan-PMS

“Magbigay ayon sa kakayanan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan.”

This is the general adage of community pantries sprouting all over the country, the first of which was started by an ordinary citizen in Quezon City. Known as the Maginhawa Community Pantry, this concept of bayanihan is an impressive selfless action, adapted and imitated by many individuals (and in some cases, outside of the country).

This act shows the positive culture we Filipinos have. As the motto implies, Filipinos should only get what he needs and deserves–an indication of our generous virtue. And at the same time, the spirit of bayanihan and altruism is reflected in the magbigay part, of which giving is emphasized as voluntary and according to your capacity.

This Filipino virtue is widespread in our history’s annals. During the revolution of 1896 and succeeding struggles, many sympathetic Filipinos, whether active participants in the revolution or not, freely contributed their wealth to the cause. Regardless if they lose financial stability and gain the ire of Spaniards and/or their enemies, they did this in the pursuit of freedom and independence. 

Here are some individuals who made significant contributions of their resources in the quest for independence.

Pearl Divers, Lottery Winners: Candido Iban & Francisco del Castillo

Candido Iban and Francisco del Castillo were pearl divers in Australia before they joined the Katipunan. Iban hailed from Lilo-an, Malinao, Aklan while del Castillo was from Bantayan, Cebu. They crossed paths in Manila, both bound for Australia to work. In the Down Under, they seemingly found a valuable pearl since they won in the lottery with a ₱1,000.00 prize.

They travelled back to Manila with their winnings and met on board their ship, Procopio Bonifacio, who has shared to them the ideals of the Katipunan. In Manila, the two pearl divers promptly joined the Katipunan.

At this point, the Katipunan planned to buy a printing press for the secret society’s pamphlets and documents. Knowing the group’s lack of funds, the two men donated part of their savings and their winnings to buy the press at the Bazar El Cisne. Though the machine lacked parts, Iban and del Castillo’s donation greatly helped in the procurement of the printing press.

Afterwards, they were tasked to go back to Panay and spread the ideals of the Katipunan. Del Castillo went ahead while Iban followed later. Both were successful in establishing the Katipunan on Panay, but when the revolution broke out, Francisco del Castillo was unfortunately shot dead while attempting to meet with officials in Kalibo. Iban, who was travelling to Kalibo to join del Castillo, was arrested and imprisoned. Soon, General Ricardo Monet issued an ersatz amnesty to encourage revolutionaries to surrender. Many capitulated but were still imprisoned. On 23 March 1897, after being selected, Candido and his brother Benito, were executed by firing squad. Today, they are known as the 19 Martyrs of Aklan.  

The large sum of money earned by Candido Iban and Francisco del Castillo would have made their lives comfortable, but their personal wellbeing cannot provide the same comfort that freedom can offer.

Emilio Jacinto

As one of the recognizable figures of the Katipunan, nobody will surely forget Emilio Jacinto’s role as one of the organization’s prime movers. He was highly intelligent and active and, as a result, rose steadily in the Katipunan hierarchy. Jacinto’s concern for the Katipunan’s needs was evident when he secured ₱20.00 from his mother to buy the additional parts for the printing press acquired through Iban and del Castillo’s donation. The acquisition of typesets were needed to print the pages of Ang Kalayaan. Jacinto borrowed the needed amount, which, at that time was considerable. Through his efforts, the Katipunan was able to print and distribute its sole periodical.

A Pharmacist Giving Aid to the Katipunan 

Feliciano Jocson was a Katipunero and pharmacist who earned his degree at the University of Sto. Tomas around 1895. In 1897, he established his own pharmacy in Escolta. Clandestine meetings of the Katipunan took place in his shop, and he used his personal finances to propagate the ideals of the Katipunan.

After the death of Bonifacio, he became an emissary to purchase arms abroad for the revolutionaries. He continued fighting against the Spaniards despite the signing of the Pact the Biak-na-bato, which he refused to recognize. Deemed an enemy, General Pio del Pilar issued an order for Jocson’s arrest. He was later apprehended by fellow revolutionaries in Laguna, but died mysteriously while under the custody of Gen. Pio del Pilar.

Teresa Magbanua

Christened the Joan of Arc of Visayas, Teresa Magbanua was probably the only Filipino who fought and participated in three major conflicts in the country. Her participation in the fight for freedom started with her insistence to join revolutionaries in Aklan. Though hesitant, her brothers and uncle, who were all revolutionaries, allowed her to join. Subsequently, she displayed her capabilities as a fighter, gaining the respect and admiration of her peers. Her crusade continued with the arrival of the Americans, but with the eventual capture or surrender of the revolutionary leaders, Teresa Magbanua disbanded her group and settled peacefully.

In World War II, Magbanua supported the guerrilla movement, selling her personal belongings to acquire food and supplies for guerrilla forces. With the death of her husband, she also sold their conjugal property in Iloilo to augment the finances of the guerrilla movement. After the war, she settled in Pagadian, Zamboanga with her sister until her death in August 1947.

A true patriot, Teresa Magbanua was unhesitant in sacrificing her material possessions, since freedom was an incomparable wealth that she longed for.

Apolonio Samson

Few details are known about Apolonio Samson’s life. Nevertheless, his generosity was remarkable and recorded in the documents of Katipunan history. He was a teniente, who headed a Katipunan branch in Novaliches, and a farmer.

When the Katipunan was discovered, suspected members were arrested and those who fortunately evaded capture, fled to his property in Kangkong. Samson hospitably cared for his fellow Katipuneros by providing food and shelter while discussions on the Katipunan’s subsequent actions were conducted. He actively participated in the revolution even after Bonifacio’s death, but was imprisoned in 1904. To honor his memory, a barangay in Quezon City and a street in Caloocan City were named after him.

Mother and Son Duo: Melchora Aquino and Juan Ramos

The Katipuneros gathered in Apolonio Samson’s farm swelled and needed to be fed. Fears that authorities may become suspicious of the growing crowd were rife. Through the invitation of Juan A. Ramos and his mother Melchora Aquino, the Katipuneros trekked to Ramos’s larger and secluded farm.

The Katipunan’s meetings resumed in the backyard of Ramos’s home the members agreed to start the revolt. Despite their inadequate weapons, the Katipuneros were determined to proceed with the uprising. Melchora ‘Tandang Sora’ Aquino supported the revolt by supplying the revolutionists with rice and cattle for food. She also cared for the Katipuneros wounded during the skirmish with Spanish troops.

Her efforts came with a steep price. Even though warned by Bonifacio to leave and take refuge elsewhere, she was detained by Spanish authorities. Hoping to get information, Tandang Sora firmly resisted divulging the Katipunan’s secrets despite threats against her. Consequently, she was deported to Guam and only returned to the country in 1903, after the United States established its colonial rule in the Philippines.

The revolution ends but the generosity continues

These individuals mentioned are a fraction of Filipinos who unselfishly committed themselves and their resources to advance aspirations for independence. Heroes of subsequent generations have followed this mold, strongly advocating for nationalistic causes. Filipino generosity is a genuine virtue that would continue on in our nation’s identity and will never fade. In disasters, natural or otherwise, we take initiative to help others—denying recognition and fanfare for ourselves, risking our lives and wellbeing for the sake of our countrymen and the good of the nation.

Sources:

The Revolt of the Masses: The Story of Bonifacio and the Katipunan, 2^nd edition; Teodoro Agoncillo

The Light of Liberty: Documents and Studies on the Katipunan, 1892-1897; Jim Richardson

Candido Iban:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9c6mrxI4zoYeTQyMlZqQ0lmUkU/view

Francisco del Castillo:
http://nhcp.gov.ph/nhcp-unveils-francisco-del-castillo-and-labingsiyam-na-martir-ng-aklan-historical-markers/

Feliciano Jocson (Hokson) (Jokson)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9c6mrxI4zoYZi03TGdOWVc3aDQ/view

Teresa Magbanua:
https://philippineamericanwar.webs.com/thewarinthevisayas.htm

Melchora Aquino:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9c6mrxI4zoYSU1UOGFPSHhxNTQ/view

WHEREAS, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines Bids and Awards Committee (NHCP-BAC) invited companies to submit their expression of interest to bid for the project NHCP Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) with a total Approved Budget Cost (ABC) of Two Million, One Hundred Thousand Pesos Only (PHP 2,100,000.00) through its advertisements on PhilGEPS, and on notices posted at the NHCP premises and at the NHCP Website on 28 May – 03 June 2021;

WHEREAS, no eligibility requirements (Class ‘A’ Documents) were submitted before the 08 June 2021 deadline for shortlisting;

WHEREAS, Section 35.1(A) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9184 (the Government Procurement Reform Act) states that the BAC shall declare the bidding a failure when no bids are received;

NOW THEREFORE, upon unanimous decision and approval of the NHCP-BAC during its 08 June 2021 deliberation, be it

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the bidding for the project NHCP Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) be declared a failure. Consequently, the BAC shall conduct a negotiated procurement for the project.  

Approved this 08 June 2021:

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WHEREAS, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines Bids and Awards Committee (NHCP-BAC) invited companies to bid for the Restoration of Saint John the Baptist Parish Church (Repair Works) in Bato, Catanduanes, with a total Approved Budget Cost (ABC) of Four Million, Nine Hundred Sixty-Six Thousand, Nine Hundred Fifty Pesos and 70/100 (₱ 4,966,950.70) through its advertisements on PhilGEPS, and on notices posted at the NHCP premises and the NHCP Website on 27 January to 03 February 2021 (1^st Posting), on 26 March to 01 April 2021 (2^nd Posting), and twice through direct invitation thereafter;

WHEREAS, said project had previously undergone three competitive biddings, the third one via direct invitation, which were all declared as failures due to non-responsiveness of bids submitted;

WHEREAS, among five prospective bidders invited by the NHCP-BAC, three companies, namely (1) Duamon Construction and Supply, (2) LCM Light Control Machine and Board Enterprises, and (3) Dangli Toping Builders expressed their interest and submitted bids for the project;

WHEREAS, their submitted bids were opened on 28 May 2021, 1:30 PM at the NHCP Boardroom;

WHEREAS, upon opening of their submitted bids by the NHCP-BAC on 28 May 2021, the three bidders, all of which were determined as compliant with all criteria for post-qualification, have submitted the following bid prices:

1. Duamon Construction & Supply:             ₱ 4,906,150.09
2. LCM Light Control Machine & Board: ₱ 4,512,367.32           
3. Dangli-Toping Builders: ₱ 4,872,063.53

WHEREAS, following evaluation and post-qualification, LCM Light Control Machine & Board Enterprises submitted the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid with the amount of Four Million, Five Hundred Twelve Thousand, Three Hundred Sixty-Three pesos and 32/100 (₱ 4,512,363.32), adjusted (less ₱ 4.00) from the original bid quotation in their submitted financial proposal, which is most advantageous to the government.

NOW THEREFORE, upon unanimous decision and approval of the NHCP-BAC during its 03 June 2021 deliberation, be it

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the contract for the project Restoration of Saint John the Baptist Parish Church (Repair Works) in Bato, Catanduanes (2^nd Direct Invitation) be awarded to LCM Light Control Machine and Board Enterprises for the amount of Four Million, Five Hundred Twelve Thousand, Three Hundred Sixty-Three pesos 32/100 (₱ 4,512,363.32)

Approved this 03 June 2021:

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Notice is hereby given on the postponement of the deadline of submission of eligibility requirements and the scheduled shortlisting of the following project, as well as the revised and updated schedule, to wit:

The postponement is to give way for the conduct of the NHCP’s Strategic Planning on the 4^th and 7^th of June, 2021.

For the guidance and information of all concerned.

ROSARIO V. SAPITAN
BAC Chairperson

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1. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), through the General Appropriations Act 2021 intends to apply the sum of Php 2,100,000.00 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for NHCP Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at the opening of the financial proposals.
2. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) now calls for the submission of eligibility documents for NHCP Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS). Eligibility documents of interested consultants must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat on or before 4 June 2021, 9:30 A.M. at Records Section, Ground Floor, NHCP Building, T.M. Kalaw Street Ermita, Manila. Applications for eligibility will be evaluated based on a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion.
3. Interested bidders may obtain further information from National Historical Commission of the Philippines and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
4. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 7 June 2021 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Php 5,000.00. It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.
5. The BAC shall draw up the short list of consultants from those who have submitted Expression of Interest, including the eligibility documents, and have been determined as eligible in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The short list shall consist of at least three prospective bidders who will be entitled to submit bids. The criteria and rating system for short listing are:

 The minimum standard to pass is Seventy Percent (70%)

6. Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the IRR of RA 9184.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

7. The Procuring Entity shall evaluate bids using the Quality Based Evaluation/Selection (QBE/QBS) The criteria and rating system for the evaluation of bids shall be provided in the Instructions to Bidders.
8. The contract shall be completed within ninety (90) calendar days. 
9. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.
10. For further information, please refer to:
    Carolle Adrianne Manalastas
    BAC Secretariat
    National Historical Commssion of the Philippines
    T.M. Kalaw Street Ermita, Manila
    Telephone number: 5335-1212
    Fax number: 8536-3181
    Email address: bacnhcp2020@gmail.com

ROSARIO V. SAPITAN
BAC Chairperson

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Notice is hereby given on the postponement of the scheduled opening of bids of the following project as well as the revised schedule, to wit:

The deadline for submission of bids remains at the same time (9:30 AM), after which the BAC Secretariat shall take custody of the submitted bids for safekeeping until the new scheduled time of opening.

For the guidance and information of all concerned.

ROSARIO V. SAPITAN
BAC Chairperson

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On 26 May 2021, we will mark the 200^th birth anniversary of Jose Felipe Del-Pan, a man who contributed to the genesis of Philippine studies. Although he was born a Spaniard, he deserves the recognition of Filipinos for his pioneering work.

To honor Del-Pan’s memory, the National Quincentennial Committee will launch a new edition of Nascent Philippine Studies in the Life and Labor of José Felipe Del-Pan, 1821-1891 by Dr. Lino Dizon, NHCP commissioner and head of the Tarlac State University (TSU) Center for Tarlaqueño Studies. It was first published in 2009.

Jose Felipe Del-Pan, from La Ilustracion Filipina, 7 December 1891
COURTESY OF DR. LINO DIZON

Who was Jose Felipe Del-Pan?

Jose Felipe Del-Pan was born on 26 May 1821 to Jacobo Pan and Maria Antonia Cotrina in A Coruña, Galicia, Spain. He entered the Royal Academy of Naval Engineers in the City of Ferrol to pursue a naval career but was forced to leave school when his father died.

Around 1853 and 1855, Del-Pan went to the Philippines, in which he stayed for almost four decades and produced numerous articles that provided a deeper understanding of Philippine society in the 19^th century—a testament to his genuine affection and interest for the country.

Del-Pan worked as secretary to the office of the Governor-General of the Philippines where he was promoted from 1857 to 1865. He also served as secretary of the Board of Trustees which oversaw the maintenance of the Manila Botanical Garden, now known as the Mehan Garden beside the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.

Del-Pan had a long career in the field of journalism in the country, earning him the title “Decano de la Prensa de Filipinas” (Dean of the Philippine Press). He presented the socio-political and cultural development in the Philippines through his articles in Diario de Manila (1860-1877), Revista de Filipinas (1875-1877), and La Oceania Española (1877-1891) in which he took charge of the publications’ editorship. He made an effort to republish important works about the administration and economy of the country.

Influenced by a growing interest in Spain, Del-Pan encouraged the documentation of folklore in the Philippines. On 25 March 1884, he issued a call for articles on the life-ways, traditions, and folklore in the La Oceania Española. This eventually led to the publication of  El Folk-lore Filipino by Isabelo de los Reyes, a writer for Del-Pan’s Oceania. Published in two volumes (1889 and 1890), it contained articles on Ilocano folklore by de los Reyes, death practices by Miguel Zaragoza, Bulaqueño folklore by Mariano Ponce, Pampango folklore by Pedro Serrano Laktaw, and Tayabeño folklore by Pio Mondragon.

Del-Pan died on 23 November 1891. Many prolific writers such as Wenceslao Retana paid tribute to his various contributions to the study of the Philippines. His love for the Philippines lived on with his son, Rafael del Pan. He served as an ambassador of the Philippines to the United States during the First Republic, and co-founder of the Nacionalista Party which campaigned for Philippine independence under the American colonial dispensation.

WHEREAS, The National Historical Commission of the Philippines Bids and Awards Committee (NHCP-BAC) invited qualified companies to bid for the project Procurement of 102 units Office Productivity Suite Software, with an Approved Budget Cost (ABC) of One Million, Four Hundred Twenty-Eight Thousand Pesos only (₱ 1,428,000.00) through its advertisements on PhilGEPS, and via notices posted at the NHCP premises and at the NHCP website on 23-30 April 2021;

WHEREAS, two companies, namely (1) Unison Computer Systems Inc. and (2) First DataCorp have signified their interest to participate and submitted their technical and financial proposals accordingly;

WHEREAS, upon opening of their submitted bids by the NHCP-BAC on 17 May 2021, the two bidders, both of which were determined as compliant with respect to their technical and financial proposals, have submitted the following bid prices:

• Unison Computer Systems             ₱ 784,176.00
• First DataCorp                                  ₱ 834,054.00

WHEREAS, following post-qualification, Unison Computer Systems Inc. submitted the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid with the amount of Seven Hundred Eighty-Four Thousand, One Hundred Seventy-Six Pesos only (₱ 784,176.00)

NOW THEREFORE, upon unanimous decision and approval of the NHCP-BAC during its 17 May 2021 deliberation, be it

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the project contract for the Procurement of 102 units Office Productivity Suite Software be awarded to Unison Computer Systems Inc. with the amount of Seven Hundred Eighty-Four Thousand, One Hundred Seventy-Six Pesos only (₱ 784,176.00).

Approved this 17 May 2021:

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WHEREAS, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines Bids and Awards Committee (NHCP-BAC) invited companies to submit bids for the project Procurement of ICT Equipment (CY 2021) with a total Approved Budget Cost (ABC) of Seven Million, Six Hundred Sixty Thousand Pesos Only (PHP 7,660,000.00) through its advertisements on PhilGEPS and on notices posted at the NHCP premises and at the NHCP Website on 23-30 April 2021;

WHEREAS, no bids were received before the 17 May 2021 deadline;

WHEREAS, Section 35 (A) of Republic Act No. 9184 (the Government Procurement Reform Act) states that the BAC shall declare the bidding a failure when no bids are received.

NOW THEREFORE, upon unanimous decision and approval of the NHCP-BAC during its 17 May 2021 deliberation, be it

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the bidding for the project Procurement of ICT Equipment (CY 2021) be declared a failure. Consequently, the BAC shall conduct a re-bidding and reposting of said project.

Approved this 17 May 2021:

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WHEREAS, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines Bids and Awards Committee (NHCP-BAC) invited companies to bid for the Provision of Termite, Wood Borer and Pest Control Treatment for 27 NHCP Museums with a total Approved Budget Cost (ABC) of One Million, Three Hundred Sixty-Six Thousand Pesos only (₱ 1,366,000.00) through its advertisements on PhilGEPS and on notices posted at the NHCP premises and the NHCP Website on 21-28 April 2021;

WHEREAS, only one (1) company, namely Power House Pest Control Services, have signified their interest to participate in the bidding and submitted their technical and financial proposals accordingly;

WHEREAS, their submitted bid was opened on 14 May 2021, 9:30 AM, at the NHCP Central Office in Manila, with duly-authorized representatives observing the proceedings via online videoconferencing;  

WHEREAS, after passing all criteria for post-qualification, Power House Pest Control Services submitted the Single Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid with the amount of One Million, Three Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand, Seven Hundred Seventy-Seven Pesos only (₱ 1,365,777.00).

NOW THEREFORE, upon unanimous decision and approval of the NHCP-BAC during its 17 May 2021 deliberation, be it

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the bidding for the project the Provision of Termite, Wood Borer and Pest Control Treatment for 27 NHCP Museums be awarded to Power House Pest Control Services with the amount of One Million, Three Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand, Seven Hundred Seventy-Seven Pesos only (₱ 1,365,777.00)

Approved this 17 May 2021:

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WHEREAS, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines Bids and Awards Committee (NHCP-BAC) invited companies to bid for the Restoration of Saint John the Baptist Parish Church (Repair Works) in Bato, Catanduanes, with a total Approved Budget Cost (ABC) of Four Million, Nine Hundred Sixty-Six Thousand, Nine Hundred Fifty Pesos and 70/100 (P 4,966,950.70) through its advertisements on PhilGEPS, a newspaper of general circulation, and on notices posted at the NHCP premises and the NHCP Website on 27 January to 03 February 2021 (1^st Posting), on 26 March to 01 April 2021 (2^nd Posting), and through direct invitation thereafter;

WHEREAS, only one (1) company, Duamon Construction and Supply, expressed interest and submitted a bid for the project;

WHEREAS, their submitted bid was opened on 7 May 2021, 9:00 AM at the NHCP Boardroom;

WHEREAS, upon post-qualification and further evaluation of their financial proposal, it was found that Duamon Construction and Supply did not provide complete estimates on some items in their submitted budgetary cost estimates and bill of quantities and materials, thus, their submitted bid was considered non-responsive.

NOW THEREFORE, upon unanimous decision and approval of the NHCP-BAC during its 14 May 2021 deliberation, be it

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the bidding for the project Restoration of Saint John the Baptist Parish Church (Repair Works) in Bato, Catanduanes (3^rd Posting) be declared a failure. Consequently, the BAC shall conduct a negotiated procurement for the project.

Approved this 14 May 2021:

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This Bid Bulletin is issued to modify, amend or clarify items in the issued Bidding Documents for the project:

1. Provision of Termite, Wood Borer and Pest Control Treatment for 27 NHCP Museums

Please be informed of the following information and clarifications:

1. The respective measurements of floor and lot areas of the 27 NHCP Museums for pest control treatment application are as follows:

2. The requirement of a certificate of accreditation from a duly-recognized trade association of exterminators and pest control operators in the Philippines as stated in ITB Clause 20.2 (Other appropriate licenses and permits required by Law) in the Bid Data Sheet is

For the guidance of all concerned.

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