:: Municipality of Sebaste ::
Like every beginning, the birth
of Sebaste as a Municipality was not without labor pains. In various trying
moments, Sebaste as last barrio to the south of its mother town, Pandan, had to
wade through the �sling and arrow� of politics. But the determined will of the
people withstood the litmus test.
Doubtless the creation of the Municipality of Sebaste in 1964 marked the triumph of Sebastehanons in their quest to be free-to chart the course of their town�s destiny and the future of their children. For it was on September 26, 1964 by virtue of Executive Order 99 issued by President Diosdado Macapagal when the Municipality of Sebaste was created. This was taken as the fruit of a dedication and sacrifice, perseverance and wisdom of elders, like Valentine Lomugdang, Perfecto and Honorato delos Reyes, Dionesio Peralta, Domingo Antonio and Juan dela Cruz who did all the paper work, sustained by Manila-based Sebastehanons like Benito Galido who later became the first appointed Mayor of Sebaste, Pablo Azucena, Anacleto Vallehermosa, Isabelo Dionela and Salvador delos Reyes, to mention a few.
The existence of the municipality, however, was short-lived. Barely had it started the difficult process of organizing, when in 1965, with the changed of Administration, Executive Order 99 was nullified. This put to a test the determined will of Sebastehanons to regain the lost status. Thus, finally, relentless efforts of following up, lobbying and representations with Congressman Jose Fornier, Sebaste became a full pledge Municipality by virtue of the law in 1966. To Sebastehanons, however the existence of Sebaste started in 1964. It is now on its thirtieth year.
Sebaste is a sixth-class municipality deriving most of its income from fishery and agriculture. The incomes of these families are augmented by income derived from small backyard venture like duck raising, piggery, poultry, and vegetable raising. Most of the families, however, are sustained from support of their children who are now working and residing abroad like Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and London.
Like all other small municipalities, its development is limited. It, however, counts as its many small achievements, the establishments of St. Blaise High School, with Fr. Eugenio Daberto as the founder (who also was instrumental in getting employment for Filipino women abroad) the establishment of Sebaste Rural Bank, a public market, the newly renovated Town Hall, a municipal health center, a slaughterhouse, a beautiful plaza known as Fr. Eugenio Daberto Memorial Park at the Poblacion. This plaza was recently turned over to the foundation based in Austria known as Fr. Eugenio Daberto Memorial Foundation (EDABEM). On its present state, it boasts of a distinctively unique design. Collaboratively, the officials and the people hope to develop small cottage industries, like wood and bamboo furniture, welding craft, embroidery, fish and fruit preserves, brick making and native crafts.
Given top priority for sourcing of funds are concreting of all the streets in the Poblacion, the development of Igpasungaw resort as a tourist spot, spring development in the barangays, strengthening of cooperatives throughout the municipality, sustenance of livelihood projects, strengthening of Non-government Agencies (NGA), Non-government Organizations (NGOs), and People�s Organizations (POs), and involvement of all sectors in economic and cultural activities of the community. The odds to progress especially for poor and small communities are great. Sebastehanons are cognizant of these odds. But given time and the needed support, it shall move forward. With dignity, SEBASTE shall rise.
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