Magsingal Virtual Plaza: Salomague

by Mario Ugalino
(as published 3 years ago in MVP)

With our parents at the Sakada Monument at Port Salomague

On a nice sunny day, the 15th of December 2009, almost 64 years after our Dad Epifanio Ugalino left Port Salomague for Hawaii, we took him to see the newly erected Sakada Monument at Port Salomague. This monument is a tribute to the 6000 migrant workers (mostly Ilocanos) who would work for the sugar cane and pineapple plantations in Hawaii, and they were called Sakadas. Our Dad was one of them. Therefore, he is a Sakada himself and living in Bussawit, Magsingal.

The monument donated by former State Rep of Hawaii Jun Abinsay and his wife, Dr Abinsay of Honolulu, who originally hails from Vigan of the great province of Ilocos Sur. Also last month, the Mayor of Honolulu, Mufi Hannemann also visited the monument, which to me is a symbol of hard work, determination and love of family. Without the Sakadas, I believe many families like mine would have different lifestyles now. Their sacrifices for the sake of their families are irreplaceable and we would not forget their sacrifices for the rest of our lives.

That particular day when the first batch left Port Salomague, was on January, 1946, right after World War II ended. The Philippines then was still on fresh devastation from the brutal occupations of Japans Imperial Army by killing millions of Filipinos. The Philippines was destroyed completely. The economy was ruined. Thus living conditions at the Ilocos Region at that time was harsh. And because of that, many young men decided to migrate to places like Hawaii and Califorrnia. Hawaii was still a Territory of the US then and not a State.

Our father was one of the 6000 Sakadas who was brave enough to leave our Mom and an 8 months old brother. SS Maunawili was the name of the ship that would travel to the Port of Salomague to pick the migrant workers (sakadas) to Hawaii. Altogether, the ship returned 5 more times after the first one since it could only accommodate 1000 migrant workers per trip. Our Dad was in the first batch with his three best friends from San Clemente. All of them passed away now. I want to mention their names here as a tribute to them and their families. ELPIDIO ARELLANO, FLORENCIO BIDALLING ULIBAS AND SILVERIO PASCUA. The monument is also a tribute to my Mom, EXUPERIA “Siping” who raised three sons by herself (with the help of our grandparents) while our Sakada father was away. Frankly speaking, I missed my father growing up. Therefore, I was so emotional visiting this monument also.

Since his retirement in 1985 and living in Magsingal not far from Port Salomague, he never wanted to visit Port Salomague. And we did not know why. It maybe too emotional for him to visit that place then. But he finally agreed last Tuesday to go and see the Sakada Monument. The Port of Salomague is about five minutes drive from the National Highway off Cabugao town proper. The road going there is good and cemented all the way to the pantalan. We passed through some winding roads. Dad may have been reminiscing on that time. He said “A truck delivered us from Vigan where they confined us for weeks until we left to go to the Port”. He said they climbed a cargo net to get to the ship because that was the only way to get up there. One hand holding his“tampipi” which held a couple of his clothes inside, the other hand navigated. I can not imagine how he felt that day. I can only relate a little. When he left, he said he felt terribly sad leaving his young son and wife. Now with tears coming out from his eyes.

Lastly, I am proud to say that I am a son of a Sakada! They helped pave the way for Filipinos to work not only in America but the whole world. Aloha and Peace to all Magsingalenos. Also Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.