History of ORANI
The word Orani is supposed to have originated from the word “Maruani” ( a group of settlers) which was probably introduced by the Samal people who wandered into the town an settled there in the early days, about 300 years ago—the period which might be considered the beginning of the history of the town. The supposition may not be conclusive, however, for it can equally and justl
y be claimed that the word Orani was already in existence before the arrival of this people, though perhaps pronounced in different ways and written in different forms, so that through long usage it become maruani.
“Some fair-maiden natives of the town likewise believed that “ Orani” was derived from the name of a big Orani tree that has stood on the spot where the present church is situated. At present, no tree bearing the same name can be found.
“There are also theories that because the shape of the town is round, then it was named “Orani” which means circular. Some take Orani as the synonym of mani, or peanuts which abound in this palce. Others believe that this word was derived from the name of the planet and was given by an early Spanish priest who worked there as a missionary. If this supposition is true, then the possible origin of this word is “Oretani”, which refers to the powerful people in the southeast of Hispania Terraconensis, bounded on the north by the Carpetan, on the west by Lusutania, and on the east by the Baslitani. Through pipet law, it was probably shortened: it was dropped out and what remained was Orani." Historical Background
Bataan peninsula’s strategic position, guarding the entrance to manila Bay, has ensured it a prominent historical role. It was one of the first areas of Luzon brought under Spanish Control. Following exploration in 1572, The Dominicans began to establish mission sites. In 1647, the Dutch lying with the Spanish for colonial supremacy in the Orient took Corregidor and plundered the Bataan coast. After the Japanese invasion in late 1941, Mac Arthur withdrew his forces from Manila to bataan to await US reinforcements that never arrived. The fall of Bataan came on April 9, 1942 as 76,000 men surrendered. The Japanese were unprepared for the number of prisoners in their weakened condition; there wasn’t nearly enough food, water or medicine. Over the next ten days, the pathetic line of emaciated men inched its way from Mariveles back up the peninsula- the famous death march.Enroute to the concentration camps in Tarlac, 7,000 to 10,000 men (more than were killd in previous fighting) died from disease and brutal treatment. Many historical markers indicate battle positions,the progress of the 112 kilometers, death march,and other significant sites during tumultuous events of 1942. In 1945 U.S. troops landed at Mariveles to recapture Bataan (Philippine Archipelago Book). Orani as an old community was founded by the Dominican Spanish Missionary in 1587 and became an independent missionary center in 1741. The first blood compact of the Katipuneros during the Spanish acquisition took place within the enclosure of the chapel in Sitio Kabalutan, now a barangay. The blood compact was solemnized in the presence of a recognized supremo, Mario Medina, and chief of staff, Major Faustino Garcia. Around six meetings were called in this place, all of which were aimed at overthrowing the government of Spain in our country. San Roque Chapel located in Sitio Kabalutan had been destroyed with the belief that is was being used for assembly by the Katipuneros. In September 1944,
Hon. Simeon Salonga, a native of Orani,was appointed Governor of Bataan by the Japanese Imperial Army. During that time he transferred the Provincial Capital of Orani. Since then, many more distinguished sons of Orani have held high political positions in the province either as Governor or Congressman. Orani was plagued with successive calamities, which devastated the town such as the 1781 locust infestation and 1938 fire destroying three-fourths of the town including the church, the convent, the town hall, the “Tercera” formerly Bataan High School, and later, the Orani elementary School. The site of the former Bataan High School, on what now stands the Municipal Government Building of Orani, was constructed through voluntary contributions of the different Municipalities of Bataan. The Municipality of Orani gave the largest contribution so that the former Bataan High School could be built within its jurisdiction. The transfer of Bataan High School from Orani to Balanga gave rise to the conflict which, nearly resulted in bloodshed and later on in a political split between the two towns----Orani and Balanga. READ MORE: ���
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