Brief History of the Municipality of Ocampo, Camarines Sur

 Brief History of the Municipality of Ocampo, Camarines Sur

Kenneth Payte Panga


Based on historical records, the municipality of Ocampo in the Province of Camarines Sur originated from the former "Mission de Mabatobato", which was established by the Franciscan Friars in 1873. The name "Mabatobato" was given to the place because of the presence of large rocks scattered across the area, which are believed to have originated from the eruption of Mt. Isarog. As a mission, it had four barrios: Ayugan, Tinablanan, Pinit, and Moriones.



View of Mt. Isarog seen at Brgy. Pinit, Ocampo
(Photo by: Kenneth P. Panga)


During the early 1800s, people from nearby towns migrated to Mabatobato to cultivate its extensive agricultural lands. The area thrived to the point where its inhabitants envisioned converting the settlement into a new municipality. Cabeza de Barangay Michael Alcantara and Don Jose Barangbang appealed to the Bishop of Caceres to elevate the barrio to a town, and fortunately, their request was approved. In 1917, Mabatobato was incorporated into the municipality of Pili with the aim of aiding its recovery from the effects of the Spanish-American War and ensuring efficient administration. After five years, it became a separate parish, with records of baptisms and burials being kept from that year onwards. As the area began to thrive once more, it attracted migrants not only from nearby towns but also from Batangas and Tayabas (Quezon Province).




After thirty years had passed, the leaders and citizens of Mabatobato started to demand self-governance and independence. In 1948, with the initiation of Congressman Sebastian C. Moll, Jr., who was representing the 2nd District of Camarines Sur at that time, their aim of breaking away was achieved. President Elpidio Quirino signed Executive Order No. 243 dated 15 July 1949 entitled: “Organizing Certain Barrios of the Municipality of Pili, Camarines Sur, into an Independent Municipality under the name of OCAMPO”.



Mabatobato was renamed in honor of Don Julian O. Ocampo, who served as the Governor of Camarines Sur in the 1930s. After the appointment and qualification of its inaugural municipal officials, Ocampo was established as an independent municipality on August 10, 1949.



Julian O. Ocampo, Governor of Camarines Sur (1919-1922, 1934-1935)


Ocampo has made significant progress as a municipality in the past years. It boasts a thriving culture and abundant natural resources that the locals take pride in and will strive to protect. While there have been many changes, the unwavering unity of the people of Ocampo towards the town's development and the improvement of each resident remains constant.




Official Seal

Ocampo is politically subdivided into 25 barangays

  • Ayugan
  • Cabariwan
  • Cagmanaba
  • Del Rosario
  • Gatbo
  • Guinaban
  • Hanawan
  • Hibago
  • La Purisima Nuevo
  • May-Ogob
  • New Moriones
  • Old Moriones
  • Pinit
  • Poblacion Central
  • Poblacion East
  • Poblacion West
  • Salvacion
  • San Antonio
  • San Francisco
  • San Jose Oras
  • San Roque Commonal
  • San Vicente
  • Santa Cruz
  • Santo Niño
  • Villaflorida


Portraits of Former Mayors of Ocampo, Camarines Sur
(Photo by: Kenneth P. Panga)






Municipal Hall Compound, Ocampo, Camarines Sur
(Photo by: Kenneth P. Panga)







Reference/s:
http://ocampo.camarinessur.gov.ph/
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/1949/07jul/19490715-EO-0243-EQ.pdf







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