Rediscovering Buenavista (Guimaras) Through Artifacts and Natural Heritage

Abstract

 
This paper highlights the contribution of Buenavista in the history of Guimaras. This aimed to con-
nect the history of the town with the artifacts, man-made and natural sites that are existing. The data was
gathered through interviews of the old folks and unearthing secondary data. The history started as early as 
pre-Spanish time when Muslim raiders ravaged the resources of the locality and instigated the blindfolded 
people of Getulio to fight up to death known as Bulang Moros. The Spanish era left artifacts such as the
Church, the Belfry, the bell and the cemetery of Navalas, as well as the bell of Sto. Rosario Church, the ruins
of the old church and the first municipal hall in Old Poblacion formerly known as Tilad. The location of the
municipal hall atop a hill revealing the panoramic view then enthralled the Spanish Governor who was the
guest of honor during the inauguration of the town in 1844 and who exclaimed "Buena vista" or good view,
thus, the name Buenavista. The American forces left an indelible mark in the town. Among these were the
ruins of camp Jossman, an American cantonment located in Supang, where Gen. Douglas Mc Arthur spent
his first year in service after graduation in the US military school in 1903. It was in Buenavista where he
was ambushed by the natives that could have caused his death and could have changed the course of the
history of the world. These artifacts were the bowling alley, tennis court, old bottles, the culvert, the post of
the hospital, the cemented foundation of a building, the road, Punta Blanco firing range and others. These
artifacts need to be preserved and transformed into a tourist attraction as part of the historical heritage of
the municipality.