Physical conditions in the subprovince of Bukidnon are radically different from those which exist in Butuan. Much of its territory is in the form of almost level table-lands, sloping very gradually from 1*00 to 3,000 feet above sea level, and deeply eroded by numerous streams. In many instances the plains are almost treeless. It is an ideal cattle region. Its streams are boisterous and are not navi- gable for craft of any sort. Its population is made up almost ex- clusively of members of the Bukidnon tribe, although there are a few Manobos and a very few Christian Filipinos. Nowhere in the Philippines has the civilization of a non-Christian people progressed so rapidly under American rule as here. The settlements are models of cleanliness, and the state of public order has continued most satis- factory, in spite of the efforts of evil-minded persons in the neighbor- ing province of Misamis to disturb it. There have been several in- cursions of marauding Moro bands from the southwest, but they have been promptly checked by the effective work of the Philippine constabulary. It is probably true that in no part of the Philippine Islands were members of the non-Christian tribes so robbed and oppressed as were the Bukidnon people, prior to the establishment of a special govern-, nient for their protection. They are comparatively industrious, and bring down to the coast hemp, cacao, and coffee in considerable quantities. Formerly they also brought out a good deal of gutta- percha. These products they were compelled to sell to the Christian Filipinos at prices fixed by the latter, to whom this arrangement was most advantageous. It was io be anticipated that measures which resulted in freeing the people whom they had so long oppressed would meet with their most bitter and determined opposition. Thin expectation has been fully realized. During a period of more than two years I dealt very gently with those who sought to destroy. Bukidnon back then was exploited by the merchants of misamis de cagayan and thus depriving the settlers of bukidnon of equal trade. Dean Worcisters together with other american officers with the guidance of Lieutenant Manuel Manolo Fortich took decisive action to liberate bukidnon from the in equality of the people residing at misamis de cagayan. This people deserves to be given a special mentioned in the upcoming centenial celebration of the foundation of the province of bukidnon.
Posted on: Fri, 29 Aug 2014 11:10:40 +0000
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