The southernmost town prior to
creation of Barrio Magsaysay as separate municipality sometime in 1969,
San Jose is the most progressive and developed town in the province.
History records started in 18th century when Chinese traders anchored at
the shores of Mangarin, the oldest settlement in the southern portion of
occidental Mindoro. Its name was derived from the word “Mandarin”, an
official Chinese Palace, the remains of which can still be found in the
old barrio of Mangarin. When the Spanish took possession of the Island
in the 14th century, the first site of the Presidencia was in sitio of
Sinaoga, on the western side of Barrio Sta. Teresa, now part of the
municipality of Magsaysay. A year later, it was again transferred to
Caminawit. In 1911, Pandurucan, the old name of San Jose, became the
seat of the Civil Government with Don German Ramirez as its first
appointed leader up to 1915.
When the Japanese Imperial Forces occupied the town, Bonifacio Gomez was
appointed as Mayor from 1941-1942 followed by Pedro Cuden, 1942-1943 and
finally Isabelo Abeleda in 1944 until 1946. During the American
reoccupation Bibiano Gaudiel replaced Isabelo Abeleda who regain his
position in 1955. From then on, San Jose began to experienced massive
population influx due to existence of Philippine Sugar Mill located in
Barangay Central. Later on, migrants from different regions succeeded
local leadership.
As part of beliefs and culture, town fiesta is being celebrated in honor
of St. Joseph (patron saint of the town). Up to the term of Mayor Tirso
Abeleda, it was held on March 19 but during the term of Mayor Juan
Santos, it was changed to May 1. Recently, Mayor Ernesto F. Jaravata,
reinstate celebration of town fiesta on the original date (March 19),
through Sangguniang Bayan resolution. |
