History of Pila

In its turn, Pagalangan was to follow the fate of Pinagbayanan in a poignant historical cycle. After four centuries, “a sea of troubles” began to engulf the town at the turn of the 18th century. The relentless swelling and surging of Laguna de Bay during the rainy season brought about severe annual high waters, submerging the homes and streets and arable land of the Pileños for as long as three to four months at a time. The stagnant water and consequent putrefaction created an unhealthy atmosphere, which increased the incidence of various diseases such as the common cold, cholera, and tuberculosis. A swarm of crocodiles preyed upon their beasts of burden and draft animals. Moreover, flooding impeded commerce, their major source of livelihood, with the neighboring towns. Above all, especially for those living in the distant barrios, it got in the way of fulfilling their spiritual obligations such as hearing mass on Sundays and holidays of obligation (Santiago 1983). (31)