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The Biography of Morito Deypalubos Dumaup

Mr. Morito “Morit” Deypalubos Dumaup (†), an Ilonggo Teniente del Barrio and farmer, was born on November 27, 1931 to Jose Demiren Dumaup (†) and Consuelo Janea Deypalubos (†) in Dumangas, Iloilo. He is the eldest among Manuelita (†), Adelina (†), Candelaria (†), Pablito (†), Carmelita, Juanito and Violeta.

After the independence from United States of America in 1946, the national government encouraged migration of Filipinos from densely settled areas such as Manila, Iloilo and Cebu to Mindanao. The Dumaup family joined this transition and opted to live in Koronadal, South Cotabato.

Education

Morit took his primary education at Dumangas Elementary School in Dumangas, Iloilo. But due to the resettlement in Mindanao, he finished his secondary education at Koronadal High School (now Koronadal National Comprehensive High School). He took Bachelor of Science in Commerce at Marbel College (now Notre Dame of Marbel University).

Early life and family

After leaving Marbel College, Morit immediately place into action his hands in helping to develop the province of South Cotabato. He served as foreman of road construction connecting the different barangays and towns of the province.

In the course of his duty as one of the builders of the present roads, he met Clara Daclangin Sinoy (†), a fair lady of El Nonok village of Banga and a migrant from Dingle, Iloilo. She is known to be called by the people there as Kala.

Kala didn’t want to be with Morit as the family of the latter hesitates on their future upon knowing Kala’s educational attainment. But Morit is a persistent man. He talked to Kala’s parents to let their relationship flourish despite the oppositions.

In 1956, Morit married Kala in a Catholic Church near the Plaza of Banga and they were blessed with nine (9) children; Nida (†), Shirley, Renato, Jasmin, Charito, Jocelyn, Julie, Nelly and Melba. Morit and Clara lived a humble life selling as merchants in the local market of Banga. But in 1962, a friend invited Morit to venture in a barrio above the Allah River named Lake Sebu.

After seeing the abundant natural riches of Lake Sebu, Morit believes in the future of the place to grow into a great place of solace. With the peaceful place and people, Morit decided to bring his family there. They braved forests and mountains to reach the said haven. Nida and Shirley, due to their young age, were said have been carried by two natives named “Naty” and “Plido”.

With a ₱200.00 initial capital from Kala’s mother, Feli, the family started a small store which they developed. Eventually, they were able to purchase various lands and other properties such as cattle and other livestock.

Life as Teniente del Barrio

Morit gained name over the barrio of Lake Sebu as a hardworking farmer and businessman. He helped various people both pioneering Christians and T’bolis.

In 1962, as Lake Sebu was under the Municipality of Banga, Mayor Magno BF Reyes appointed Morit as the Teniente del Barrio or Chief of the barangay of Lake Sebu.

In his intiative, the first barangay hall in Lake Sebu was built. The building served as the official office of Barangay Poblacion council until the new barangay hall was built.

Morit was known to be a caring chief of the barrio. Even without salary from the government, he was said to be a person who reaches out to each of his constituents even in the peripheries of the barangay paying everything from his own pocket. He frequent even the farthest place of Ned considering he lived in the lake side of Lake Sebu.

As he was very protective of his family, Morit is also very protective of his barrio. A group of Muslim rebels called “Blackshirt” (now Abu Sayyaf) once attacked the place of Ned with the intention to conquer the place and flush the Christians from the area. As Morit cannot stomach the occurring struggle among his people, he joined and led the team of armies to fight the rebels. With seven casualties on their side, the team successfully suppressed the hostilities. Morit was once a celebrated personality in Lake Sebu because of the said victory.

He served as chief of the barangay for eight (8) years from 1962-1970.

Businessman

As a former commerce student, Morit was able to grow the capital afforded to them by his mother in law. He was able to put up a sawmill and a cinema house in Lake Sebu. Morit also wholesales rattan, abaca and eggs at Davao City.

He was able to perform his duties as chief of the barrio, as a businessman and as a father all at the same time.

After selflessly serving Lake Sebu, he ventured into fishing business. Together with his father, Jose, they leased twenty-three (23) hectares mangroves area Mangagoy, Bislig, Surigao del Sur. However, a typhoon washed the said area and almost 80% of the investment was denuded.

Death

After successful feats as local leader and a businessman, his health deteriorated unknowingly.

Long period of illness and hospitalization passed, Morit succumb to death on September 8, 1978 at Isulan Provincial Hospital, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Awards

In November 7, 2017, the Municipality of Lake Sebu awarded a Post Humous Kemdol Award to Morit for his exemplary contribution in the development of Lake Sebu when he was the Teniente del Barrio 55 years ago.