Life Story of Lt. Col. Emeterio Funes y Escava: Unsung Hero of Sorsogon

Demetrio E. Castillo; Mel Jun E. Mendoza; Leslie Joy P. Escota; Greg G. Olayres

Demetrio E. Castillo Bicol University Gubat Campus, Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippines
Mel Jun E. Mendoza Bicol University Gubat Campus, Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippines
Leslie Joy P. Escota Bicol University Gubat Campus, Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippines
Greg G. Olayres Bicol University Gubat Campus, Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippines

Keywords: Bulusan, life story, local hero, Lt. Col. Emeterio Funes y Escava

Abstract

History plays a significant role in examining, narrating the past, and knowing the identity of today's generation. Locally, there is less attention to all those stories, legacies, and contributions of an individual to the local history in Sorsogon. One of them is a native Bulusanon, Lt. Col. Emeterio Funes y Escava, who fought against the American colonizer. This study narrated his life story. Specifically, this study aims to answer the following questions: what his biographical profile is, what are his contributions during the Philippine-American War in Sorsogon, and how he was perceived by the various sectors. The study employed a narrative research design and purposive sampling using structured interviews. Results showed that Lt. Col. Emeterio Funes y Escava came from a prominent family of leaders and became the politico-military governor of Sorsogon. He showed leadership through his selfless acts and service. His contribution was his life story, written down in the local history of the province and shaped the identity of a Sorsoganon. Moreover, his life serves as an inspiration and a lesson to everyone about what Sorsoganon is to their native land. Hence, he was perceived by the various sectors as an individual who portrayed outstanding leadership. They considered him the Bulusan unsung hero as he led the resistance against the American colonizer and deserves to be recognized and honored as the local hero of Sorsogon.

Author Biographies

Demetrio E. Castillo, Bicol University Gubat Campus, Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippines

Demetrio E. Castillo is a faculty member, researcher, and campus research coordinator at Bicol University Gubat Campus. He has been involved in undergraduate studies in the education department since 2020.

Mel Jun E. Mendoza, Bicol University Gubat Campus, Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippines

Mel Jun E. Mendoza is a Licensed Professional Teacher. He is currently working for the provincial government of Sorsogon as part of the Kalinigan Program. He earned his bachelor of secondary education with a major in social studies at Bicol University Gubat Campus. There, he established his interest in the research topic that will promote socio-cultural and historical awareness, patriotism, and heritage appreciation.

Leslie Joy P. Escota, Bicol University Gubat Campus, Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippines

Leslie Joy P. Escota is a Licensed Professional Teacher. She is currently working at Saint Louise De Marillac College of Sorsogon Inc. Gubat Campus as a faculty member handling both Junior and Senior High School students. She earned a Bachelor of Secondary Major in Social Studies at Bicol University Gubat Campus. Her research interests include history, socio-cultural, and community sustainability.

Greg G. Olayres, Bicol University Gubat Campus, Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippines

Greg G. Olayres is an Associate Professor 1 at Bicol University Gubat Campus. He is a Filipino and Social Studies teacher. He earned his Bachelor of Elementary Education degree with a concentration in Social Studies at St. Louise de Marillac College of Sorsogon (formerly Colegio de la Milagrosa). He finished his Master of Arts in Education majoring in Filipino and Doctor of Philosophy in Filipino at Bicol University. He is also an AACCUP accreditor.