Building up the island of Siquijor, popularly known as Isla de Fuego (Island of Fire), will not be complete without referring to its people, many of whom have become illustrious in their own fields. Now a separate province in itself, some of its residents shared that they still feel an uncanny connection with Negros Oriental or the island of Negros, having been her sub-province for a long time. Today, local and foreign guests need to go to Dumaguete as the gateway to Siquijor.
As a way of paying tribute to some outstanding women and men of the province of Siquijor, we introduce Norberto B. Malicay, dubbed as the grand old man of Campalanas, and Cesar A. Ontal, an excellent lawyer and dedicated public servant, so that, in the process, we may emulate their good deeds and selfless service to their people.
It is said that poverty is not a hindrance to acquiring a good education. Norberto Malicay was born on June 6, 1909 to Nicanor and Francisca Malicay in Campalanas, Lazi, Siquijor. He was their fourth child. Named after Saint Norberto, he was orphaned of both parents at the early age of 5 together with four brothers and sisters.
Fortunately, their grandparents from Gabayan, Lazi, Siquijor took them under their care. When his older brothers and sisters were old enough to earn money, they sent him to school when he was 9. He also helped them earn money by bringing “tuba” to their regular customers every day on his way to school. It was really a hard struggle, but because of diligence, industry, and desire for education, the young Norberto finished his elementary grades with honors.
It was then that his grandparents frankly told him that they could not send him to school anymore. They had no money and the earnings of his brothers and sisters would not be enough for them. So, he tried his luck and introduced himself to a prominent uncle and a church leader in Campalanas by the name of Hilario Malicay. Having heard of his talent and ability, this uncle invited him to live with them so he could go to school. He accepted the offer and enrolled in Larena Sub-Provincial High School.
This was where his perseverance was put to a test. Every weekend, he had to come home to Campalanas, hiking almost 20 kilometers and passing through the mountains and valleys, and returning to Larena on the same route carrying his provisions. His life was really hard, but what can an orphan do? He had to bear the difficulties and worries all by himself. All he did was to ask the Lord for guidance. He stayed in Larena Sub-Provincial High School for one year after which he transferred to the Provincial High School in Dumaguete City. Life’s difficulties still hounded the young Norberto. He had to cook, wash clothes, do household chores while making time for his studies. Despite the hardships, he finished high school with distinguished honors.
After high school, his uncle gave up his support, so he helped till the soil and worked on the farm. Fortunately, another uncle, Gregorio Balacy, a soldier in the US Army came to Lazi to visit his parents. Again, Norberto introduced himself and told his uncle of his plan to be a soldier. His uncle discouraged him; instead, he invited him to go to Manila with him and continue his studies there. He was very happy about it. He enrolled in a typing and stenography school and finished the course in six months.
The rest of the year was spent doing household chores while waiting for enrollment time. He did his work joyfully for his desire of becoming a teacher would soon be realized. He then enrolled in National University in Manila and finished the Elementary Teachers Certificate course for two years. After graduation, he returned to Campalanas and got employed as a teacher. It was at around this time that he met his wife, Rosa, also a teacher from Amlan, Negros Oriental. They live in Campalanas until today with their four children, three girls and one boy, all professionals. Their children – a nurse, an engineer, a teacher, and a doctor – are the living testimony of the couple’s hard work and dedicated service as teachers.
Having served as a teacher for 39 years, Norberto Malicay is remembered for having helped open Campalanas Barangay High School before his retirement, as well as in the building of the Sta. Barbara Parish Church, Campalanas in 1977, being a prominent church figure until this day. – NWI
(to be continued next issue)
