05/11/2025
🏞 THE HISTORY AND JUSTIFICATION OF SITIO CAPULI
The True Root of Barangay Mawal and Its Deserving Recognition as a Future Barangay
Long before Barangay Mawal was officially declared, the area now known as Sitio Capuli was already a thriving and peaceful community. It was the first established settlement in the mountainous area of Sindangan and was originally called Tipuli, named after a large tree that stood at the heart of the sitio. The tree served as a resting place for travelers and birds — a symbol of peace, shelter, and unity.
Sitio Capuli was once under the stewardship of the Amagon family, descendants of Apo Alagon, one of the respected Subanen leaders in the 1800s. Over time, Bisaya settlers arrived and intermarried with the Subanen people. The name Tipuli eventually evolved into Capuli, believed to have come from the Bisaya expression “Kapoy Ley!” (“I’m tired, Ley!”), often said by travelers on their way up from the lowlands. The term Capuli thus came to represent both the exhaustion and warmth of returning home to the mountains.
📚 The Arrival of the Calamohoy Family and the Birth of Education
In the early 1900s, settlers from Siquijor — Helarion and Mercedes Calamohoy — acquired land from Subanen families and built their home in Capuli. The couple deeply valued education and saw the struggles of children who had to walk long distances just to study in town.
With their compassion and vision for the youth, they donated a portion of their land for the construction of a school. In 1974, this became Mawal Elementary School, located in Sitio Capuli. The school was named after Mawal because, at that time, Capuli was already officially recognized under Barangay Mawal.
Thus, the establishment of Mawal Elementary School within Capuli serves as lasting proof that the true original center of Barangay Mawal is indeed Sitio Capuli.
🏞 Historical Relationship Between Sitio Denuyan, Capuli, and Fatima
Originally, Sitio Denuyan was part of Sitio Fatima, which is now known as Barangay Fatima. However, because of the wide and often impassable river that separated them, the upper portion of Denuyan — now called Sitio Capuli — became more isolated and developed its own settlement.
Due to its central location among six neighboring sitios, Sitio Capuli was later declared as the official barangay center in 1970, marking the establishment of Barangay Mawal.
It is also important to note that Capuli (Barangay Mawal) was officially recognized before Barangay Fatima. In fact, many residents of Capuli even helped the people of Fatima during their first barangay election, supporting their effort to become an independent barangay — a true sign of unity and cooperation between the two communities.
The school built in Sitio Capuli became the first educational institution to carry the name Mawal, symbolizing the birth of the barangay and the beginning of education in the area.
Meanwhile, Sitio Denuyan was later able to establish its own school — the Bartolome Elementary School, located in Purok 1. However, this school was founded much later than Mawal Elementary School in Sitio Capuli, further proving that Capuli was the first educational and historical center of Barangay Mawal.
🏛 Why the Barangay Hall Was Built in Sitio Denuyan (Purok 1)
When Barangay Mawal was officially declared on January 18, 1970, the first Barangay Captain was Mrs. Paculanang, a resident of Sitio Denuyan (Purok 1). During that time, barangay officials served as volunteers and received no salary.
Because Sitio Capuli was farther up the mountain and transportation was extremely difficult, Mrs. Paculanang found it hard to travel daily to perform her duties. For practicality, she decided to build the Barangay Hall near her residence in Sitio Denuyan (Purok 1).
While this decision was understandable given the circumstances, it eventually resulted in the transfer of the barangay’s facilities — including the Barangay Hall, Covered Court, Health Center, and other structures — to Denuyan. Consequently, Sitio Capuli, the true historical and educational foundation of Mawal, was left without permanent infrastructure.
🏘 Community and Neighboring Sitios
Sitio Capuli is not only home to Mawal Elementary School and the Sr. San Miguel Chapel (built in 1968), but it also serves as the central hub for neighboring sitios such as Lay-an, Nakatan, Luwang, Pintaw, Balabag, and parts of Bulanaw.
These sitios are geographically closer to Capuli and rely on it for schooling, meetings, and other community activities. For example:
Sitio Nakatan and Sitio Luwang were once part of Barangay Nato.
Sitio Balabag and Sitio Bulanaw were once part of Barangay Calubian.
Some residents of Sitio Pintaw are registered under Barangay Guibo (Siayan) and others under Mawal, yet they send their children to Mawal Elementary School in Capuli because of its proximity.
Many residents from these surrounding sitios have expressed that if Capuli becomes a barangay, they would prefer to register under it — as it naturally serves as their community center.
👨👩👧👦 Population and Socio-Economic Readiness
The estimated number of households in Sitio Capuli is around 135, with about 480 registered voters and an estimated 750 total population.
Sitio Upper Lay-an has around 30 households, 150 registered voters, and an estimated 300 residents.
Sitio Nakatan has roughly 20 households, 100 registered voters, and an estimated 200 residents, while Sitio Luwang has about 30 households, 30 registered voters, and approximately 60 people.
Sitio Balabag consists of 12 households, 30 registered voters, and about 60 residents.
Sitio Pintaw has 15 households, 20 registered voters, and 40 residents, while Sitio Bulanaw has 12 households, 30 registered voters, and around 60 residents.
In total, these sitios combined have over 250 households, more than 800 registered voters, and an estimated total population of 1,400 people.
While some are still registered in their original barangays, the majority have expressed their willingness to transfer once Capuli gains official recognition as a separate barangay.
Economically, Sitio Capuli is rich in coconut, corn, banana, rice, cassava, ginger, peanuts, root crops, and various fruits and vegetables that sustain the local economy. These products provide livelihood for most households and can serve as future revenue sources for the barangay.
🤝 Community Unity and Land Donation
Several families in Capuli have willingly pledged to donate portions of their land for the construction of new public facilities such as a Barangay Hall, Covered Court, Health Center, Day Care Center, and Multi-purpose Building. This demonstrates both unity and readiness for self-governance.
The people of Capuli are highly organized and cooperative, actively participating in school programs, community cleanups, and health drives — clear signs of a self-reliant and disciplined community.
🚑 Accessibility and Public Service
The current Barangay Hall is located around 1.5 kilometers from the upper areas, making it difficult for residents to access basic services. Pregnant women struggle to reach the health center; senior citizens face challenges attending meetings or claiming benefits; and emergency responses are often delayed due to poor road conditions.
By establishing a barangay in Capuli, basic services would be brought closer to the people — ensuring faster response times, better coordination, and equal access to government support.
📜 Proof and People’s Sentiment
Many elders, teachers, and long-time residents attest that the true and original Barangay Mawal is Sitio Capuli — for it was here that the Mawal Elementary School and Sr. San Miguel Chapel were first established.
Hence, it is the sincere hope of the people that no existing barangay officials will oppose this legitimate aspiration. The movement to recognize Capuli as a barangay is not driven by division, but by a shared desire for progress, fairness, and accessibility of services for all.
🌟 Conclusion: Why Capuli Deserves to Be a Barangay
Sitio Capuli has the history, people, population, economy, and readiness to stand as its own barangay. It is the true birthplace of Barangay Mawal — the home of its first school and chapel, and the enduring heart of its community.
Despite being left behind when the barangay center was moved decades ago, the people of Capuli have proven their strength, unity, and capability to progress independently. With its growing population, committed leaders, available land for public use, and support from neighboring sitios, Sitio Capuli truly deserves recognition as a barangay — to be known as Barangay Upper Mawal.
> “Sitio Capuli — the true root and the bright future of Barangay Mawal. A place of unity, education, and hope for generations to come.”
