Cultural Heritage Mapping
Origins and Etymology
The town of Paranas has two colorful origin stories for its name:
First Version
When Spanish conquistadores arrived and found natives engaged in picking and catching shellfish and crabs, they asked for the name of the place. Not understanding the foreign language, a native courageously responded with “Palanas,” which the conquistadores pronounced as “Paranas.” The native mistakenly thought the Spaniard was asking about the wide, slippery stones visible during low tide.
Second Version
The name “Paranas” derives from “Para-Ranas,” meaning “the place of the frogs,” because Spanish soldiers encountered many croaking frogs when they first set foot in the area during their colonization mission.
Early Founders
Paranas was established in the early part of the 16th century when Jesuit missionaries established a Mission Center to spread Christian faith in Samar. The town’s founders were farmers named Gumban, Tamayo, Manicabo, and Masurong.
The Colonial Period
Spanish Colonial Period
By 1768, when the Jesuits left Samar and transferred their mission to the Spanish Franciscans, Paranas had already become one of the first parishes of Samar. It was grouped together with other early parishes including Catbalogon, Gandara, Palapag, Catubig, Catarman, and Capul, all of which came under Spanish Franciscan administration on October 17, 1768.
Spanish-American War and Resistance
When the Spanish-American War erupted, it ended more than 300 years of Hispanic domination over the island. The Philippines, once part of Spain, was ceded to the United States of America. However, the people of Paranas, affectionately called “Paranasnon,” courageously resisted the American occupation.
The Battle with General Curry
General Curry led American troops commissioned to subdue the region, including Paranas. The natives, showing remarkable courage, chose to fight rather than surrender. Intense bloodbath ensued between the opposing forces for many days, resulting in significant casualties in both camps.
A Story of Compassion
During one of the bloodiest encounters in the thick forest, General Curry became separated from his men. Lost and weary, he wandered the leech-infested wilderness without direction for three solid days. When a native happened to pass his way, despite the ongoing war, the native showed concern and compassion toward the American officer, saving him from certain death.
According to local folklore, General Curry was so grateful that he brought his Filipino savior with him to America after the war.
Name Changes and Modern Era
From Paranas to Wright
Immediately after the Spanish-American War, General Curry recommended changing the town’s name from Paranas to “Wright” in honor of Governor-General Luke Wright, who was the Governor-General of the Philippines at that time. The municipality officially carried the name “Wright” for several years.
Return to Paranas
However, due to rising nationalistic fervor, the Sangguniang Bayan sponsored Resolution No. I Series 1988, dated January 11, 1988, calling for the restitution of the original name Paranas instead of Wright. The name PARANAS was officially adopted through Republic Act 6681, which took effect on November 4, 1989.
Historical Significance
This history demonstrates the resilience and character of the Paranasnon people, who maintained their identity through centuries of foreign rule, showed compassion even to their enemies during wartime, and ultimately reclaimed their original name as an expression of cultural pride and nationalism. The town’s story reflects the broader Philippine experience of colonization, resistance, and the eventual assertion of national identity.