Several years ago, I attended a seminar in Tagaytay conducted by Dr. Shelly Trebesch of Fuller Theological Seminary. It was attended by many of our top denominational leaders in the Worldwide Church of God (now, Grace Communion International) from around the world along with many of us locally in the Philippines.
During that seminar, I learned that although one may already be retired or maybe in his twilight years like maybe 60 or 70 years old, he can still accomplish a lot of things and leave something worthwhile just before he finally leaves this earth. Dr. Trebesch called that stage in a man’s life as the “afterglow.”
Leaving a Legacy
If I recall rightly, she explained that during the last remaining years — twilight years — of a man’s life, he can still glow so brightly by leaving something worthwhile for humanity — a legacy. Instead of sulking, griping and complaining about opportunities he had missed in life, he can still make an impact in society. I have never forgotten that seminar ever since. It’s a good lesson for me to remember as I grow older and after having been retired from full-time employment recently.
Moses Shone Brightly at Age 80
Instead of dwelling on self-pity because he was driven out of the Pharaoh’s palace and forced to live in the desert for about 40 years, Moses was one of those who shone brightly and was used by God to lead his people out of Egypt when he was already 80 years old! That sure was encouraging for me to learn that personally.
Don’t End Up Miserable Till Dying Day
I’m sure that we all know of some senior citizens among us who ended up successfully in life. But on the other hand, we also know of some who ended up as failures, feeling miserable and sorry for themselves, feeling lonely and defeated up to their dying day.
We Can Still Glow Just Before We Go
I guess it’s not too late for me and for everyone. If it is the Lord’s will to give us a longer life, we can still glow so brightly when we’re old and gray. We can take the right direction and end up a happy and fulfilled person. I thank Dr. Trebesch for that wonderful lesson in life that she gave me. Lord, grant us good health and long life that we may experience an afterglow just before we go.
My dad, Jose Turla Joson, lived at a time when there was no internet yet. But surprisingly, my Dad’s name, Jose Joson can be found on the internet! He is mentioned in relation to the history of Bayugan City, in the province of Agusan del Sur, Philippines. According to the internet, my dad led the early settlers in their desire to make Bayugan a barrio ( now called, barangay) during the 1960s.
I remember this photo was from a Free Press magazine which was published sometime in 1963. My dad was interviewed and I was right there in front with my sister.
History of Bayugan City
Bayugan City used to be just a small settlement (a sitio). Back then, it was not even a barrio yet. In so far as I can remember, it was sitio Bayugan, part of Barrio Maygatasan, in the town of Esperanza, province of Agusan. It was located at the “crossing” of the Butuan-Davao road and the Valbueco-Esperanza road. As a young boy, we used to live right at the “crossing” when there was no rotunda yet. It was aptly called the “crossing” by the early settlers during the early 60s. We used to live right at the center (almost) of the present rotunda.
Members of the newly-inducted officials of the Bayugan Barrio Council with Mayor Romao of Esperanza, Agusan (with some of his councilors) taken after the ceremony held at Bayugan January 23, 1960.
As Bayugan’s first Tiniente del Barrio, I remember my Dad settled a lot of disputes among the barrio folks. He also counseled on marital and family problems at times. That’s how I remembered it during those early days of Bayugan. I also remember that my Dad had one rural police under him. He had a khaki uniform but he had no shoes—just slippers! And he had no gun too but just a short batuta (club) haha!
Post-humous Award for First Barangay Captain
On April 2005, my Dad posthumously received a plaque of recognition for having served as “Barangay Captain” during the years 1960-1964. I find this humorous because back then, he was never called a captain. Just a lieutenant. No, not in the military. A barrio lieutenant! Or in Spanish, the first Tiniente del Barrio of Bayugan hahaha!
Off to US after Serving as Provincial Board Member
These were the first 3 provincial board members of the newly-formed province of Agusan del Sur in 1969 during their oath taking. My dad, Jose T. Joson is in the middle being congratulated.
On December 31, 1969, the province of Agusan was divided into two. My Dad was among the first three elected provincial board members of the newly-formed province of Agusan del Sur. He served in the province until 1985. In 1985 my mom and dad went to Missouri. He was invited to attend a reunion in of his former American war buddies during World War II. My dad was the only Filipino in that group of American soldiers who fought in the Philippines against the Japanese troops.
Unfortunately, my Dad was never recognized officially by the Philippine government as a war veteran. According to my Dad, some Filipinos got their papers processed although they were fakes and became “veterans” after the war enjoying veteran’s benefits. He said he did not pursue being recognized as a veteran because all he wanted was to serve his country. I admire him for that.
My dad with his American war buddies in World War II. They belong to the H Company, First Infantry Regiment, 6th Division. Photo was taken in 1945.
Recognized as WWII Veteran in US
My dad (rightmost) with some of his American war buddies in Word War II during their reunion in Missouri sometime in 1985.
Thankfully, my Dad’s American war buddies did corroborate his being a real war veteran. Years later, my dad died of a heart attack in 1990 in Los Angeles, USA. He was buried in Oregon. After some 17 years, in August 2007, I had the chance to visit my Dad’s grave. Interestingly for me, I read on my Dad’s gravestone written in capital letters, “WWII VETERAN.”
I thought it was odd that my Dad was recognized as war veteran in a foreign land but not in our own country, the Philippines. Oh well. At least, he was recognized by his very own American war buddies during WWII—although not officially by the US government.
My mom at dad’s grave in Oregon. After 17 years, I was able to visit the grave in 2007. Every July 4th, Americans place little US flags on the graves of their war veterans. My dad had one too.
Finally, this part of Bayugan City history is now written and is on the internet. I’m writing this for my kids so that they may know more about their grandfather, my Dad. And may I share this for everyone too. From a very small settlement decades ago, Bayugan is now officially a city—Bayugan City! And my dad had some part in it.
