Betis as a town traces its roots way before the period of Spanish colonization which began in the 16th century. The town already had a unique culture and way of life prior to Spanish occupation. People here were well-known carvers and expert in trade. This talent and expertise would then be used by the colonizers to infuse western influences to the natives of Betis.
The word Betis was derived from Hispania Baetica-an ancient place during the Roman Period which was located at the Iberian Peninsula. This Iberian Peninsula is now the present–day Spain. It was in the geographical resemblance from this certain place that the early Spanish conquistador in Pampanga named the place as Betis. Pampanga then was ruled by a Muslim ruler named Malangsic.
At present, Betis still retains the old traditions such as celebrating the fiestas, commemorating the departed loved ones thru a 9-day novena every month of November, attending the ritual dance during Kuraldal and parading through a mile-long Limbun Nang San Jose during the month of May. These are just a few of the many traditions that are still being celebrated in Betis.
On the other hand, the carving tradition or what the natives call as dukit still remains an art and industry and serves as a source of livelihood for most Betis families. Other profitable businesses are emerging within the community such as the making of pastillas and tarts, fish culturing and the making of chicharon (crackers made out of fried pork skin).
With the advent of technology and age of cyberspace, like any other town in the Philippines, Betis is not divorced from inevitable changes happening in the current world. But these changes will never impede its people to continuously mark their way and retain their hybrid and unique cultural identity. |
