Note 6 — Chapter II

7. In the environs, then, of the port of Lampòn, following the coast opposite the bay of Manila, are the districts of Binangònan, Balèr, Casigùran, and Palànan composed of various villages and collections of huts. The first three belonged at first to the alcaldeship or province of Mindòro. Since in the year 1588, the discalced Franciscan fathers Fray Estevan Ortiz and Fray Juan de Pòrras were destined to that jurisdiction, they gathered most seasonable fruits in the above-mentioned districts, having sown there the seed of the Catholic name. However, having been called to other parts by their obedience, they could not further the Church in those districts, much as they desired it. The venerable martyr, Fray Francisco de Santa Maria, completed the perfection of the work, by forming the three above-mentioned missions with a sufficient number of the faithful who were withdrawn from the darkness of paganism by the influences of a zeal so seraphic. Afterwards other workers of the same family extended their missions down the beach toward the province of Cagayàn or Nueva Segovia, and founded the village and district of Palànan. With that there were four missions situated on that Contracosta, and the Franciscan province kept the administration of them in their own hands for many years. They hoped that, although there were but few people and conveniences, as the mountains which were peopled by pagans were near by, they could continue ever to increase the flock of Christ, as they did do without ceasing, the sword of the evangelical preaching fencing with the advantage gained by repeated triumphs.6