58. THE UNTOLD STORY OF BENEDICTO TOBIAS DAYRIT

Benedicto T. Dayrit

In our country, there are so many strings of good servants who tirelessly fought the good will for his/her people. Politics in our country is very colorful and benefiting, but sometimes, it is very dirty and dangerous. In Magalang, many old folks are recalling the good times of the town during the term of Benedicto T. Dayrit. How this man transformed he lives of Magaleños during his lifetime? Benedicto Tobias Dayrit, known as "Benny" was born in August 21, 1932 to a family of landowners. His father, Dr. Miguel A. Dayrit is a military doctor, while his mother, Macaria Tobias a school teacher who hailed from San Fernando. His family owned vast tracts of land in barrio Sta Cruz, originally owned by his grandfather, Don Ladislao Dayrit. 

Interestingly, Don Ladislao was from nearby town of Mexico and he came to Magalang to find greener pastures. He later became a rich landowner, and he become cabeza de barangay covering barrio Sta Cruz. He also appointed as teniente primero (vice mayor) of Magalang. Due to his tireless support of Katipunan, he was appointed as presidente municipal of Magalang in 1899. 

Benny finished his secondary education in Pampanga High School; and he later took law degree in Manila, however, he left his college schooling unfinished. He was later hired as staff of known Kapampangan statesman, Senator Gil Puyat. When the midterm elections came in 1959, Senator Puyat encouraged Benny to run for mayoral post in Magalang. Benny took the encouragement of his mentor, and he ran for mayoral post under the banner of Nacionalista Party. He defeated the incumbent Orencio A. Gueco, and he was sworn as mayor of Magalang in the same year. Benny faced several problems during his administration, and one of this is the insurgency. To contain the massive problem of insurgency, Benny initiated the establishment of a hospital that will cater the health care needs of the Magaleños. He successfully established Magalang Hospital, and it was initially located beside the Magalang Municipal Hall. He also reached the public service to far flung areas of Magalang especially to Huk infested barrio of Balitucan. Together with the cooperation of Philippine Army led by Capt. Fidel V. Ramos (who later become president of the Philippines), Benny delivered his unlimited public service to barrio folks; from health, education and relief, to contain the influence of Huks. Benny had also plans to transform Balitucan as one of the newest towns of Pampanga; but unfortunately, his plans were permanently stopped after his brutal assassination. He opposed the excessive abuse incurred by the Huks against to his townspeople. He opposed the imposition of revolutionary tax by the Huks to the public school teachers; who had the one of the lowest paid government employees in those times. His opposition is one of the possible reasons of his eventual assassination.  

Mayor Benedicto Dayrit after his assasination with former mayor
Dr. Servillano D. Ayuyao looking on.

On the night of December 28, 1963, during the annual night ball of Magalang Day, Benny attended the ball; and while the party is going on, a group of armed men, believed to be men of Commander Sumulong fired live bullets to Benny and he was instantly killed. A minor, Nelson Toledano was also killed while Lilia David was wounded by a stray bullet. During his funeral, many Magaleños poured into the streets to give salute and big thanks to their "greatest mayor of Magalang". After his assassination, Vice Mayor Rogelio O. Tiglao took helm. The park, and the hospital was briefly renamed after him. A statue was also built on his honor, on the spot where he was assassinated. Benny was married to a Angeles beauty, Manolita "Inday" Abad Santos and they had four children. 

Photo Credits:

Benedicto T. Dayrit: Capagmasusuian Qng Aldo Pangasilang Ning Magalang, Diciembre 28-29, 1963.

Centenial Tragedy: The Manila Chronicle, December 30, 1963. 

Sources:

Interview with the late Ms. Elisa N. Dizon (dated April 22, 2011). 

Magalang Killers Huks-PC, The Manila Times, December 29, 1963. 

Park Renamed After Mayor, The Manila Times, December 30, 1963.