La Union Centennial Tree

In the municipality of Bacnotan, which is widely popular for its cement deposits and Sea Urchins, there’s a Barangay called Carcarmay, named after a tree that bears a sour-sweet yellowish fruit that grows abundant in the area. It is not however famous because of Carmay but because of an Acacia tree that has become the place’s witness of its growth in the various stages of our history.  More than a hundred years old, it still stands majestically at the center of Carcarmay Community School, giving shade to countless graduation rites and various school and community programs.

The oldest living thing in the area, this huge tree from the Mimosa family, provide priceless comfort to residents and visitors alike.  Its green and cool leaves from its huge and long branches are comfortable and relaxing to the eyes.  Like a mother, taking good care of the children.

Like a mother taking good care of its children, the umbrella-like tree seems to engulf the whole school ground and hug grateful seekers of shade and uncompromised rest.  Its gigantic trunk is so huge that it takes 8 people, with their arms sideward and holding hands, to determine its size.

According to locals, years after World War II, a group of former Japanese soldiers returned in Bacnotan for a personal visit in the area where they were one then stationed as soldiers.  The problem is, they could no longer remember the exact place of their former base.  Bent on looking for the exact spot to reminisce their memorable friendship with the locals, they thought of an object that could act as marker.  Until one day, one of the Japanese remembered of a tall old tree that they used to hang around for much needed sleep.  After only a couple of inquiries from the local, the Japanese were able to locate the exact spot of their former refuge and were amazed of the tree’s undying beauty.  Some people, especially treasure hunters, even believe that the tree was used as marker and reference of numerous buried gold chests because of its size and location.

Thanks to the responsible residents, teachers, students and local officials, the Centennial Tree of Bacnotan continues to enjoy protection and proper care, ensuring more years of harmonious existence with other creations of the Almighty.  Like the historic Baluarte Watch Tower of Luna, La Union which saw the flights of its illustrious sons and daughters to greatness, the Centennial Tree also will continue to witness the unselfish efforts of Bacnotan’s people for progress and peace.  Like the strong and committed Centennial Tree, the people of La Union as a whole will always continue to be strong amidst the strongest tests.           

by: Israel Oller Rudio, PITO-LU