“A vigorous nationalism requires a return to the generation grassroots the source of our personality.”
History repeats its tale. Stories about the past are retold by Sara and are handed down from generation to generation. Historical annals that Sara was founded in 1877 amidst the chaos and confusion of the country’s struggle against Spanish colonization.
In 1985, Sara was officially recognized as a regular parish with Father Paulino Diaz as curate.
In the advent of time, however, said stories were told and heard of the legend, of how Sara got its name.
First Story
A Spanish soldier came upon a woman concocting a certain kind of drink out of burnt rice (sara-sara) and plain water. He asked for the name of the place and the woman, thinking that the soldier wanted to know what she was doing. answered ” Sara-Sara. `The soldier took it for an answer and thereafter called the place Sara- Sara Time had a way of mending things eventually one word was tactfully dropped Thus we have just Sara exquisitely lovely in her own right.
Second Story
Another legend tells of a woman fetching water from the spring. She had an earthen jar in which a piece of cloth was tied over its mouth, to strain the water of impurities. A Spanish soldier came along and asked the name of the place. She thought that the soi dier wanted to have a drink so she handed him a coconut shell full of clear water, saying “Sara na ina: Sara was just about right for an answer and the name made a lasting impression.
Third Story
This is about a very beautiful and kindhearted lady named Sara. It is said that on dark days of pestilence and famine, beautiful Sara would suddenly appear with food and medicine for the sick and the needy. She was always with them to alleviate their sufferings. She was loved by everyone who knew her. The people developed a strong attachment to the name that the mere mention of it moved them to tears. How they loved this woman, who loved and cared for them as much as they did. To perpetuate the memory of their benefactor, they decided to name the place Sara in her honor.
The Saranians can only, therefore, with avowed candor and pride, say of their town in legacy, “This is the land of my birth and the home of my people.”
Source: The League of Municipalities (Iloilo Chapter) | “A Testimonial Program” | Pototan, Iloilo | January 8, 1998
