Barako Publishing documented the remarkable success story and inspiring legacy in Barako 77: The Story of Environmental Activism in San Juan, Batangas. Today, the town thrives on tourism, its primary industry, which provides both livelihood and purpose for its residents. This progress would not have been possible had the proposed "Bugang Lason" copper smelter and fertilizer complex been built. Mar
asigan, a native of San Juan and the leader of the Concerned Citizens of San Juan (CCSJ), in a Man of the Year article by Letty Jimenez Magsanoc entitled “Horacio V. Marasigan: Friend of the Earth, Sea, and Air.” While Mr. Marasigan and many of his CCSJ compatriots have since passed on, their story lives on. Today, his granddaughter Ciara Marasigan Serumgard and granddaughter-in-law Farrah Rodriguez—two proud Batangueñas and the founders of Barako Publishing—carry the torch as third-generation champions of San Juan, Batangas. Through their work, they bring this important piece of environmental history to life for present and future generations. Less than a year after the height of the environmental dispute, on June 11, 1978, then-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. This law established the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) system, formalizing the State’s policy to maintain a rational and balanced approach between socio-economic development and environmental protection. Since then, all public and private entities have been required to comply with the EIS system for projects and undertakings that significantly affect the environment. Barako Publishing envisions an empowered citizenry in San Juan, Batangas. The founders strive to make this environmental history book accessible to students in San Juan and beyond—encouraging younger generations to think critically, embrace civic responsibility, and take purposeful action. When decision-making is rooted in science and education, communities are better equipped to build a meaningful legacy. The book is the result of rigorous research in collaboration with historians. It was brought to life visually by cinematographer Juan Miguel Marasigan and the late illustrator Bladimer Usi+ and crafted through the writing efforts of Katherine G. Lacson, Maria Karina Garilao, Vincent Bernabe and Felipe Horacio Marasigan III. Ciara and Farrah continue to engage with the media, work with partners, and organize events and complementary projects to build a thoughtful and intentional community that honors heritage and champions sustainability. Barako Publishing successfully lobbied for a landmark ordinance commemorating October 22 as "Araw ng Pagkakaisa para sa Kalikasan ng Bayan ng San Juan, Batangas". This date marks a pivotal but nearly forgotten chapter in the town’s environmental history, when nine out of ten residents voted against the smelter in a Diocesan Poll, echoing the findings of a University of the Philippines survey. The ordinance was officially approved on January 15, 2024, enshrining local heritage in policy.
