By: Nic Abelian
The Dagaraga family’s remarkable journey from Mindanao to Australia, filled with history, love, and transformation.
A Family’s Resilient Legacy
The Dagaraga family’s roots are deeply embedded in the Philippines, with a heritage that stretches back decades. From surviving the eruption of Mount Hibok-Hibok in 1951 to enduring the hardships of the Japanese occupation during World War II, their story is one of survival and transformation. But behind the heartache and challenges lies a spirit of hope, perseverance, and unity.
In one of the few surviving photos of the Dagaraga family, taken in the 1960s during Christmas in Butuan City, we see a vibrant and joyful family. The photo captures Donata and Agustin Dagaraga, surrounded by their nine children, including both their surviving daughters—Maharlika Guillena, Tita Legaspi, Leonie Dagaraga, Fe Smith, and Rosaria Abasolo— their late daughter Zenaida Dagaraga, and their late sons, Rodolfo, Agustin Junior, and Julio. The image, now a cherished memory, represents a family that has not only weathered storms of nature but also the tragedies of life.
Agustin Dagaraga, the patriarch of the family, was a well-regarded barber in Butuan City. His skills were in high demand, particularly among the local politicians and Chinese business community, and he became a trusted figure in the city. However, behind this success was the experience of profound loss, such as the untimely death of their eldest daughter, Zenaida, in 1977.
Surviving Natural Disasters
The eruption of Mount Hibok-Hibok in 1951 is one of the most pivotal events in the Dagaraga family’s history. The eruption killed more than 3,000 people and forced nearly 35,000 people to evacuate from Camiguin Island. Donata and Agustin Dagaraga, along with their three children, were among the evacuees. They made their way to Mindanao by fishing boat, and then had to plead for a ride on a passenger ship, escaping with their lives but leaving behind everything they had known.
Rosario Abasolo, the third child of Donata and Agustin, recalls the harrowing experience of fleeing the island. “Our family went in a small fishing canoe toward a large passenger ship in the Bohol Sea. The Captain asked us to leave our baby, Rosario, in exchange for safe passage to the mainland. My mother, however, clung to me and refused. The Captain relented, and we were taken to Balingoan, where we were able to escape the eruption,” she remembers.
For a time, the family lived on a farm in Buenavista. Agustin worked hard, back on Camiguin he loaded sacks of rice onto ships, not realizing that the physical labor would cause him lasting pain later in life. Despite the hardships, the family pressed on, clinging to their values of resilience and unity.
Love and War: The Early Years
Before the eruption of Mount Hibok-Hibok and the calamities that followed, Donata’s early life was marked by the turmoil of World War II. In 1942, the Japanese forces invaded the Philippines, including the capital of Camiguin Island, Mambajao. More than one million Filipinos died at the hands of the Japanese. The Dagaraga family fled to the mountains to avoid Japanese soldiers, living off wild fruits and sweet potatoes while staying hidden.
At just 15 years old, Donata was thrust into a world of uncertainty and danger. During this time, she met Agustin, a man six years her senior. They formed a secret relationship, meeting in the jungles to avoid detection by the Japanese soldiers. Their love story became an anchor in the midst of the chaos and danger that surrounded them.
Donata’s choice was a life-changing one: leave her family and join Agustin in the mountains, or stay behind and risk being caught by the soldiers. The decision was not easy, but it ultimately led to their marriage, which took place in the heritage-listed church of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Sagay. The ceremony was conducted in whispers to avoid attracting attention from the nearby soldiers.
Their love, which was born in the midst of war, would eventually grow into a family legacy, providing the foundation for the Dagaraga family’s resilience.
From Camiguin to Australia: A New Life
In 1988, Donata and Agustin made the bold decision to leave the Philippines and migrate to Australia to be with their daughter Fe and her family in South Australia. The move was motivated by their desire for better opportunities and access to world-class healthcare, which had become especially important as they aged. Despite the challenges of starting over in a foreign land, their love for their heritage remained strong, and they worked hard to adapt to their new life in Australia.
Mark Smith, their grandson, recalls how his grandparents’ migration shaped his understanding of their strength and resilience. “When my grandparents moved to Australia, it was a huge change for them. They had to adjust to a new country, but they embraced the opportunity with gratitude. It was also a chance for them to have access to better healthcare, which prolonged their lives. I remember my Lolo cutting my hair at home with his barber’s tools he brought from the Philippines,” he said.
Smith’s personal connection to the Dagaraga family’s story led him to explore their history in greater depth, particularly after the sudden passing of his father in 2022. This tragedy sparked a deep reflection on family legacies, and Smith began to interview relatives and piece together the history of his grandparents.
Photo Courtesy: Mark Smith and Live Heart Productions (A new life in Australia. In 1990 Donata Dagaraga (seated), Mark Smith’s late father John P McD Smith and Agustin Dagaraga with five-year old Mark. John (born 1946) and Agustin (born 1921) shared 26 November as their birthday.)
The Making of Escape from Camiguin
Inspired by his family’s extraordinary history, Mark Smith decided to share his grandparents’ story through film. Escape from Camiguin, a biographical drama, will depict the couple’s early lives, their experiences during World War II, their survival of the Mount Hibok-Hibok eruption, and their eventual migration to Australia.
Smith wants to partner with Filipino filmmakers to bring this story to life. He wants to ensure that the film not only reflects his family’s experiences but also provides opportunities for Filipino actors to showcase their talent. “I believe the best way to share this story is to collaborate with Filipino production companies and offer Filipino acting talent a chance to shine,” Smith said.
The Plot: A War-Time Romance
Escape from Camiguin takes place in 1942, as the Philippines is drawn into the Second World War. The story focuses on Donata, a young girl living on the volcanic island of Camiguin, and Agustin, a young man who becomes her secret admirer. As Japanese forces invade the island, Donata and Agustin’s love story unfolds amidst the threat of violence and death.
The couple must navigate the dangers of war, including forced marriages and the constant threat of Japanese soldiers. Donata is forced to choose between staying with her family or joining Agustin in the jungles, where they will be safe but isolated.
As the war rages on, their love for each other becomes a symbol of hope and resilience, paving the way for the future they would build together.
Continuing the Dagaraga Legacy
Mark Smith’s dedication to telling his grandparents’ story through film is an effort to honor their resilience and love. He believes it is essential to document and share the history of families like the Dagaragas to inspire future generations. “Our story is not just about surviving war or natural disasters, but about love, family, faith, and the sacrifices that shape who we are,” Smith said.
With Escape from Camiguin, Smith hopes to bring attention to a chapter of Filipino history that has been overshadowed by other narratives. It is a film that will not only celebrate the Dagaraga family’s legacy, but also serve as a reminder of the importance of family, heritage, and the resilience to face life’s greatest challenges.
As the film takes shape, it aims to be an inspiring tribute to the strength of a family that refused to let adversity define them and, instead, found the courage to create a new future across the world.
For more, go to: https://liveheart.com.au/escape-from-camiguin/
Disclaimer: This article is based on personal recollections and interviews with the Dagaraga family and their descendants. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, some aspects of the story may be subjective or unverified. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals involved and may not represent official historical records or third-party accounts.
