MALAPAD NA BATO — A Part of the Town of Pasig, 1862
In an article from the Gaceta de Manila —the official newspaper of the Spanish colonial government in the Philippines—one can read a public announcement regarding a subasta pública (public bidding) for the construction of a river ferry crossing ( balsa ) along the shores of Malapad-na-Bato, leading to the opposite bank of the river. Here is my translation: “By order of the Director of the Provincial Government, a public auction will be held for the establishment of a ferry crossing in Malapad-na-Bato, town of Pasig, in this province. The project will be awarded to the bidder who submits the best offer. The starting amount for the auction is set at ₱1,250, and it will be gradually reduced in accordance with the terms and conditions stated. The auction will take place before the Board of Provincial Government Auctions, at their office on 29 Palacio Street, precisely at ten o’clock in the morning on the 7th of March. Anyone who wishes to participate ...