Wikipedia

Aniceto Lacson

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Lacson and the second or maternal family name is Ledesma.

Aniceto Ledesma Lacson (April 17, 1857 – February 3, 1931) is a Filipino revolutionary general, sugar farmer, and businessman. He is known as the first and only president of the Negros Republic from 1898 to 1901,[1] and for leading the Negros Revolution alongside Juan Araneta.[2]

Aniceto Lacson
1st President of Negros
In office
November 5, 1898 – April 30, 1901
Preceded byPosition established
Succeeded byMelecio Severino
(as Civil Governor)
Personal details
Born(1857-04-17)April 17, 1857
Molo, Iloílo, Captaincy General of the Philippines
DiedFebruary 3, 1931(1931-02-03) (aged 73)
Talisay, Negros Occidental, Philippine Islands
CitizenshipPhilippine
NationalityNegrense
Political partyKatipunan

Early life

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A Filipino politician of Chinese-Mestizo origin,[3] Gen. Aniceto Lacson,[4] a member of the Lacson family, is the fifth of eight children born to Lucio Petronila Lacson and Clara Ledesma Lacson.[5] Lucio's branch of the Lacson family relocated to Negros during the period of diaspora of wealthy Iloilo families at the later part of the 1800s.[6][7]

Lacson began his early education under private tutelage in Molo, Iloilo, and later pursued commerce at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, where he was classmates with Juan Araneta and José Rizal.[8] There, he also met Andres Bonifacio, with whom he allegedly shared a secret blood compact with.[9] He was also inducted as a member of Philippine revolutionary society.[10]

Some of Lacson's siblings also contributed to business and local history. He is the brother of Domingo Lacson Sr., the founder of Sta. Clara Estate Inc., a firm specializing in diversified real estate,[11] and Don Mariano Lacson, who built the Lacson Ruins of Talisay City, near Aniceto's Casa Grande Mansion.[12] Another sibling, Rosendo Lacson, was a signatory to the ratification of the brief Cantonal Republic of Negros which concluded shortly after the Negros Revolution.[13]

The Negros Revolution

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The last page of the Acta de Capitulación (Surrender Document).

Aniceto Lacson was a central figure in the Negros Revolution of 1898, leading the efforts that ultimately liberated Negros Island from Spanish rule. On November 3, 1898, Lacson, serving as the commander of the northern forces, organized a revolt alongside key leaders in Silay, including Juan Araneta, Leandro Locsin Sr., and Nicolás Gólez. [14]

On November 5, 1898, Lacson led his forces in a coordinated uprising that quickly spread across the island. Under his leadership, the revolutionaries in Silay successfully forced the surrender of the local Spanish garrison without resistance.[15] The following day, Lacson's forces advanced on Bacolod City, employing a strategic bluff with makeshift bamboo cannons and wooden rifles.This tactic convinced the Spanish governor, Isidro de Castro, to surrender Bacolod without a fight.[16]

Lacson was a key signatory of the Acta de Capitulación, the document formalizing the Spanish surrender.[17] His leadership was instrumental in the peaceful and decisive conclusion of the Negros Revolution, marking him as a pivotal leader in the island's struggle for independence.[18]

On November 6, 1898, the revolution in Negros ended with the surrender of Spanish forces in Bacolod. The rebels, led by Lacson and Gólez, used bamboo and wooden weapons to convince the Spanish to surrender.[19] Mediator José Ruiz de Luzuriaga facilitated the agreement, leading to the unconditional surrender of Spanish troops and the transfer of public funds to the new government.[20]

The Spanish signatories were Isidro de Castro, Braulio Sanz, Manuel Abenza, Ramón Armada, Emilio Monasterio, and Domingo Ureta. The Negros revolutionary signatories included Aniceto Lacson, Juan Araneta, Leandro Locsin Sr., Simeón Lizares, Julio Díaz, and José Montilla.[21] Following the surrender, forty-seven prominent Negrenses, such as Antonio L. Jayme, Eusebio Luzuriaga, Nicolas Gólez, Agustín Amenabar, Rafael Ramos, and Rosendo Lacson, ratified a constitution to establish a new republic.[22]

The Cantonal Republic of Negros

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Official flag of the Negros Revolution until 1898. The flag was changed when the Negros Republic was established (1898–1901)

The Cantonal Republic of Negros (November 27, 1898 – March 4, 1899) was a short-lived revolutionary government established on the island of Negros in the Philippines.[23] Following the surrender of Spanish Governor Isidro Castro to forces led by Aniceto Lacson and Juan Araneta at Bacolod on November 6, 1898, the Cantonal Republic was founded with Lacson serving as its president from November 27, 1898, until March 4, 1899, when the Negros revolutionaries surrendered to the United States General James Francis Smith. The government lasted for three months and four days.[24]

Historical Legacy

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Aniceto Lacson and fellow revolutionaries are commemorated through the Cinco de Noviembre celebration and historic landmarks in Negros Occidental.

Cinco de Noviembre

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Cinco de Noviembre celebrates the revolution led by Aniceto Lacson and Juan Araneta on November 5, 1898, which led to the peaceful surrender of Spanish forces in Bacolod.[25] Lacson's leadership and strategic bluff with makeshift weapons were pivotal in this bloodless victory.[26]

The day is marked annually in Negros Occidental as a special holiday. The Cinco de Noviembre memorial in Silay City, featuring a Spanish cannon donated by Claudio G. Akol Jr., honors Lacson and the revolutionaries. President Corazon Aquino declared November 5 a holiday through Republic Act No. 6709.[27]

The Fountain of Justice

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View of the Fountain of Justice from a high point in the old Bacolod City Hall building

Situated in front of the old Bacolod City Hall, the Fountain of Justice is a historic landmark in Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Philippines that commemorates the Spanish surrender to Gen. Aniceto Lacson's forces during the Negros Revolution. It is also the location of where José de Luzuriaga's house once stood. [28]

On November 6, 1898, during the Negros Revolution, Luzuriaga’s house served as the site of the surrender of Bacolod by Spanish authorities to the Filipino forces led by Gen. Aniceto Lacson. He also served as a mediator between the two sides. [29]

Colonel Isidro de Castro, the Spanish governor of Negros, signed the surrender document on behalf of the Spanish forces.[30]

The Fountain of Justice was a spot for recreation, political events, spiritual gatherings, and cultural celebrations. It previously served as a popular venue for rallies and protests and hosted Bacolod City's 66th Charter Anniversary celebration.[31]

Lacson National Highway

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Aerial view of Lacson National Highway, parallel to the Capitol Park and Lagoon

Lacson National Highway, known locally as Lacson Street, is the primary thoroughfare in Bacolod City, named in honor of Gen. Aniceto Lacson.[32]

Originally a non-concrete road lined with vintage houses, Lacson National Highway transformed into a commercial and business center during the mid-20th century sugar industry boom. [33]

Notable townships and developments, including Sta. Clara Estate owned by Aniceto's brother Domingo Lacson Sr.,[34] and Capitolville by industrialist Alfredo Montelibano Sr.,[35] further enhanced the importance of the area.

Lacson National Highway also serves as the main road for the celebration of Masskara Festival and Bacalaodiat.[36]

Properties

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General Aniceto Lacson House, popularly known as Casa Grande

After graduating commerce from the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, Aniceto improved his father's sugar plantation in Talisay, Negros Occidental. He expanded the estate through purchases from English businessman Nicholas Loney.[37]

On 29 August 1898, Belgian Consul Édouard André described witnessing the mistreatment of workers in Negros, where laborers on Aniceto Lacson's estate were punished with bamboo lashes, sometimes up to one hundred lashes.[38]

In 1916, Aniceto Lacson appealed to register ownership of Sicogon Island, claiming it from Ynchausti & Co. during the Spanish colonial period. He acquired it from Ramon Fontanet, but key documents were lost in fires during the Philippine Revolution.[39] Despite opposition, Lacson secured agreements for public use. The court ruled in his favor, recognizing his long-term possession and allowing the registration of the island's agricultural areas.[40]

Barangay Bata, originally owned by the Lacson family in Hacienda Lourdes, is situated between Bacolod and Talisay in Negros Occidental. Named “BATA” from “BA” for Bacolod and “TA” for Talisay, the land was sold to Irish national Charles Newton Hodges, who converted it from agricultural to residential.[41] Due to foreign ownership restrictions, much of the property was foreclosed by PCI Bank.[42] Businessman Simplicio A. Palanca later acquired and developed it, establishing Bata Subdivision and Marapara Golf and Country Club (now Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club).[43] The Lacsons under their company, Teresa Development Corporation, developed Goldcrest Subdivision and Rose Lawns Memorial Park.[44]

Currently, Lacson’s heirs, in collaboration with developers, have established projects like La Costa Brava, Del Rio, Town and Country, and Ayala North Point. The family still holds land for future investments. Lacson's mansion in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, known as Casa Grande was inherited by his descendants, the Claparols family.[45] In the year 2002, it was declared a National Historical Landmark.[46]

On November 5, 2024, during the 126th Cinco de Noviembre celebration, the Lacson-Claparols heirs donated Casa Grande to the National Museum of the Philippines. The NMP will restore the historic house, preserving it as a national heritage site and museum.[47]

Family

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Aniceto Lacson's family was notably large, with two marriages and over twenty children, his wife and descendants connect him with many other prominent families, further strengthening their influence in the Philippines.

Marriage with Rosario Araneta Lacson

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Rosario Araneta, a descendant of the Araneta Clan of the Philippines. She is the first wife of Aniceto Lacson.

Aniceto first married Rosario Araneta,[48] Rosario is the daughter of Patricio Cabunsol Araneta and Leoncia Araneta. She is also the first cousin of Juan Araneta.[49] Aniceto and Rosario sired eleven children. They were:

  1. Jesusa, the eldest, married Jose Maria Arroyo y Pidal, her second cousin.[50] Jesusa and Jose are the grandparents of Iggy Arroyo, and First Gentleman Mike Arroyo– husband of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.[51]
  2. Emilio, died young
  3. Clotilde, died young
  4. Carmen, married Ricardo Claparols, a Spaniard who's son, Dr. Jaime Lacson Claparols, later founded the JRS Express in 1960 [52]
  5. Enriqueta, married Domingo Lacson II, son of Domingo Lacson Sr.[53]
  6. Isaac, who became governor of Negros, then congressman and senator of the Republic, married Carmen Paterno [54]
  7. Mariano, married Lilia Montilla
  8. Perfecta, married Santiago Franco
  9. Jose, died young
  10. Aniceto Jr., married Aurora Lacson, a cousin
  11. Dominador, married Visitacion Lacson, another cousin

Marriage with Magdalena Torres Lacson

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With his second wife, Magdalena Torres, a Spanish Mestiza, he had 10 children. They were:

  1. Resureccion, married Carlos Sackermann, a German
  2. Margarita, a former Miss Negros Occidental,[55] married William Gemperle, a Swiss-German
  3. Leonila, married Angel Gamboa
  4. Leoncia
  5. Nicolas, married Amparo Lacson– the sister of Mayor Arsenio Lacson.[56] They are the parents of Australian-Filipino socialite,Rose Lacson,[57] and Salvador Lacson, the chairman of LLIBI Insurance Brokers inc.[58]
  6. Juan, married Reymunda Villareal
  7. Jose, married Estelita Adrias
  8. Lucio, married Consuelo Flores
  9. Luis, married Lily Distajo
  10. Consuelo, married Sebastian Corro, a Spaniard [59]

Ancestry

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Ancestors of Aniceto Lacson
Lorenzo Lacson
Juan Lacson
Josefina Cuaño
Domingo Lacson
Manuela Dominga
Lucio Lacson
Fernanda Petronila
Aniceto Lacson
Clara Ledesma

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Foreman, J., 1906, The Philippine Islands, A Political, Geographical, Ethnographical, Social and Commercial History of the Philippine Archipelago, New York: Charles Scribner's Sons
  2. ^ Aguilar, F. V. (1997). Masonic Myths and Revolutionary Feats in Negros Occidental. Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, 28(02), 285–300.
  3. ^ Tan, Antonio S. (1986). "The Chinese Mestizos and the Formation of the Filipino Nationality". Archipel. 32 (1): 141–162. doi:10.3406/arch.1986.2316.
  4. ^ "Aniceto Lacson Family History & Historical Records". MyHeritage. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  5. ^ "Iloilo History Part 5". Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  6. ^ Patricio, Pietros Val R. (2016-04-02). "The Panay Diaspora: An Introduction". Panay Diaspora. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  7. ^ "Mondragon Family - THE FAMILY". sites.google.com. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  8. ^ "Lacson, Aniceto L." CulturEd: Philippine Cultural Education Online. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  9. ^ "Cinco de Noviembre and the Negros Republic". Independence Day. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  10. ^ "Gen. Aniceto Lacson Ancestral Home – A National Treasure". Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  11. ^ Nicavera, Erwin P. (2018-05-01). "Firm pours in P5B investment for Bacolod; 1st int'l brand hotel underway". SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  12. ^ Liu, Nina (2024-01-20). "A serene getaway at Negros Occidental's historic The Ruins". RAPPLER. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  13. ^ "Capitulación Firmada el Seis de Noviembre: Bacolod As the Birthplace of Freedom". Jocelle Batapa Sigue. 2019-11-06. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  14. ^ https://www.scribd.com/document/535798246/Negros-Revolution The Unspoken Heroes of The Negros Revolution
  15. ^ https://independenceday.ph/historical-events/cinco-de-noviembre-and-the-negros-republic/ National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Cinco de Noviembre and the Negros Republic.
  16. ^ https://visayandailystar.com/a-negrense-achievement/ Negros Revolution Visayan Daily Star. A Negrense Achievement. 5 Nov. 2022.
  17. ^ https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/1331/today-in-philippine-history-november-7-1898-the-republic-of-negros-was-founded The Kahimyang Project. (n.d.). Today in Filipino history, November 7, 1898, the Republic of Negros was founded.
  18. ^ https://www.experiencenegros.com/cinco-de-noviembre/
  19. ^ https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/west-visayas-state-university/bsed-social-studies/open-negros-occidental/87410121 Benagera, Jalen. The Province of Negros Occidental. West Visayas State University, 2023.
  20. ^ https://www.sunstar.com.ph/more-articles/luzuriaga-mausoleum-a-living-landmark-of-the-past Bajenting, Johanna Marie O. Luzuriaga Mausoleum: A Living Landmark of the Past. Sunstar Bacolod, 31 Oct. 2017.
  21. ^ http://www.zambotoday.com/index.php?/archives/1227-Zamboanga-The-Greatest-Republic-in-History-Part-10.html, Zamboanga Today Online. 2005-08-09. Retrieved 2009-10-23.
  22. ^ https://jocellebatapasigue.com/2019/11/06/capitulacion/#:~:text=The%20Negros%20Revolution%20against%20Spain,bloodless%20revolutions%20in%20the%20country. Acta de Capitulacion and the Negros RepublicBatapa Sigue, Atty. Jocelle. Capitulación Firmada el Seis de Noviembre: Bacolod As the Birthplace of Freedom. https://jocellebatapasigue.com/, 6 Nov. 2019.
  23. ^ APA: Aguilar, F. V., Jr. (2000). The Republic of Negros. Philippine Studies, 48(1), 26-52. https://www.jstor.org/stable/42633166
  24. ^ https://pub-ucpec2-prd.cdlib.org/ucpressebooks/view?docId=ft4580066d&chunk.id=d0e5942&toc.id=d0e5917&toc.depth=1&brand=ucpress&anchor.id=bkd0e6315#X Larkin, John A. Sugar and the Origins of Modern Philippine Society. University of California Press, 1993.
  25. ^ https://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/for-progress-lacson-emphasizes-unity-during-cinco-de-noviembre-celebration
  26. ^ https://visayandailystar.com/negrenses-mark-125th-al-cinco-de-noviembre/
  27. ^ https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/2/6478 [ REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6709, February 10, 1989 ]
  28. ^ https://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index_title_Negros_func_all_pid_1194_tbl_0.html
  29. ^ https://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/bacolod-council-declares-old-city-hall-site-as-historical-landmark The Fountain of Justice
  30. ^ Samillano, Chrysee G. "SP Declares Old City Hall a Landmark." Visayan Daily Star, 22 Aug. 2024, https://visayandailystar.com/sp-declares-old-city-hall-a-landmark/.
  31. ^ https://www.vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/Fountain-of-Justice The Fountain of Justice
  32. ^ Lacson Street is the longest and most vital main street in Bacolod City
  33. ^ The Legacy of the famous Lacson and Araneta Streets
  34. ^ Sta. Clara Subdivision
  35. ^ "Capitolville Subdivision - Bacolod".
  36. ^ Lacson Street of Bacolod City
  37. ^ Lacson, Aniceto L.. (2015). In V. Almario (Ed.), Sagisag Kultura (Vol 1). Manila: National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Retrieved from https://philippineculturaleducation.com.ph/lacson-aniceto-l/
  38. ^ Halstead, Murat (1899). Pictorial History of America's New Possessions: The isthmian canals, and the problem of expansion, with chapters on the policy of American expansion. University of California Libraries: Chicago : W. S. Reeve Publ. Co. ISBN 9785518602908.
  39. ^ Lacson vs. Government of the Philippine Islands. G.R. No. 12790. Decision date: February 17, 1919. Jur.ph. Retrieved from https://jur.ph/jurisprudence/digest/lacson-v-government-of-the-philippine-islands
  40. ^ Supreme Court of the Philippines. (1919). Aniceto Lacson vs. The Government of the Philippine Islands, G.R. No. L-12790, February 17, 1919. Retrieved from Lawphil: https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri1919/feb1919/gr_l-12790_1919.html
  41. ^ https://bacolodcity.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Bata.pdf, History of Hacienda Lourdes
  42. ^ https://jur.ph/jurisprudence/summary/philippine-commercial-and-industrial-bank-v-escolin-28793
  43. ^ https://bacolodcity.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Bata.pdf, History of Hacienda Lourdes
  44. ^ https://journals.openedition.org/archipel/320?lang=en/1000 Teresa Development Corporation
  45. ^ Lacson-Claparols Family Estate
  46. ^ National Historical Institute. Declaring the General Aniceto Lacson Ancestral House in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, a national historical landmark (Resolution No. 2, S. 2002). Retrieved from https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/02/National_Historical_Institute_Resolution_No._02%2C_S._2002.pdf
  47. ^ https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/2024/11/06/nmp-receives-donated-general-aniceto-l-lacson-ancestral-house
  48. ^ Araneta-Lacson family connection
  49. ^ https://www.sunstar.com.ph/more-articles/the-life-and-legend-of-gen-juan-t-araneta
  50. ^ Ingacio Lacson Arroyo of Jesusa and Jose Maria Arroyo y Pidal de Lacson
  51. ^ Mike Arroyo, a descendant of Gen. Aniceto Lacson
  52. ^ Dr. Jaime Lacson Claparols: Pioneer industrialist who founded the JRS Express
  53. ^ Domingo Lacson of Sta. Clara Estate Inc.
  54. ^ Senator Isaac Araneta Lacson
  55. ^ Margarita Torres Lacson, a former Miss Negros Occidental representative
  56. ^ Yabes, R. M. (2002). Mayor Arsenio H. Lacson: A political biography
  57. ^ Rose Lacson– Australian-Filipina Socialite
  58. ^ Salvador Lacson, Chairman of Lacson & Lacson Insurance Brokers Inc. A leading firm
  59. ^ Lacson–Corro Family
edit
Political offices
New title
Republic established
 President of the Republic of Negros Succeeded by
Melecio Severino
as Civil Governor of Negros Island
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