Villegas Clan of Guihulngan City Negros Oriental : Family Heritage and Legacy

Family Historian Prof. Penn T. Larena,MPA,KGOR,DSM

 Don Jose Villegas, a Chinese mestizo merchant from the town of Dumanjug in Cebu Province, was a man of ambition and vision. Born into a family with mixed heritage, he inherited not only the enterprising spirit of his Chinese ancestors but also the deep-rooted traditions and resilience of the Filipino people. The confluence of these cultures shaped his identity and drove his relentless pursuit of success.

In the early 1800s, Dumanjug was a bustling coastal town, known for its vibrant trade and commerce. Don Jose grew up surrounded by the lively exchanges at the local market, where merchants from various backgrounds came together to sell their goods. From a young age, he was fascinated by the world of business. Under the guidance of his father, he learned the intricacies of trade, from negotiating deals to managing inventory. His keen eye for detail and natural aptitude for commerce quickly set him apart.

As the years passed, Don Jose's ambitions outgrew the confines of Dumanjug. He dreamed of expanding his horizons and building a legacy that would last for generations. The opportunities in Guihulngan, a town located on the northeastern coast of Negros Island, caught his attention. Guihulngan was emerging as a promising center for trade, offering new markets and untapped potential. With a heart full of hope and determination, he decided to leave his hometown and embark on a new journey.

The move to Guihulngan was not without its challenges. The journey itself was arduous, with treacherous seas and unpredictable weather posing constant threats. However, Don Jose's unwavering resolve saw him through these difficulties. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by a town ripe with opportunities but also stiff competition. Undeterred, he set about establishing his business, leveraging his extensive knowledge and experience.

Don Jose's initial ventures in Guihulngan were modest, but his acumen and hard work soon bore fruit. He built a network of suppliers and customers, carefully nurturing each relationship with integrity and fairness. His reputation as a reliable and trustworthy merchant grew, attracting more business and expanding his influence. He diversified his trade, dealing in a variety of goods ranging from agricultural products to imported commodities, and ensured that his operations were efficient and profitable.

Beyond his business endeavors, Don Jose also played a significant role in the community. He believed in the importance of giving back and was known for his philanthropic efforts. He supported local initiatives, helped build infrastructure, and provided assistance to those in need. His contributions to the town's development were widely recognized and deeply appreciated.

As the years went by, Don Jose Villegas' business flourished, and his wealth grew. He became a prominent figure in Guihulngan, respected not only for his commercial success but also for his contributions to the community. His legacy was not just one of material wealth, but of positive impact and enduring influence.

Don Jose's story is a testament to the power of ambition, hard work, and resilience. From his humble beginnings in Dumanjug to his achievements in Guihulngan, he exemplified the spirit of entrepreneurship and the potential for success against all odds. His life remains an inspiring chapter in the history of Cebu and Negros, a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Chinese mestizo merchants in the Philippines.

                             

This cute little boy hugging his grandfather the late Gov. William Villanueva Villegas is Atty Kingking Mijares ,

Pelagio Vergara Villegas  Bloodline 

A. Pelagio Vergara Villegas, a prominent figure in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental, was a man whose legacy extended far beyond his lifetime. He married Agapita (Villaflores-Torres) Silva of Tanjay, Negros Oriental, and together they had several children who would go on to make significant contributions to their community and the province. Their lineage includes a distinguished array of public servants and influential personalities.

Their first son, Esperidion S. Villegas, was a pioneer Freemason in Negros Oriental  married Maria Mercedes de la Viña of Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental. Their second son, Simplicio S. Villegas,the first town Mayor of Guihulgan  married Guillerma Villanueva, daughter of Don Angel Villanueva of Bais City and second wife, Josefa Teves Villanueva  daughter of Anselma Pinili Teves  married to Don Hermenegildo Regis Villanueva Sr ..Simplicio and Lola Diday  legacy includes their son William "Bily" V. Villegas, who served as the Governor of Negros Oriental, and grandsons Judge Winston  Villegas and Simplicio V. Mijares.

Restituto S. Villegas, another son of Pelagio, served as a Congressman and Mayor of Guihulngan from 1913 to 1916. He married Milagros Mercadir, and their grandson, Doding Villegas, held the position of Vice Governor of Negros Oriental. Constancio S. Villegas followed in the political footsteps of his family, serving as the Mayor of Guihulngan from 1934 to 1941. He married Concepcion Leduna, and their son, Jesus "Je" Villegas, became a Congressman and Assemblyman for Region VII in 1978.

Mrs. Deogracias Silva. Villegas was married to Exequiel Alquisola, the  Pelagio's daughter's married into the Alquisola family, and their lineage includes Mayor Ernesto Alquisola Reyes, as well as the late Governor Guido Reyes, Vice Governor Jaime "Jake" Reyes, and Guihulngan City Mayor Mikoy Reyes. Pelagio's daughter, Macaria S. Villegas, married Dimas Geopano, whose sister Narcisa Geopano de la Viña was the second wife of Don Diego de la Viña, the liberator of Negros Oriental from Spanish rule. Their grandson, Atty. Alexander G. Amor, became a renowned media personality and mass communication professor.

I celebrate Narcisa Geopano de la Vina, second wife of Don Diego de la Vina (who liberated Negros Oriental from Spanish colonial rule). She was the sister of my great-great grandfather, Dimas Geopano. Known as a strong, pioneering woman, Capitana Sisang's eldest step-daugther, Mercedes de la Vina, married the eldest son of my great-great-great grandfather Don Pelagio Vergara Villegas (Capitan Piyoy). Capitan Piyoy's second daughter, Macaria Villegas, (Capitana Sisang's niece) married Dimas Geopano. Among Macaria's 10 children was my dad's mother, Amalia "Malying". Geopano Amor. Historical Notes of Adlai Amor in 2020

Macaria Villegas, niece of Narcisa Geopano de la Vina, was the third of 13 children of Don Pelagio Vegara Villegas and Dona Agapita Silva. Nanay Caria and Tatay Dimas had 10 children.

The youngest son, Gerasimo S. Villegas, Sr., married Carmen de la Viña Morales. Their children also left a significant mark on their community. Their son, Clark M. Villegas, served as the Barangay Captain of Hibaiyo, Guihulngan, and married Luisa Enriquez Alcoseba. Milena M. Villegas, another of their children, was the Mayor of Guihulngan from 1959 to 1963 and married Dr. Jose Rafols Paras, a Provincial Board Member in 1965. Herminia M. Villegas also served as Barangay Captain of Hibaiyo, Guihulngan, and married William Beye. Dr. Corazon M. Villegas, Eva M. Villegas, who married Jose Perez-Rubio, Gerasimo M. Villegas, Jr., who married Amparo Tan, and Atty. Napoleon M. Villegas, Sr., who was a Municipal Councilor of Guihulngan in 1976 and married Idee Escalona, all continued the family's legacy of service.

Gerasimo's grandchildren who held public office include Joniper Tan Villegas, Mayor of Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental; Ronald Tan Villegas, Councilor of Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental; Napoleon E. Villegas, Jr., Board Member of Negros Oriental; Jerome Villegas Paras, the first elected Congressman of the first district of Negros Oriental after the People Power Revolution; Jing Villegas Paras, Congressman of the 1st District of Negros Oriental; Joselito Villegas Paras, Board Member of the 1st District of Negros Oriental; and Jefferson L. Villegas, Councilor of Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur. Historical Notes of Family Historian Franco Ramirez Villegas 2022 

      

Hon. Restituto Villegas

Dominga Vergara Villegas -Hermoso Bloodline 

The family of Dona Dominga Vergara Villegas holds historical significance due to its connection to Visayan hero Pantaleon "Leon Kilat" Villegas. Dominga, sister of Pantaleon's grandfather Pedro Vergara Villegas and Pelagio Vergara Villegas, a local hero of Guihulngan, she married Don Pedro Cirilo Laguda Hermoso chinese Mestizo from Puan Vallehermoso Negros Oriental . Their lineage is rich with notable figures who made significant contributions to their communities and upheld their family's heroic legacy.

Dominga and Pedro Cirilo's children,  raised a family that continued to honor their storied past. Pedro Vicente married Basilia Milagros " Isang"Geopano, and their children—Pantaleon Geopano Hermoso, Cirilo Geopano Hermoso, and Juana Geopano Hermoso-Perez—became prominent figures. The family settled as tenant farmers in Puan Vallehermoso, a land owned by their uncle, Don Diego de la Viña, another hero in Negros Oriental's history. This family's legacy intertwines with the region's heroic past, reflecting a rich tapestry of courage and heritage.

Pedro Vicente and Milagros Geopano Hermoso's children left their mark on various fields. Pantaleon Geopano Hermoso, engaged in farming and fishing, married Juliana Estrada Rana. Their children included Restituto Rana Hermoso (son Albert Hermoso), Agapito Hermoso (daughter Linda Hermoso), AtyoK Hermoso (daughter Natividad Hermoso), Pedro Hermoso (daughter Helen Hermoso), Braulio Hermoso (daughter Shirley Hermoso), Vicente Hermoso (son Eddie Hermoso), Concepcion Hermoso (daughters Cherry and Pacing Hermoso), Flarida Hermoso (children Logie and Jr. Hermoso), Maria Hermoso (children Thelma and George Hermoso), and Magdaline Hermoso (daughter Aracelie Hermoso).

Cirilo Geopano Hermoso married Timotia Jungoy, and their descendants included Patrocinio J. Hermoso, who married Jesus S. Baena, a famous mechanic from Bais; Agapita "Lola Pitang" Hermoso, who married Prof. Leoncio B. Tulabing, a renowned public school teacher and postal stamp collector from Palanas Tanjay;

Pedro "Lolo Kid" Hermoso, a well-known teacher in Vallehermoso, who married Victoria D. Cabatingan; and Purification Hermoso, who married a Villegas.

Juana Geopano Hermoso married Jose "Pepe" Perez of Canlaon City. Their children included Valentina Hermoso Perez, Anita Hermoso Perez-Tirol, and Jose "Peping" Hermoso Perez. The family's presence extended across Puan Vallehermoso, Bagawines Vallehermoso, Bais City, Canlaon, Cebu, and San Carlos, maintaining their legacy and impact throughout the place

Historical Notes from  Prof. Penn Tulabing Larena 

Pedro Vergara Villegas Bloodline 

Pedro Vergara Villegas, a Chinese mestizo haciendero in Vallehermoso, hailed from a distinguished lineage. The youngest son of Don  Jose  Villegas, He married Dorotea Vergara the daughter of a Vallehermoso cabeza de barangay  Don Lorenzo Vergara, laid the foundations of their family's prominence. Dorotea’s marriage to her distant cousin Pedro strengthened their social and economic standing.

Pedro's son , Policarpio Villegas y Vergara married to Úrsula Soldevillo of Bacong , ensured he inherited not only their vast sugar plantations but also their values of hard work and leadership. Pedro thrived as a haciendero, significantly contributing to the local economy.

The family's legacy of resilience was epitomized by Pedro's grandson  Lieutenant-General Eulogio Pantaleón Villegas y Soldevillo, known as León Kilat. Born in Bacong, Negros Oriental, León Kilat became a celebrated revolutionary leader in Cebu, fighting against the Spanish Empire. His bravery and strategic acumen inspired the entire Vergara-Villegas family, merging their heritage of prosperity with a profound sense of patriotism. 

Pantaleon "leon Kilat" S. Villegas Visayan Hero