Negros Occidental Archives - Page 3 of 6 - Cultural Mapping of Panay and Guimaras

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Jesús Antonio Villamor was born on November 7, 1914, in Bangued, Abra, and later joined the Philippine Army Air Corps after studying aviation in the United States. During World War II, he led a small squadron against overwhelming Japanese forces, earning him several high military honors for his courage. After the fall of Bataan, he escaped to Australia and returned secretly to the Philippines in 1943 to organize guerrilla resistance in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental. Villamor and his team used Ubong Cave as a base to supply local fighters and establish communication networks against the Japanese occupation. His leadership significantly aided ...

Significant Personalities

HERMINIO “ERMI” P. AURELIO

Himamaylan, Negros Occidental

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Herminio P. Aurelio, born on May 29, 1939, in Murcia, Negros Occidental, is a self-taught sculptor who began learning the craft during his elementary years. Inspired by public sculptures in Bacolod City, he later moved to Himamaylan and worked various jobs, including as a driver and welder, while continuing his passion for art. He creates sculptures from memory using materials like cement, wood, latex, and papier mâché, and has passed on his artistic skills to his children, who are also engaged in various forms of art. Many of his works are displayed in public spaces and feature political figures, religious ...

Significant Personalities

ARNIEL BENEDICTO FERRERA

Cauyan, Negros Occidental

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Arniel B. Ferrera, born on March 22, 1981, in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, is a decorated Filipino athlete specializing in shot put, discus, javelin, and hammer throw. He started his athletic career in elementary school and continued to compete and win medals through high school and college, earning a degree in Secondary Education major in Math. Ferrera became a multi-gold medalist in local and national competitions and later broke several Philippine records in various throwing events. Internationally, he is a four-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist in hammer throw and a three-time SEA Games record holder. Currently, he works as a ...

Significant Personalities

ESTELITA PACHECO CASTRO

Candoni, Negros Occidental

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Estelita Pacheco Castro, born in 1939 in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, is a respected Babaylan known for her spiritual healing and traditional health practices. She began her work in 1974, focusing on herbal medicine, traditional massage, and midwifery, helping many mothers safely give birth in Candoni. Her role as a Paltera and healer has made her a trusted figure in communities with limited access to modern healthcare. As a spiritual leader, she also preserves indigenous rituals and offers guidance beyond physical healing.

Significant Personalities

ATTY. MARIA ROWENA AMELIA VILLENA GUANZON

Cadiz, Negros Occidental

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Atty. Ma. Rowena Amalia Guanzon, born in Cadiz City in 1957, is a lawyer, professor, and public servant known for her work in public service. Coming from a prominent family, she studied economics and law at the University of the Philippines and earned a master’s degree from Harvard. At age 28, she was appointed mayor of Cadiz City after the 1986 People Power Revolution, becoming one of the youngest mayors in the country. She later served as Commissioner for both the Commission on Audit and the Commission on Elections, where she gained national attention during the 2022 presidential elections. Guanzon ...

Significant Personalities

GENERAL JUAN ANACLETO TORRES ARANETA

Bago, Negros Occidental

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Juan Anacleto Araneta was born in 1852 in Molo, Iloilo, and later moved to Bago, Negros Occidental, where he became involved in agriculture and business after studying commerce in Manila. He modernized sugar farming by bringing in new equipment and founded the Ma-ao Sugar Central, helping the local economy grow. In 1898, he led an uprising against Spanish forces in Bacolod using fake weapons, an event now celebrated as “Cinco de Noviembre.” After the revolution, he became Secretary of War in the short-lived Republic of Negros and later supported cooperation with the American colonizers.

Significant Personalities

ASSEMBLYMAN PEDRO C. HERNAEZ

Bacolod, Negros Occidental

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Pedro C. Hernaez was a Filipino lawyer, politician, and diplomat born on December 12, 1899, in Talisay, Negros Occidental. He studied law and became a sugar industry executive serving as the President of the Talisay-Silay Sugar Planters Association before entering politics. In 1935, he was elected to the National Assembly and authored the law that made Bacolod a chartered city. He later became a senator and was appointed to the United Nations in 1946, where he helped in post-war efforts. Hernaez also served as Secretary of Commerce and Industry and later as Ambassador to Spain. He died in 1978, remembered ...

Religious Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

SANTO ENTIERRO SCULPTURE OF THE ACUESA FAMILY IN CAUAYAN

Cauayan, Negros Occidental

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Santo Entierro sculpture owned by the Acuesa family in Cauayan is an 82-year-old wooden statue carved in 1942, representing the entombed Christ. Made from santol wood, it features lifelike crystal eyes and detailed carvings, with several restorations over the years to maintain its original look. This statue plays a central role in the Holy Week “Pasos” procession, symbolizing Christ’s sacrifice and inspiring faith among the community. It has a rich history, having been moved from Saravia to Cauayan during World War II, showing the community’s devotion and efforts to preserve it. Despite its careful maintenance, the statue faces challenges ...

Religious Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

SAN PEDRO SCULPTURE OF THE VERDEFLOR FAMILY IN TALISAY CITY

Negros Occidental, Talisay

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The San Pedro sculpture owned by the Verdeflor family in Talisay City is a 143-year-old wooden religious statue made in 1881. It shows St. Peter holding a rooster, symbolizing his denial of Jesus, and is used during Holy Week processions to remind the faithful of repentance and faith. The statue reflects the Spanish-era wood carving style with detailed facial and hand features, giving it a lifelike quality. It was made in Belgium and passed through several families before reaching the Verdeflor family, who now take care of it. Though well-preserved, it faces risks like fading, theft, and damage, so routine ...

Religious Object, Tangible Movable Heritage

SAN JUAN DE BAUTISTA SCULPTURE OF THE PAREÑO FAMILY(BRGY. ALIMANGO, ESCALANTE)

Alimango, Escalante, Negros Occidental

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The San Juan de Bautista sculpture in Barangay Alimango, Escalante, is a 70-year-old religious statue made of concrete and steel, used during the annual San Juan Festival. It shows St. John the Baptist holding a small bowl, symbolizing baptism, and is valued for its unique design and heaviness. The statue plays a central role in local religious activities, especially the procession and sea-bathing rituals that strengthen community faith. It was inherited by the Pareño family and is linked to the first San Juan fiesta started by a Spanish-descended settler’s family. Preservation is challenged by the poor condition of the chapel ...

JESUS ANTONIO VILLAMOR

Cultural Mapping Of Panay and Guimaras

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