Hofileña: Learnings from history

Hofileña: Learnings from history

THIS writer sincerely appreciates the SunStar Editor-in-Chief, Churchill Aguilar, to welcome this modest column for the information of its readers. Comments from readers will be appreciated.

Brief historical background about Negros Occidental.

Negros Island was called "Buglas" by early inhabitants, which name was traced to the Visayan word "buklas" meaning cut off by force. The ancient belief is that the island was originally part of Mindanao before a geological upheaval tore it away. The arriving Spanish colonizers renamed Negros after the dark skinned natives they met when they first arrived in 1565. The island was sparsely inhabited with a few coastal settlements such as Ilog and Binalbagan. Ilog was the first capital of the island in 1734; the capital was transferred to Himamaylan in 1795 and finally to Bacolod in 1849. Various religious orders evangelized the province: The Agustinians, the Recollects, the Jesuits, the Dominicans, the Seculars and the Recollects again by 1800.

Material growth and development started in the latter half of the 18th century as stimulated by the rapid migration especially from settlers from Panay and widespread cultivation of sugar cane which made the island the sugar bowl of the Philippines until the present. The island was divided on January 1, 1890 into two provinces, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, on the petition of settlers from the oriental side. As especially notable history, the Negrenses rose in revolt to oust the Spanish authorities on November 5, 1898. Led by first Governor Aniceto Lacson, the Spaniards quickly surrendered and Cinco de Noviembre was declared a special holiday of the province through the declaration of President Corazon Aquino on February 10, 1989. The independent Province of Negros was short lived however with the arrival of the Americans who occupied the country on May 18, 1899.

As with the rest of the country, Negros Occidental was occupied by the Japanese forces in 1941 during World War II. It was subsequently liberated on March 1945 with the help of the local guerilla forces. With the surrender of the Japanese invaders on August 1945, the province joined the whole country as part of independent Philippines. The post WWII years brought about the recovery of the sugar industry and various socio-economic and political improvements as well as related problems as with rest of the country. As it moved towards the new millennium, Negros Occidental works towards a brighter future armed with the history of the past, the spirit of the Negrense and their sustained efforts for a brighter future together with the rest of the country. Apart from its leadership in the sugar industry, the people of Negros Occidental also developed other historical contributions to the country with its charming and hardworking people and its notable talents in Philippine arts and culture. Negrenses are also noted for their festivals with their food and delicacies. They are also noted for accomplishments in sports and national distinctions in cultural activities.

Negros Occidental is likewise well known for its historic structures and buildings, including various churches and homes. Most notable is the Provincial Capitol Building in Bacolod constructed by the Negrenses in 1937 and various museums in the cities of Silay, Talisay, and Bacolod and other municipalities. Many Negrense leaders have also attained notable accomplishments in politics and business, in culture and the arts as recognized in the whole country and other areas of the world. History has brought about many accomplishments of Negrenses together with their fellow Filipinos.

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The writer is the executive director of Negros Occidental Historical Council Inc.

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