THE Negritos, natives who led nomadic lives at the foot of the scenic North Negros Mountain ranges, originally inhabited Talisay. In 1788, families of Malay descent settled in the pristine part of Negros Island and name it Minulu-an. Unknown to many, the sugar industry in the province has its very roots in Talisay.
The enterprising recollect priests led by Fray Fernando Cuenca spurred the economic development of this once sleepy sitio through the planting of sugarcane in vast tracts of land we called “haciendas.”
The seedlings, brought from Spain, thrive well in the rich loamy soil. Fray Cuenca improved sugar production of the crude wooden mills with the invention of “Molino de Agua” and the rest they say is history.
The Spanish colonizers became guardians of our economic, socio-political and spiritual lives, and with more of the Minulu-an population embracing the Catholic faith, the sitio was decreed a town in September 20, 1850, with San Nicolas de Tolentino as its patron saint.
It was renamed Talisay, after the tree that grew in abundance along the mouth of the Matab-ang River. To accommodate the growing population, three more barrios where established. Dos Hermanas and San Fernando in the northern part and Concepcion in the south.
At the turn of the century, Talisay became a significant player in the revolt against Spain through the leadership of General Aniceto L. Lacson. The wily general and erstwhile Katipunero of the North teamed up with General Araneta from the South during the victorious Cinco de Noviembre uprising in 1898 that saw the Spaniards capitulating without bloodshed.
The intervening years saw Talisay growing and metamorphosing into the budding city that it is today full of promise and potential.
On February 11, 1998, Talisay through the efforts of local officials led by Mayor Amelo Lizares was finally converted into a city.
Today, Talisay is one of the fastest growing city in Negros Occidental. The city has garnered several momentous awards on for its best practices and programs.
From September 6-10, Talisay celebrates the 17th Minuluan Festival with the theme “Isa ka Handum, Isa ka Misyon para sa Pag-asenso sang Talisaynon. Various events were held during the five-day event which ends this weekend.
Under the leadership of Mayor Nilo Jesus Antonio Neil Lizares III, Vice Mayor Samuel Siote, its officials and department heads with the unity and cooperation of the Talisaynons, we say…Asenso Talisay!