Erwin D. Bonifacio

Tito Villaruz Acuña was born in 1871 in Capiz, Capiz, one of the twelve children of DonEleuterio Marino Acuña and Doña Ramona Andrada Villaruz. His father, Don Eleuterio, arrivedin the province as a district inspector of public works in 1864. He eventually married DoñaRamona from the influential and prominent Villaruz clan of Capiz. Tito was […]

Dr. Fernando Victor Bermejo was born on February 22, 1893, in Panay, Capiz. He completed hisprimary education in March 1906 and intermediate education in 1908 in Panay, Capiz. InJanuary 1909, he was elected as the President of the newly organized “The Dawn of the Day,” acommercial society established in Panay, Capiz.At the age of sixteen, […]

Don Gregorio Nacianceno Delfin y Devera, the first lawyer from Capiz,was born in Panitan, Capiz, around the 1840s. He completed hissecondary education at Colegio de San Juan de Letran and obtained hisBachelor’s degree in Canon Law from the University of Santo Tomas in

The early history of Roxas City (formerly known as the Municipality of Capiz, Capiz) presents asignificant challenge in uncovering its past, which holds essential, meaningful, and relevantinsights for our present times. The earliest attempt to document the history of Roxas City wasmade during President Elpidio Quirino’s administration in 1953. However, it is regrettable thatthe Historical […]

Salvador Andaya Laguda was born on November 6, 1872, in Mambusao, Capiz. His father, DonMarcelino Laguda, held the positions of gobernadorcillo and Juez de Paz in Mambusao, Capizduring the Spanish colonial period. He was first married to Carmen Lopez [1880 – 1911], the sister of Iloilo Governor Benito Lopez.Tragically, Carmen passed away, and later he […]

Conrado Villaruz Barrios, born on November 26, 1879, in Capiz, now Roxas City, Capiz, was the son of Don Manuel Barredo Barrios and his second wife, Rosa Villaruz. His father held the position of Capitan Municipal of Capiz from 1895 to 1896. He was married to Jovita Acuña, the daughter of Don EleuterioAcuña and the […]

In the rich tapestry of Philippine financial history, one name shines as a true trailblazer – Vicente Villanueva Carmona. Born in Capiz (now Roxas City), Capiz, on August 8, 1878, to Saturnino Carmona andFernanda Villanueva, his early life was filled with promise. He pursued his education at the prestigious Ateneo Municipal, where he earned his […]

The first Capisnon to become the chairman of Philippine National Railways was born in Mambusao, Capiz on November 19, 1915. He was married to Dolores Ticar and they were blessed with seven children namely Lucy, Vicky, Carla, Lourdes, Antonio, Jose Mari, and Jose Salvador.He finished his course in civil engineering at the University of the […]

One of the brilliant legal minds of Capiz was born on June 7, 1900 in Capiz, now Roxas City, to Don Francisco Dinglasan and Vicenta Arcenas. Captain Francisco Dinglisan was one of the officers of General Ananias Diokno, who liberated the Province of Capiz in 1898 from the Spanish colonial forces, and like some of […]

The Capiznon Chess Club Inc. will hold Major Jose G. Falco Memorial Chess Tournament on September 4 at Robinsons Place Roxas, Barangay Lawaan, Roxas City and the tournament will be employing 10 minutes +3s/6-round Swiss system. Interested participants may contact Engr. Michael Falsis at 091581157129. The champion will receive P3,000; 1st runner up, P2,000; 2nd […]

The pioneering and renowned Filipino botanical plant collector was born to Valentin Edaño and Raymunda Estrada in Dao, Capiz, on May 9, 1896. Gregorio E. Edaño took his elementary education in hishometown, but barely finished it when, by chance, he met an American to whom he attached himself.His adventurous spirit subsequently led him to escape […]

One of the pioneering Filipino graduates from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis was born on May 28, 1904, in Barangay Casanayan, Pilar, Capiz. Emilio Molina Bataga graduated from Capiz High School in March 1920. Then, he attended Liberal Arts at the University of the Philippines.The 19-year-old Capisnon was accepted on August 23, 1921, […]

The pioneering doctor specializing in urology was born in Dao, Capiz on November 19, 1884, and was the youngest of the sevenchildren of Valentin Eduque and Lutgarda Alba, both natives of Capiz. He was married to Salvacion Feria. They were blessed with three children namely: Armando, Elvira, and Valentin.In 1904, he first took medicine at […]

One of the six pioneering Filipino Physicians was born in Capiz, now Roxas City, Capiz to Spanish mestizo Don CamiloLopez de Seneca of Capiz and Doña Francisca del Rivero of Zamboanga. Based on the age of his contemporaries, he was born in the late 1840s.He was married to Doña Rosario Orozco of Manila.They have been […]

Among the first six Filipino physicians in the Philippines was Felipe Zamora y Quisumbing who was born on August 23, 1854 in Capiz, now Roxas City, Capiz.He was married to Candida Obispo and their son Jose Felipe Zamora was one of the three pioneering students of UP College of Agriculture in Los Baños, and who […]

One of the unheralded Capisnons for her pioneering works as a social worker and the founder of Young Women ChristianAssociation (YWCA) of Manila, Philippine Islands was born during the height of the Philippine Revolution on August 12, 1898 in Panay, Capiz. Felicisima Balgos-Barza or simply Feling as her family and friends fondly called her was […]

National Artist for Music Jovita Fuentes is undeniably primus inter pares among Capisnons who excelled in the field of music.But aside from her, other Capisnons are deserving to be known and remembered for bringing honor and prestige to the Province of Capiz.Among these unheralded musicians is Alfonso Jose Fojas Fresnido who was born on March […]

part 2 of 3 parts HISTORY o implement the Man d a n a s – G a r c i a Ruling, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued Executive Order No. 138 onJune 1, 2021, which explicitly defines “full devolution” as the true devolution of functions to deliver the basic services fromthe national government to […]

The year 2022 ushers in a new era in local governance in the Philippines as it embarks towards full devolution as the result of the landmark 2019 Mandanas-Garcia Ruling.Before 1992, the Philippine government was highly centralized in terms of powers, responsibilities and resources. But the passing ofthe Local Government Code on October 10, 1991, paved […]

During the succeeding two elections, the Altavas-Roxas feud did not wane but instead got more intense after those elections and it was getting more personal.On December 14, 1937, Governor Gabriel K. Hernandez sought his second term as local chief executive of the Province under Partido Nacionalista Democrata Pro-Independencia (Pro).On the other hand, Senators Jose C. […]

(part 3 of 3) Based on Section 5 of the Executive Order No. 138 and Section 12 of its Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR), allNational Government Agencies (NGAs), departments and instrumentalities under it are mandated to formulate their respective Devolution Transition Plans. Specified in the concerned NGA DTP are the services to be fully devolved […]

As early as 1930, the split between Senator Jose C. Altavas and his erstwhile political protégé President Manuel A. Roxasbecame apparent.Also, the Nacionalista’s hegemony at the national level was beginning to crack due to political differences on the outcome of the Independence mission particularly the Ox-Rox (Osmeña-Roxas) mission to the United States wherein Senate President […]

Tags A lthough Partido Nacionalista defeated almost all of the Democrata’s candidates in the 1919 elections, the opposition in1922 made its biggest comeback and avenged their losses in the previous elections.On June 6, 1922, Senator Jose C. Altavas, the leader of the Nacionalista in Capiz, stood for reelection as senator representing the 7th Senatorial District.However, […]

In 1916, the opposition Partido Nacional Progresista in Capiz transformed into Partido Democrata. It was the election year that Col. Ramon Hontiveros passed on the baton to his nephew, lawyer Jose Miraflores Hontiveros native of Tangalan, Aklan, who was Justice of the Peace of the Municipality of Capiz (now Roxas City) from 1913-1916, as their […]

The Capiz Provincial Health Office has reported that 12 Capisnons have already succumbed to COVID-19, and more than 200 positive cases have been recorded. But what is disgusting is the proliferation of “fake news” and mudslinging’s among politicalsupporters in social media. While fidgeting on my smartphone, I came across this academic journal article of Francis […]

The November 5th elections were intense and costly since it was the first elections when both the provincial officials, assemblymen and municipal officials were elected at the same time.During this period, Capiz was already the stronghold of the Partido Nacionalista after it absorbed the Partido Modernista once led by Governor Antonio Habana.On September 20, 1908, […]

The Partido Modernista further entrenched and consolidated their power after the elections of the three Modernistas Deputies in the First Philippine Assembly elections held in July 1907. Eugenio Picazo, the second husband of Doña Rosario Acuña, defeatedSimeon Dadivas of Partido Nacional Progresista in the First Legislative District, young Lawyer Jose Altavas upset Governor Simplicio Jugo […]

With an abundantharvest of palay inthe later part of 1905,the Capisnons were content.However, American John C.Barnard, Dumalag SchoolSupervisor, reported that therewas unrest in the populationdue to the upcoming electionsof the Municipal Presidents andthe Provincial Governor. (Letterof John C. Barnard, November25, 1905, Hartford Republican,January 19, 1906, 1)The provincial elections inCapiz was held on February 5,1906, and […]

Governor Simplicio JugoVidal held his positionsince April 15, 1901 byappointment of the PhilippineCommission, but provisionsof Act No. 83 (ProvincialGovernment Code) providedthat there will be an election forthe position of the governor onthe fi rst Monday in February1902, and every second yearthereafter.Unlike in the United Stateswhere the elections in thePhilippines were patterned, therewere no pompous speeches, […]

HISTORY On September 13, the Capiz National High School opened its academic year in the new normal. Unknown to many, this year marks the 119th founding anniversary of the school which was established after the war and right before the worst cholera epidemic resurged in the province of Capiz. Then Capiz governor Simplicio Jugo Vidal, […]

TIGBATAS HISTORY Last August 30, I was invited as a resource person in a webinar held by the Provincial Government of Antique which was initiated by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Errol Santillan.I discussed the heroism, bravery and exploits of Lt. Col. Valentin V. Grasparil, a native of Sibalom, Antique and the former regimental commanding officer of […]

TIGBATAS HISTORY One of the major causes of low vaccinations in the vulnerable sectors is disinformation about vaccinations. Some anti-vax individuals are spreading the idea that the purpose of vaccinations is to embed a microchip/nanochip to an individual and later on be controlled by Satan. Unfortunately, this type of idea is propagated even by educated […]

TIGBATAS HISTORY The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that it is very improbable to extend the nationwide registration period beyond the September 30 deadline, as there are other things to prepare aside from the voters’ list. It will be self-disenfranchising if we fail to register during the deadline set by the electoral body given the […]

As we celebrated the 123rd year of Philippine Independence, historians are debating whether the appropriate term for Independence Day is Araw ng Kalayaan or Araw ng Kasarinlan. But public historian Michael “Xiao” Chua argued that whether we use kasarinlan or kalayaan, June 12, 1898 is always a reminder that we won the revolution and we […]

Last May 31, 2021, a former punong barangay and a barangay tanod were killed in a stabbing and hacking incident in Barangay Mangoso, Sigma, Capiz. Police Lt. Rey Jason Gimeno, Sigma Municipal Police Station chief, identified the victims as former punong barangay Isidro Jeroso Sr., 59, and Barangay Tanod Mario Marzan, 44, both of Barangay […]

Our history books in the public elementary textbooks back then were riddled with tremendous claims about unfounded Filipino inventions. In the book, it says that Agapito Flores invented the fluorescent lamp and the word “fluorescent” was an eponym of his name. Another fake Filipino invention that misled textbook authors and grade school teachers were the […]

On May 4, 2021, Bombo Radyo Roxas reported that the statue of General Esteban D. Contreras at the Provincial Park was vandalized by unknown preparators. This crime was committed a week before the 157th birth anniversary of Gen. Contreras. Fortunately, the provincial government immediately repaired the damaged statute days before his birthday. But aside from […]

Portuguese Explorer Ferdinand Magellan or also known as Fernando de Magallanes became a trending topic as the country marked the 500th year of the historic Battle of Mactan between the Castilians and the pre-colonial Filipinos led by Lapu-Lapu. Cavite Vice Governor Jolo Revilla trended in social media after he honored Magellan as one of the […]

During the imposition of Enhanced Community Quarantine in the National Capital Region and its adjacent provinces, many Filipinos were somehow desperate on how to make ends meet in this tumultuous time. The so-called “isang kahig isang tuka,” the daily and minimum wage workers who are the most vulnerable in terms of the economic and medical effects […]

During the imposition of Enhanced Community Quarantine in the National Capital Region and its adjacent provinces, many Filipinos were somehow desperate on how to make ends meet in this tumultuous time. The so-called “isang kahig isang tuka,” the daily and minimum wage workers who are the most vulnerable in terms of the economic and medical […]

With the unfolding of events in the province of Capiz, many stories were recounted about how land titles, houses, cars, pensions, salary, farm animals, and other means of livelihood were mortgaged, pawned, and loaned to secure money to participate in various investment schemes in high hope to double or triple their money in 30 or […]

Last March 2021, the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines arrived in the Philippines. For many, it was the dawn of salvation against the pandemic but for others it another story. The recent years and sensationalized Denvaxia controversy made the public hesitant to take a jab. As the Dengvaxia controversy stormed and received extensive coverage in […]

Last March 19, 2020, all radio stations in Roxas City have reported that the controversial and divisive figure Patrocenio Calvez Chiyuto Jr, also known as Doc Don Chiyuto, the alleged chief executive officer of Double Your Money Investment Scheme, was kidnapped at his house in BF Resort Village, Las Piñas City. The reported incident has […]

The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that DITO Telecommunity Corporation, the country’s third major player in the telecommunications industry, heralded its entry into the market during its commercial launch for the Visayas and Mindanao regions held on March 8. The historic yet simple ceremony was participated in by key DITO executives Dennis Uy, chairman and CEO, […]

The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that DITO Telecommunity Corporation, the country’s third major player in the telecommunications industry, heralded its entry into the market during its commercial launch for the Visayas and Mindanao regions held on March 8. The historic yet simple ceremony was participated in by key DITO executives Dennis Uy, chairman and CEO, […]

TIGBATAS HISTORY For several years, Capisnons have invested their money in several companies promising a hefty return for a short period. Some are lucky enough to be at the top of the food chain leaving thousands of downlines in the agonizing pain of waiting as they brace the reality that they have been recruited into […]

TIGBATAS HISTORY While the majority of Capiznons are desperate to survive on their needs, some have tried their luck on various schemes in high hopes to exponentially grow their money in a short time. In the book of Mary Helen Fee, the first principal of Capiz High School, “A Woman’s Impressions of the Philippines,”you could […]

Economic hardships take a toll on the Capisnons. For the past few months, I have always encountered over the Social Media posts concerning a friend, relative, or co-worker who is not paying their debts for months or even for years. It seemed that good relationships which were built over the years have turned sour, and […]

TIGBATAS HISTORY In previous months the controversial issue was about Miss Universe Capiz Mariam Lara Ashraf, her handers and even the radio stations. In October 25, 2020, Ilongga beauty queen Rabiya Mateo was crowed as Miss Universe 2020 but was attacked by Miss Universe Taguig Sandra Lemonon in her cryptic social media post. Those events […]

TIGBATAS HISTORY In December 2020, it was reported that the Filipino students trailed behind other countries in the international assessment for mathematics and science for grade 4, the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), said. During the 2016 presidential campaign, President Rodrigo Duterte promised to scrap algebra and replaced it with business mathematics. […]

TIGBATAS HISTORY Much has been said for the past days regarding a certain Sr. Mariano Chiyuto, thus, as a student of our great Capiznon history, I am compelled to write something that would shed light on the matter. I am writing not to promote the business of a single person or to find popularity among […]

TIGBATAS HISTORY In January 1986, former Speaker Cornelio “Agurang Kune” Villarreal and his son Governor Cornelio “Dodoy” Villareal Jr., the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan governor of Capiz, defected to the opposition and accompanied the Presidential candidate, Corazon Aquino and her running mate Salvador “Doy” Laurel to Mambusao. Unknown to many, Doy Laurel is a Mambusaonon by […]

TIGBATAS HISTORY One of the busiest streets in Roxas City is Hemingway Street, where cars and motorcycles pass by every time they apply or renew their licenses at the Land Transportation Office-Roxas City. Hemingway Street is said to be named after F.E. Hemingway, the Capiz Schools Division Superintendent who established the Capiz TradeSchool, now the […]

TIGBATAS HISTORY United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres said that “the COVID-19 pandemic lingers to let loose a tsunami of hate and xenophobia, scapegoating and scaremongering against the Chinese.” “It’s China’s fault, it should never have happened,” the former US President Donald Trump said before, referring to the virus as the “China plague.” Despite the friendly […]

The parish Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting urged the public to register before the September 30, 2021 deadline. “Do get registered as registration activities are continuing since January and until September,” PPCRV Executive Director Maria Isabel Buenaobra said at Radio Veritas, a Catholic-run radio station. Some Filipinos do not have an idea how hard […]

The parish Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting urged the public to register before the September 30, 2021 deadline. “Do get registered as registration activities are continuing since January and until September,” PPCRV Executive Director Maria Isabel Buenaobra said at Radio Veritas, a Catholic-run radio station. Some Filipinos do not have an idea how hard […]

United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres said that “the COVID-19 pandemic lingers to let loose a tsunami of hate and xenophobia, scapegoating and scaremongering against the Chinese.” “It’s China’s fault, it should never have happened,” the former US President Donald Trump said before, referring to the virus as the “China plague.” Despite the friendly relations of […]

In January 1986, former Speaker Cornelio “Agurang Kune” Villarreal and his son Governor Cornelio “Dodoy” Villareal Jr., the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan governor of Capiz, defected to the opposition and accompanied the Presidential candidate, Corazon Aquino and her running mate Salvador “Doy” Laurel to Mambusao. Unknown to many, Doy Laurel is a Mambusaonon by affinity. His […]

Much has been said for the past days regarding a certain Sr. Mariano Chiyuto, thus, as a student of our great Capiznon history, I am compelled to write something that would shed light on the matter. I am writing not to promote the business of a single person or to find popularity among his avid […]

In December 2020, it was reported that the Filipino students trailed behind other countries in the international assessment for mathematics and science for grade 4, the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), said. During the 2016 presidential campaign, President Rodrigo Duterte promised to scrap algebra and replaced it with business mathematics. Even Dr. […]

When Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Alphonsus Tesoro asked me to talk about the liberation of Capiz from the Japanese dominion, I was excited about the said activity. Finally, I could share those guerrilla documents which were mostly written on recycled papers and some were stolen Japanese used papers. But it took me days […]

In the previous months, the controversial issue was about Miss Universe Capiz Mariam Lara Ashraf, her handlers, and even the radio stations. On October 25, Ilongga beauty queen Rabiya Mateo was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2020 but was attacked by Miss Taguig Sandra Lemonon in her cryptic social media post. Those events somehow reminisced my […]

In three weeks, the Agriculture sector suffered a P10 billion loss from typhoons “Ulysses,” “Rolly” and “Quinta.” The massive flooding across Luzon and Metro Manila left the local government units helpless as their rescue equipment cannot accommodate the volume of stranded individuals on their rooftops pleading to be rescued. How unfortunate that these took place […]

Economic hardships take a toll on the Capisnons. For the past few months, I have always encountered posts over social media concerning a friend, relative, or co-worker who is not paying their debts for months or even for years. It seemed that good relationships, which were built over the years, have turned sour, and exchanges […]

For nearly seven months, the operations of all cockpits were temporarily suspended and cockfighting is prohibited. All cockfighting aficionados mourn for the loss of their hobbies and, for some, their source of income. On the other hand, some housewives and children are secretly happy about it. It means quality time for them. Last October, the […]

The Capiz Provincial Health Office has reported that 12 Capisnons have already succumbed to COVID-19, and more than 200 positive cases have been recorded. But what is disgusting is the proliferation of “fake news” and mudslingings among political supporters in social media. While fidgeting on my smartphone, I came across this academic journal article of […]

This year’s Pista sang mga Minatay or All Soul’s Day, all cemeteries are closed to the public. This historic measure aims to prevent the spread of the Corona Virus Disease by banning mass gatherings. Mama Pesing, my grandmother and my aunt—all my beloved departed—are buried at the Sigma Roman Catholic Cemetery. One of the musuleos […]

On September 3, 2020, the nation has commemorated the 75th year anniversary of the end of World War II in the Philippines. But the majority of the Capisnons did even notice this historic event. As my homage to this milestone in our history, let us revisit the Capisnons’ place in WWII in the Philippines. On […]

The prolonged community quarantine has caused a 16.5% dip in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the 2nd quarter of 2020. The good news is the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has announced that our agricultural production grew by 0.5%. According to economists, this shows that agriculture is the most resilient sector. Needless to say, we […]

Going to our office everyday affords me the chance to see the now-overgrowing trees inside the Capiz Provincial Arboretum. According to the Capiz Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, since 2018, this facility has housed 57 varieties of plants already—from fruit-bearing trees to beach forests to upland species. Few years from now, birds will find […]

Nowadays, ornamental plants are now becoming one of the most sought-after commodities. These growing enthusiasts even call themselves as plantitos, and plantitas—it’s really trending online. Some even take advantage of this and sell their plants even at unreasonable prices. But did you know that many of the barangays in our province derived their names from […]

After the passage of the controversial Anti-Terror Law, several individuals and groups protested to the Supreme Court on its constitutionality. More than anything, the opposition has argued that the said law may be abused by this administration to harass their critics, thereby giving the National Anti-Terror Council a free hand in tagging them as terrorists. […]

Recently much talks have been about Sputnik V, the Covid-19 vaccine registered by the Russians. While many people around the world are happy about this, medical experts doubt its efficacy and safety because it has yet to undergo Phase 3 clinical trial. And because Russian President Vladimir Putin has committed to the Philippines as an […]