Aniceto Lacson

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Lacson and the second or maternal family name is Ledesma.

Aniceto Lacson
1st President of Negros
In office November 5, 1898 – April 30, 1901
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	Melecio Severino (as Civil Governor)
Personal details
Born	(1857-04-17)April 17, 1857 Molo, Iloílo, Captaincy General of the Philippines
Died	February 3, 1931(1931-02-03) (aged 73) Talisay, Negros Occidental, Philippine Islands
Citizenship	Philippine
Nationality	Negrense
Political party	Katipunan

Aniceto Ledesma Lacson (April 17, 1857 – February 3, 1931) was the first and only president of the Negros Republic from 1898 to 1901. He is notable for leading the Negros Revolution along with Juan Araneta. He is also an essential figure amongst Negros Occidental's landed gentry where he not only contributed significantly to the burgeoning sugar industry, but also helped shaped the political landscape of the province during his time.

Early life

A Filipino statesman of Chinese-Mestizo origin, Lacson, a doyen of the prominent Lacson family, is the fifth of eight offspring born to Lucio Petronila Lacson and Clara Ledesma Lacson. Lucio’s branch of the Lacson family relocated to Negros during the diaspora of prosperous Iloilo families at the turn of the 17th century, drawn by the thriving sugar industry which promised new opportunities.

Lacson began his early education under private tutelage in Molo, Iloilo, and later pursued commerce at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, where he was classmates with notable figures such as Juan Araneta and José Rizal. During his studies in Manila, Lacson met Andrés Bonifacio, co-founder of the Katipunan, and entered into a secret blood compact with him. This honor made Lacson the only Negrense to become a member of the revolutionary society.

Of his siblings, he is the brother of Domingo Lacson Sr., the founder of Sta. Clara Estate Inc., a leading firm that specializes in commercial, agricultural, and residential real estate, and Don Mariano Lacson, who is famously known for building the iconic Lacson Ruins of Talisay City, which is located near Aniceto's Casa Grande Mansion. Another sibling, Rosendo Lacson, was a signatory to the ratification of the brief Cantonal Republic of Negros which concluded shortly after the Negros Revolution.

Altogether, they are part of the rich history of sugar barons in the Western Visayas Region.

The Negros Revolution

The last page of the Acta de Capitulación (Surrender Document).

Aniceto Lacson was a central figure in the Negros Revolution of 1898, leading the efforts that ultimately liberated Negros Island from Spanish rule. On November 3, 1898, Lacson, serving as the commander of the northern forces, organized a revolt alongside key leaders in Silay, including Juan Araneta, Leandro Locsin Sr., and Nicolás Gólez.

On November 5, 1898, Lacson led his forces in a coordinated uprising that quickly spread across the island. Under his leadership, the revolutionaries in Silay successfully forced the surrender of the local Spanish garrison without resistance. The following day, Lacson's forces advanced on Bacolod City, employing a strategic bluff with makeshift bamboo cannons and wooden rifles. This tactic convinced the Spanish governor, Isidro de Castro, to surrender Bacolod without a fight.

Lacson was a key signatory of the Acta de Capitulación, the document formalizing the Spanish surrender. His leadership was instrumental in the peaceful and decisive conclusion of the Negros Revolution, marking him as a pivotal leader in the island's struggle for independence.

On November 6, 1898, the revolution in Negros ended with the surrender of Spanish forces in Bacolod. The rebels, led by Lacson and Gólez, used bamboo and wooden weapons to convince the Spanish to surrender. Mediator José Ruiz de Luzuriaga facilitated the agreement, leading to the unconditional surrender of Spanish troops and the transfer of public funds to the new government.

The Spanish signatories were Isidro de Castro, Braulio Sanz, Manuel Abenza, Ramón Armada, Emilio Monasterio, and Domingo Ureta. The Negros revolutionary signatories included Aniceto Lacson, Juan Araneta, Leandro Locsin Sr., Simeón Lizares, Julio Díaz, and José Montilla.

Following the surrender, forty-seven prominent Negrenses, such as Antonio L. Jayme, Eusebio Luzuriaga, Nicolas Gólez, Agustín Amenabar, Rafael Ramos, and Rosendo Lacson, ratified a constitution to establish a new republic.

The Cantonal Republic of Negros

Official flag of the Negros Revolution until 1898. The flag was changed when the Negros Republic was established (1898–1901)

The Cantonal Republic of Negros (November 27, 1898 – March 4, 1899) was a short-lived revolutionary government established on the island of Negros in the Philippines. Following the surrender of Spanish Governor Isidro Castro to forces led by Aniceto Lacson and Juan Araneta at Bacolod on November 6, 1898, the Cantonal Republic was founded with Lacson serving as its president from November 27, 1898, until March 4, 1899, when the Negros revolutionaries surrendered to the United States General James Francis Smith. The government lasted for three months and four days. Throughout it's short existence, The Cantonal Republic of Negros had gone by several names:

1. Negros Canton (Hiligaynon: Kanton sg Negros; Cebuano: Kanton sa Negros; Spanish: Cantón de Negros) - Initially used within the framework of the First Philippine Republic.
2. Federal Republic of Negros (Hiligaynon: Republikang Federal sg Negros; Cebuano: Republikang Federal sa Negros; Spanish: República Federal de Negros) - Used under U.S. protection.
3. Federal State of Negros (Hiligaynon: Estadong Federal sg Negros; Cebuano: Estadong Federal sa Negros; Spanish: Estado Federal de Negros) - Another name used under U.S. protection.
4. Republic of Negros - The name used after the protectorate was annexed to the Philippine Islands, according to historian Gregorio Zaide.

The Fountain of Justice

View of the Fountain of Justice from a high point in the old Bacolod City Hall building

Situated in front of the old Bacolod City Hall, the Fountain of Justice is a historic landmark in Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Philippines that commemorates the Spanish surrender to Gen. Aniceto Lacson's forces during the Negros Revolution. It is also the location of where José de Luzuriaga's house once stood.

On November 6, 1898, during the Negros Revolution, Luzuriaga's house served as the site of the surrender of Bacolod by Spanish authorities to the Filipino forces led by Gen. Aniceto Lacson. Luzuriaga also served as a mediator between the two sides.

Colonel Isidro de Castro, the Spanish governor of Negros, signed the surrender document on behalf of the Spanish forces.

Today, the Fountain of Justice is a vibrant spot for recreation, political events, spiritual gatherings, and cultural celebrations. Illuminated at night, it serves as a popular venue for rallies and protests and hosted Bacolod City's 66th Charter Anniversary celebration.

Cinco de Noviembre and Lacson’s Legacy

Cinco de Noviembre celebrates the revolution led by Aniceto Lacson and Juan Araneta on November 5, 1898, which led to the peaceful surrender of Spanish forces in Bacolod. Lacson’s leadership and strategic bluff with makeshift weapons were pivotal in this bloodless victory.

The day is marked annually in Negros Occidental as a special holiday. The Cinco de Noviembre memorial in Silay City, featuring a Spanish cannon donated by Claudio G. Akol Jr., honors Lacson and the revolutionaries. President Corazon Aquino declared November 5 a holiday through Republic Act No. 6709.

Lacson National Highway

Skyline of Lacson Street, one of the major streets in the city

Lacson National Highway, known locally as Lacson Street, is the primary thoroughfare in Bacolod City, named in honor of Gen. Aniceto Lacson for his contributions to the province. It has been central to the city’s development and economic growth.

Originally a non-concrete road lined with vintage houses, Lacson National Highway transformed into a major commercial and business hub during the mid-20th century sugar industry boom. Landmark buildings such as the Philippine National Bank’s seven-story structure, the Coca-Cola plant, and Robinson's Place Bacolod, marked Bacolod's rise as a modern city.

Notable townships and developments, including Sta. Clara Estate owned by Aniceto's brother Domingo Lacson Sr., and Capitolville by industrialist Alfredo Montelibano Sr., further enhanced the area’s prominence.

Economic challenges in the early 80s led to revitalization efforts, including the introduction of the Masskara Festival and a surge in new businesses and developments. Today, the highway is bustling with BPO centers, condominiums, commercial establishments. Key venues such as Chicken House, Bob's Cafe, Calea, Felicia's, Inaka, and Bar 21 offer iconic Bacolod cuisine and desserts, contributing to the street’s vibrant atmosphere. L'Fisher Hotel also stands out as a prominent local hotel.

Lacson National Highway also serves as the main thoroughfare for lively celebrations like the Masskara Festival and Bacalaodiat, reflecting its vital role in Bacolod’s cultural and economic life.

Properties

General Aniceto Lacson House, popularly known as Casa Grande

When his father fell ill, Lacson took over the management of their haciendas and significantly improved the properties. His efforts helped make his father one of the wealthiest men in Negros and the Philippines.

When the time came to divide the properties, his brothers chose the prime haciendas, While Aniceto, on the other hand, selected the uncultivated ones. This choice allowed him to acquire more land, which he diligently developed into some of the most productive haciendas in Negros.

In the late 19th century, a Swiss businessman named Luchinger decided to sell his extensive properties in Matabang, Talisay, which he had previously acquired from Nicholas Loney, a major sugarcane producer in Negros. Aniceto Lacson was interested but lacked immediate cash. Although Luchinger was open to selling on installment, Lacson’s father, Lucio, found the venture too risky. Aniceto, however, successfully negotiated with Luchinger to purchase the property without a guarantor, leveraging his reputation for hard work and reliability.

Lacson’s mansion in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, known as Casa Grande, is now owned by his descendants, the Claparols family.

Family

Rosario Araneta, a descendant of the elite Araneta Clan of the Philippines. She is the first wife of Aniceto Lacson.

Aniceto first married Rosario Araneta, a direct descendant of both the Kabungsuan royal family of Mindanao, and the elite Araneta clan of the Philippines. Rosario is the daughter of Patricio Cabunsol Araneta and Leoncia Araneta, with whom he sired eleven children. They were:

1. Jesusa, the eldest, married Jose Maria Arroyo y Pidal, her second cousin. Jesusa and Jose are the grandparents of Iggy Arroyo, and First Gentleman Mike Arroyo– husband of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
2. Emilio, died young
3. Clotilde, died young
4. Carmen, married Ricardo Claparols, a Spaniard who's son Jaime Lacson Claparols, later founded the JRS Express in 1960
5. Enriqueta, married Domingo Lacson II, son of Domingo Lacson Sr.
6. Isaac, who became governor of Negros, then congressman and senator of the Republic, married Carmen Paterno;
7. Mariano, married Lilia Montilla
8. Perfecta, married Santiago Franco
9. Jose, died young
10. Aniceto, Jr., married Aurora Lacson, a cousin
11. Dominador, married Visitacion Lacson, another cousin

With his second wife, Magdalena Torres, a Spanish Mestiza, he had 10 children. They were:

1. Resureccion, married Carlos Sackermann
2. Margarita, a former Miss Negros Occidental, married William Gemperle
3. Leonila, married Angel Gamboa
4. Leoncia
5. Nicolas, married Amparo Lacson– the sister of Mayor Arsenio Lacson; they are the parents of Australian-Filipino socialite, Rose Lacson, and Salvador Lacson, the chairman of LLIBI Insurance Brokers inc.
6. Juan, married Reymunda Villareal
7. Jose, married Estelita Adrias
8. Lucio, married Consuelo Flores
9. Luis, married Lily Distajo
10. Consuelo, married Sebastian Corro, a Spaniard

Ancestry

Ancestors of Aniceto Lacson
Lorenzo Lacson Juan Lacson Josefina Cuaño Domingo Lacson Manuela Dominga Lucio Lacson Fernanda Petronila Aniceto Lacson Clara Ledesma

See also

• Negros Revolution
• Republic of Negros
• Fountain of Justice
• Isaac Lacson
• Arsenio Lacson
• Eugenio Jose Lacson
• Lacson Ruins
• Lacson family of the Philippines
• Ancestral Houses of the Philippines
• List of Political families in the Philippines

External links

• Lacson Clan Website Hall of Fame
• Lacson Clan Website