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DR. JOSÉ MARÍA DE LA VIÑA Y DE LA ROSA

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By Historian Franco R. Villegas  Physician, Constitutional Figure, and Administrator of the de la Viña Estate Dr. José María de la Viña y de la Rosa, born in Binondo on 23 March 1856, belonged to the same distinguished de la Viña y de la Rosa family as Don Diego de la Viña y de la Rosa. Educated at the Ateneo Municipal and the University of Santo Tomás, José María pursued medicine and eventually practiced as a physician in Pampanga and Negros Occidental. His career, however, extended well beyond the medical profession. He became a public figure in the political life of the country, representing Negros Occidental in the Philippine Assembly and taking part in the constitutional work of the revolutionary period. Historical sources identify him among those involved in the commission that studied and drafted the Malolos Constitution. His place in the family history becomes even more significant when the judicial records are examined. José María was not merely the brother of Diego. He be...
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Amalia Geopano and Alejo Amor

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Amalia and Alejo Amor  
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Grandson of Vallehermoso Negros Oriental

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  Josefino "Penn" Tulabing Larena Jr. (also known as Prof. Penn  T. Larena) traces his maternal family roots directly to the historic town of Vallehermoso in Negros Oriental. Through his lineage, he is a proud descendant of prominent old Spanish and local pioneer lines in the area, including the Hermoso, Olladas, Serion, Bernus, Villegas, and Geopano families. His maternal ancestral ties link him directly to the legacy of Don Diego de la Viña—the revolutionary leader who helped liberate Negros Oriental and named the "beautiful valley" of Vallehermoso.  Academically, Prof. Larena earned a Master in Public Administration (MPA) and a Certificate in Professional Education (CPE) from St. Paul University Dumaguete, as well as 30 graduate units toward a Master of Arts in History from Negros Oriental State University. He served for over eight years as a tourism educator and college faculty member at St. Paul University Dumaguete, specializing in Philippine History, Indig...
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Villegas-Geopano sisters

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  (seated) Lola Doni, Lola Tuti, (standing) Lola Inday, and (not strict) Lola Malying, my Dad’s mother. These four Villegas-Geopano sisters were strong, raising their families through some of the most tumultuous periods in Philippine history.  Text & Photo from   Adlai Amor
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THE VILLEGAS-DE LA VIÑA HISTORY LECTURE SERIES (2ND EDITION)

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Join us as we explore the rich historical narratives of Negros Oriental! The Department of History & Political Science at Silliman University proudly presents the second edition of the Villegas-De La Viña History Lecture Series. This edition features an insightful dive into municipal political developments with distinguished historian, educator, and local heritage advocate, Dr. Jojema D. Indab. EVENT DETAILS Topic: “The Political History of Guihulngan, Negros Oriental” Speaker: Dr. Jojema D. Indab ( Political Historian, Educator, Researcher & Local History Advocate) Date: August 19, 2026 (Wednesday) Time: 3:00 PM Venue: Multi-Purpose Room, Silliman University Main Library Complex This initiative is made possible through the generosity of the Geopano-Amor Family, who funded the lecture series via the Amor Endowments to advance local history research, preservation, and scholarship across the Philippines.
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Doña Mercedes de la Viña

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  Doña Mercedes is the daughter of Don Diego de la Viña
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Oliver Serion Bongoyan

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  Born: November 10, 1971 Died: June 20, 2026  AB -Political Science Degree and law degree from Silliman University  Public Service & Political Career Oliver Bongoyan was a dedicated local leader who spent years serving the municipality of Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental, Philippines . Over his career, he held several key executive and legislative roles within the municipal government: Vice Mayor of Vallehermoso: He served a prominent term as the elected Vice Mayor of the municipality. Acting Mayor: During his tenure as Vice Mayor, he stepped up to assume the duties of Acting Mayor to ensure leadership continuity for the town during the temporary suspension of the sitting mayor. Municipal Councilor: In addition to his executive positions, he repeatedly served the community as an elected member of the Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council), contributing directly to local governance, policy-making, and community projects.  Local & Community Standing Bongo...
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