National Museum assumes control of historic ‘Malacañang of Negros’

BACOLOD, Philippines – The National Museum of the Philippines officially assumed control of the 144-year-old historic house of one of Negros’ revolutionary heroes, General Anecito Lacson, in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. The house, dubbed the “Malacañang of Negros” in 1898, was handed over during ceremonies held on Tuesday, November 5.

The event marked the signing of the deed of donation between Lacson’s descendants and officials from the National Museum, in front of General Lacson’s iconic house in Hacienda Matab-ang, Barangay Zone 15 in Talisay. 

The twin milestones coincided with the province-wide commemoration of the 126th anniversary of the Al Cinco de Noviembre (5th of November) – the historic bloodless victory of Negros revolutionaries over Spanish colonizers on November 5, 1898. General Lacson was one of the noted heroes of that revolt.

Built around 1880, General Lacson’s house holds a wealth of stories, both happy and tragic. After the Al Cinco de Noviembre, Lacson, known for his fervor for independence, was installed as president of the short-lived Republica Cantonal de Negros. 

He used his house like it was a presidential palace, which led to its being called the “Malacañang of Negros,” according to Negros historian Modesto Sa-onoy.

However, Lacson’s leadership lasted only three months after American forces took over colonization from the Spaniards. 

During World War II, Negros guerrillas allied with American forces attempted to burn Lacson’s house to prevent it from being used by Japanese forces, but the plan did not materialize for unclear reasons.

The house, which boasts a neoclassical architectural design, is considered a unique survivor of many trials, including natural calamities like typhoons. In the 1970s, a typhoon once unroofed the house, but it endured. 

Among its greatest treasures are a grand wooden staircase, windows made of Capiz shells, hardwood floors and walls, a beautiful giant chandelier, iconic art pieces, and giant vases. 

The house also hosted many revolutionary, political, social, and business gatherings with key figures from Negros, Panay, and Cebu islands.

In 2002, the National Historical Institute (NHI) declared General Lacson’s house a National Historical Landmark in Negros Island. 

Maria Anna Balcells, Lacson’s granddaughter and president of the General Anecito Lacson Home (GALAH) Foundation, said they never tired of negotiating with the government to donate their grandfather’s house. 

For the past 23 years, she said, they pursued this goal, and it was only two years ago, with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos’ involvement, that the donation finally moved forward.

The signing of the deed of donation was a big day for them because, according to Balcells, their grandfather’s house would now be under the care of the government, through the National Museum. 

She said the house holds countless stories that should be shared with future generations to help them understand and appreciate General Lacson’s values and legacy, highlighted by bravery, love, and patriotism for both his province and country.

“He was a voice of strength and unity,” Balcells said.

Cecilia Tirol, director of the Visayan National Museum, described the transformation of General Lacson’s house into a museum as a monumental step in preserving an important piece of Negros Island’s cultural patrimony. 

Tirol said the house is a classic symbol of Negrense identity and should be preserved and promoted for the benefit of both past and present generations. Restoring the house to its original beauty, she said, will eventually tie into economic development through tourism, education, and cultural and scientific research.

Meanwhile, the National Museum has earmarked P5 million for the first phase of restoration, with P15 million more to complete the project.

Ivan Henarez, secretary general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) National Commission of the Philippines, said Lacson’s house is now part of the country’s campaign for UNESCO’s declaration as one of the sugar heritage landscapes of Negros and Panay islands. – Rappler.com