Talisay City in Negros Occidental, the General Aniceto Lacson Ancestral Home, affectionately known as Casa Grande, stands as a silent yet powerful testament to a bygone era. Though time has weathered its walls and the absence of a roof—lost to a typhoon in the 1970s—leaves it exposed to the elements, the house still exudes an air of grandeur and historical significance.
Its weathered woodwork and crumbling facade tell a story of resilience, a reminder of its pivotal role in Philippine history. For within these walls, the first Filipino presidential residence was established, a fact that remains largely unknown to many.
Casa Grande is not just an ancestral home; it is a symbol of a fleeting yet profound moment in the nation’s struggle for independence. Built in 1880 by General Aniceto Lacson, a revolutionary leader and a key figure in the fight against Spanish colonization, the house became the seat of the Cantonal Republic of Negros, a short-lived but significant chapter in Philippine history. On November 5, 1898, General Lacson, alongside General Juan Araneta, led a successful province-wide revolt that forced the Spanish to surrender.
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Lacson was subsequently elected President of the newly proclaimed republic, making Casa Grande the first official presidential residence in the Philippines—a distinction that predates even Malacañang Palace’s role as the nation’s executive seat.
The Cantonal Republic of Negros, however, was short-lived. After just three months and four days, the revolutionaries were compelled to surrender to American forces following the Treaty of Paris, which ceded the Philippines to the United States. Despite its brief existence, the republic symbolized the Negrenses’ determination to break free from colonial rule.
General Lacson, a man of both action and principle, was revered not only for his leadership but also for his humanity. During the revolution, he reportedly saved the lives of Spanish friars, an act of compassion that earned him the title of Marques from the King of Spain—a title he humbly declined.
Architecturally, Casa Grande is a masterpiece of its time. Designed in the late 19th-century floral style, the house is a prime example of the bahay-na-bato (stone house) architecture, a fusion of indigenous and colonial influences. The ground floor, constructed of brick and coral stone, reflects the practicality of the era, while the second floor, made of Philippine hardwoods like tindalo, balayong, and molave, showcases intricate woodwork crafted by Chinese artisans. The grand staircase, said to be more impressive than that of Malacañang Palace, remains a striking feature, as does the wrap-around veranda that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding sugarcane fields.
This veranda, unique among bahay-na-bato structures, underscores the house’s distinctiveness. Another remarkable feature is the chapel on the ground floor, which houses an altar commissioned from Spain.
During World War II, Filipino guerillas planned to burn the house to prevent its occupation by Japanese forces but spared it upon discovering the chapel. This act of reverence underscores the cultural and spiritual significance of Casa Grande, not only to the Lacson family but to the broader community. In 2002, the General Aniceto Lacson Ancestral Home was declared a National Historic Landmark, a recognition of its importance in the nation’s history.
However, the passage of time has taken its toll, and the house now faces the threat of further deterioration. To combat this, the descendants of General Lacson established the General Aniceto Lacson Ancestral Home Foundation (GALAH), dedicated to preserving this architectural and historical treasure. Anna Balcells, a great-grandchild of General Lacson and president of GALAH, emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the house for future generations. “This house is one-of-a-kind in the whole Philippines,” she says. “I want to preserve it so that future generations can appreciate its history and significance.”
The efforts to preserve Casa Grande reached a milestone on November 5, 2024, when the National Museum of the Philippines officially accepted the property as a donation from the Lacson heirs. The signing of the deed of donation coincided with the celebration of Cinco de Noviembre, the day commemorating the Negrense revolution. The National Museum, in collaboration with the Lacson family and local officials, has undertaken the monumental task of restoring the house to its former glory.
This initiative aligns with the museum’s mandate to protect and promote the nation’s cultural heritage, as well as the broader goal of inscribing the Sugar Cultural Landscape of Negros into UNESCO’s World Heritage List. For the descendants of General Aniceto Lacson, Casa Grande is more than just a historical landmark; it is a repository of memories and a symbol of family unity. The house has witnessed grand family reunions, formal parties with live orchestras, and lively political debates around its long dining table.
It has hosted prominent figures from across the country and beyond, serving as a hub of social and political activity. The European-style garden, with its fountains and lush greenery, added to the house’s charm, making it a place of beauty and warmth. General Aniceto Lacson’s legacy extends beyond the walls of Casa Grande. He was a man of courage, vision, and unwavering dedication to his people. His leadership during the revolution and his commitment to the ideals of freedom and independence continue to inspire.
As his descendants gather to celebrate his life and entrust his ancestral home to the National Museum, they honor not only his memory but also the values he embodied.
The restoration of Casa Grande is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Negrense people and their commitment to preserving their heritage. It is a reminder that history is not just a collection of dates and events but a living narrative that shapes our identity. By safeguarding this landmark, we ensure that the stories of courage, resilience, and unity it represents will continue to inspire future generations. As Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson aptly put it, “History is more than just a narration of facts and dates; it is the story of who we are as a people.” Casa Grande stands as a beacon of that story, a symbol of our shared past and a guidepost for the future.
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