A house with over 140 years of stories, a structure that is itself an artifact in Negros Occidental is now under the care of the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP).

The heirs of Negrense revolutionary leader General Aniceto Lacson have turned over formally to the NMP a landmark in Talisay City, Province of Negros Occidental.

The ancestral house owned by General Lacson was already declared a National Landmark in 2022.

The old, imposing house is inspired by 19^th century floral architectural style.The two-storey house is made of bricks, coral stones, and wood.

Aside from being a standout for its elegant beauty and pastoral charm, the house is a living witness to what is deemed a unique historical event in Negros Island.

Built 144 years ago, the house witnessed the leadership and heroism of General Lacson along with General Juan Araneta in freeing Negros from the Spanish colonial rule.

General Lacson was president of La Republica Cantonal de Negros until he rose to become the first president of the Negros Republic.

From November 5, 1898 to March 4, 1899, the house served as a Presidential Residence where significant events in the history of Negros under Lacson’s administration took place.

“It’s very significant not only sa history ng Talisay but also ng Negros. One of the rarest na nangyari during the Spanish period. Si Aniceto was proclaimed president and [the house] became the “Malacanang of Negros,” Ismael Penado, assistant city administrator of Talisay City, disclosed.

However, through the years, some parts of the house must undergo restoration.

"Through the years dinaanan siya ng bagyo. Ang mga bubong niya, through the years may butas na. So kailangan nang i-restore siya. Ang restoration is a very expensive endeavor,” Penado added.

Thus, on November 5, 2024, in time for the commemoration of “Al Cinco de Noviembre” or Negros Day, the heirs donated formally the property to the NMP for appropriate restoration and conservation works, and as their gift to succeeding generations in Negros Island and to the rest of the country.