Don Hugo Chavez, Quiring Chavez, and Engue Chavez: Visionary Leaders Who Shaped Guimaras Island’s Future

Through their dedication, leadership, and commitment to progress, Don Hugo Chavez, Cresente Quiring Chavez, and Cresente Engue Chavez played pivotal roles in shaping Guimaras Island into the thriving community it is today. Their influential political careers were marked by transformative initiatives that uplifted the island's development, empowering its people and fostering lasting change for future generations. Through this website, we aim to share the true history behind the land that now serves the people of Guimaras—land that was donated out of love, with no expectations of recognition or reward. The story of leadership and dedication to public service in Guimaras began with Don Hugo Chavez, who served as the first elected Presidente Municipal from 1919 to 1921 and again as the last Presidente Municipal from 1932 to 1935. His leadership extended further when he became the Commonwealth Mayor from 1936 to 1938, laying the groundwork for a legacy of service to the people of Jordan and beyond. This tradition of leadership continued with Cresente "Quiring" P. Chavez, Don Hugo’s grandson, who followed in his grandfather's footsteps in the political arena. In 1979 to 1980, Cresente "Quiring" was appointed to complete the term of Mayor Herrera, and he went on to serve as Mayor from 1980 to 1986, leaving an indelible mark on the community. The legacy was carried forward by Cresente "Engue" P. Chavez, the son of Cresente "Quiring" P. Chavez, who served as Mayor of Jordan from July 1, 1992, to June 25, 1998, continuing the Chavez family’s commitment to public service, leadership, and progress for the people of Guimaras. This powerful legacy is chronicled in the Historical and Cultural Account of the Municipality of Jordan 1918-2006 by Romeo G. Garganera, Historian/Researcher, a testament to the Chavez family's profound impact on the region's growth and development. Explore the rich history and ongoing influence of the Chavez family on our website and discover how their leadership continues to shape the future of Guimaras.

5/16/2024

The Legacy of Don Hugo Chavez and the Transformation of Barangay San Miguel

Don Hugo Chavez, the eldest son of the esteemed Don Miguel Chavez, played a key role in shaping the community of Barangay San Miguel, a central hub of trade, commerce, and governance on Guimaras Island. Located just 8 kilometers from the Poblacion, Barangay San Miguel is not only the capital of Guimaras but also home to the Provincial Capitol Complex and various national offices.

Historically, Barangay San Miguel was known as Alibhon, named after the abundant medicinal plant found in the area. However, the Chavez family, long known for their significant landholdings, had a profound impact on the development of this community. Don Miguel Chavez, the family patriarch, made generous donations of land to the government and various institutions, contributing to the region's growth and prosperity.

To honor Don Miguel and his contributions, Alibhon was renamed San Miguel, and St. Michael the Archangel was declared its patron saint. Today, the community celebrates its patronal fiesta every September 29th in a vibrant tradition of reverence and cultural heritage.

In its early days, Barangay San Miguel was a vast stretch of pastureland, home only to cogon grass and weeds. Yet, this rugged environment did not deter the pioneering families who saw the area’s potential. Through their hard work, dedication, and vision, they transformed this once desolate land into a thriving and prosperous community—a legacy that endures today thanks to the unwavering leadership of the Chavez family.

During Cresente "Quiring" Chavez tenure as mayor,
the RoRo in Guimaras was inaugurated.

CRESENTE "QUIRING" P. CHAVEZ, SR.

LAND DONATIONS :

CAPITOL GROUNDS

BRGY. SAN MIGUEL, JORDAN GUIMARAS

CAPITOL GROUNDS LAND TITLE

Building the Future of Guimaras:

Cresente “Quiring” P. Chavez, Sr. had a vision- to help Guimaras become independent and self-sustaining.
To achieve this, he generously donated 120,544 square meters of land to the government of Jordan, Guimaras