Don Gregorio Antigua was a prominent historical figure in the municipality of Borbon, located in northern Cebu, Philippines. Although there is limited formal biographical documentation available online, his legacy remains embedded in the town’s geography and institutional names. Notably, the barangay formerly known as Taytayan was renamed in his honor and is now called Barangay Don Gregorio Antigua. Additionally, a public elementary school within the same barangay carries his full name—Don Gregorio Antigua Elementary School—indicating his lasting impact on the community. |UnknownCebu|
Local tradition and anecdotal accounts suggest that Don Gregorio Antigua was likely a sugar plantation owner and held a local political office of mayor, sometime in the 20th century. While formal records are sparse, these family connections and economic contributions to Borbon—primarily through landholding and agricultural development—cemented his status as a respected leader during his time. The naming of a barangay and public school after him supports the notion that he was a man of significant influence within the municipality; this is manifested in an entire barangay being named after him.
One of the most visible remnants of Don Gregorio Antigua’s legacy is the ancestral house associated with his family in Barangay Don Gregorio Antigua. Known as the Sepulveda-Antigua Ancestral House, this residence is a two-story American period ancestral house that internalizes in its architecture, the features of an American period house: stained glass windows, complicated roof eaves, and geometric callado. It is believed to date back to at least 1920s, built at a time when the family controlled a sugar hacienda in the area. The house its size and grandeur, vintage woodwork, and architectural detail reflective of upper-class rural Filipino life during the Spanish colonial period. One particular piece that merits interest is the stylistic “G.S” carved in wood on the main facade.
The house was so significant to the history of the area that, according to Dr. Jobers Bersales, a local historian, states that “Gen Emilio Aguinaldo slept here on his way to attend the requiem mass and lead in the funeral cortege of Gen Arcadio Maxilom days after he passed away on August 10, 1924. The cortege ran the length of about four kilometers in Tuburan, the longest ever funeral procession in the history of Cebu.” |UnknownCebu|
Though the house is not currently designated as a national heritage site, it is regarded locally as a significant cultural landmark. It remains privately owned by Antigua family descendants and is not open to the general public for regular tours. However, local groups, schools, or heritage organizations may arrange visits by appointment or special request. As such, it serves more as a private historical artifact than a public museum, although its continued existence contributes to Borbon’s cultural identity and historical memory.
Traveling to Borbon is relatively straightforward. The town is about 70 to 75 kilometers north of Cebu City and can be reached by car in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via the Cebu North Road. Public transportation is also available from the Cebu North Bus Terminal, where Ceres Liner buses heading toward northern Cebu destinations such as Tabogon or Hagnaya frequently pass through Borbon. The bus ride typically takes about 3 to 4 hours. Once in Borbon’s town proper (Barangay Poblacion), visitors can take a short tricycle ride north along the main road to Barangay Don Gregorio Antigua, still commonly referred to by locals as “Taytayan.” Landmarks such as the Don G. Antigua Public Market and the barangay hall help identify the area. The ancestral house is located along a side street nearby, and local residents can usually provide directions to the historic site.
In summary, Don Gregorio Antigua’s legacy lives on through the barangay and school that bear his name, the enduring presence of his ancestral home, and the historical imprint he left on Borbon’s development. While official records may be limited, his memory persists strongly in local tradition and place names. It should be noted that the original builder of the house was General Gabino Sepulveda (for whom the G.S) stands for.
|Map data: Google, Maxar Technologies | UCS|
Sources:
Oaminal, Clarence Paul. “Borbon, Cebu and the Officials of the Past.” The Freeman (Freeman Opinion), Philstar.com, 11 Oct. 2015.
InfoCebuNews. “Don Gregorio Antigua, Borbon – A Blast from the Past (‘Passing through Barangay Don G. Antigua in Borbon is like travelling back in time…’).” Facebook, posted October 2015.
[Facebook Group Post]. “Don Gregorio Antigua / Sepulveda Ancestral house… This three‑thousand‑hectare agricultural estate was once owned by Gregorio Sepulveda. It was acquired by Benito Antigua.” Facebook, posted approximately 10 months ago (circa August 2024)
Philippine Standard Geographic Code (PSGC) database – Barangay Don Gregorio Antigua: https://psa.gov.ph/classification/psgc
Don Gregorio Antigua Elementary School – listed under the Department of Education (DepEd) school directory: https://deped.gov.ph
