Teves Clan History Negros Oriental

A FAMILY TRADITION : 

By : Sir Penn Tulabing.Larena,CPS, CPE MPA
family Historian

Vicente Anunsacion Teves a sailor trader and a traveler. Ventured in the cultivation of sugarcane in 1852, married a Dumagueteña lady Rufina Villamil who bore him 14 children. Moving to Bais , he established Haciendas and became the first producer of muscovado sugar in 1867. The sweet family tradition continues to harvest a good service to the society and community (Philippine tatler May 08 issue p68 ).

Don Anatalio Teves the first son of the Teves couple is the builder of Bais, he builds most of the roads, train rails, light material wharf and established the Political family of the Negros Oriental, the “Villanueva Clan”. A graduate of Humanities from the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain later married to Dumaguteña Dona Aleja M. Pinili. They had three children, Anselma married to Hermenegildo Regis Villanueva Sr. produced Governors, Mayors, Congressman of the Province and a Senator. Enrique Cayetano(Mayor of Bais 1914-1916), Governor 19-16-1925 and Congressman 1925-1931.Lolo Eking got married to Francisca Gomez Baena first Miss Negros Oriental Carnival Queen 1909( great-grandparents the Family Historian Penn T. Larena). Hermenegildo Jr. fondly called “Bindoy” a famous Senator, Governor 1906-1910 elected again 1931-1935, Secretary of Labor and Presidential Adviser for Labor Matters during the Quezon Administration, other children Leonard a member of the Local Sugar Planters Association, Eligio a Political leader, Vicente the deputy Governor of Siquijor, Isidro a judge and a writer, Juan the grandfather of the former City Mayor Hector “Tata” Villanueva and incumbent City Mayor Karen F. Villanueva. The Damas in the family Maria, Ramona (Mrs. Judge Zarcaris Alo), Filomina (married to Bais Mayor Juan Villacampa) and Josefa married to Simplicio Villegas Guihulngan’s first Town Mayor and established a Political family of Northern Negros (Teves Genealogy 1970 p1 by Rosario T. Moras and Bais Historian Penn T. Larena Narration in 2007)

After the death of the young Anselma, Tan Bindo married his sister in law Eulogia Pinili Teves has three children all in the local Political arena Praxedes Daniel (Governor 1946-1951, Mayor of Bais and established the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital. Praxedes grandchildren making waves in business and Politics like Francisco “Boy Villanueva (City Mayor of Bais 1992-1998 Vice Mayor 2001-2004), Ma Theresa Villanueva-Yoldi of Ana Maria Bakeshoppe and Edna Villanueva-Diago the owner of Cebuana Lhuiller group of Companies married to former Philippine Ambassador to Italy Hon Philippe Jones Lhuiller. Guillermo Zozimo the second son married to American Meztizo Ma Lourdes Atherton, educated in Silliman University and the University of Michigan for his masters. He became a Councilor of Bais, Governor (1941-1994) and Congressman (1938-1941) two of his grandson Rodolfo Gonzales Jr. and the present Town Mayor Enrique Gonzales of the Town of Valencia, continue a legacy of honest and Christ-centered leadership Dolores the youngest daughter, married to the handsome Sugar Planter Antonio Gomez-Baena, Dione Baena who also served as City Councilor of Bais and Delia married to Luciano Larena Alviola.

Pedro Pinili Teves only brother of Anselma and Eulogia is married to Carmen Alcon most of his descendants are in Tanjay and Bais one of those is the family of Carmen Baena Teves married to Dodong Larena (Bais Vice Mayor of the 1930’s and Mayor 1945-1949). Another descendant is the owner of the Teves Liner travel as a regular passage bus for Dumaguete to Bais vice-versa.

Don Eulalio Teves married a Spanish hacienda Tomasa Trebol y Gil children Enriqueta married to a Spanish sailor Don Manuel Abilla form Avila Spain, has two children Emilio and Joaquin, Emilio the first town Mayor of Bais married to Southern beauty Pilar Lajato of Siaton from a Spanish and Irish Ancestry, both produced two Governors and Congressman of the Province namely Julian(1935-1941) the grandfather of former Board Member and Vice Governor Mariant Escano-Villegas Serafin(1956-1959) grandfather of Bais former Vice Mayor 2005-1007) Angelo Miguel D. Teves and Visual Artist Serafin “Nito” Teves. Manuel and Agueda Longa Teves are one of the biggest sugar planters in Negros Island, fifty grandchildren making sure a strong family tradition rules in close-knit among family members, City Mayor of Dumaguete Manuel Chiquiting Sagarbarria married to a very hermosa lady Isabel Garcia Longa , Chinning Sagarbarria-Bustamante expanded her mother’s bakeshops, “Sans Rival” established since 1977, the late Manolet and sister Pichina is very active in Tourism Development and Cultural Projects in the City of Dumaguete.

Joaquin the brother of Emilio married Benita Reyes from Kabankalan, their father Don Manuel Abilla died in 1890, second married to the sister of Enriqueta, Leona Teves children named carried the surname “Teves”. Manuel had another son name Manuel Abella y Regulo who left for Spain and who died as a soldier during the Cuban Revolution., Tanjay former Mayors like Ricardo Teves, Ibarra Teves and the present leaders led by City Mayor Boy Lawrence Solis Teves and City Vice Mayor Niel Salma are all the product of a traditional good leadership from this clan.

In the early decades of the 20th century, as the Philippines transitioned from Spanish rule to American sovereignty, new political institutions began to take root across the archipelago. In the emerging town of Bais, located in Negros Oriental, one name would rise to local prominence: Emilio Teves Abilla.

Emilio was a son of the Abilla-Teves lineage, a family marked by civic-mindedness and deep ties to the local community. During the formative years of American civil governance in the Philippines, Emilio Teves Abilla emerged as a trusted leader. In a landmark moment in the town's history, he was elected through popular vote as the first mayor of Bais under the American regime—a testament to the people's faith in his leadership, vision, and character.

His election was not merely a personal triumph; it symbolized the entry of the Abilla-Teves family into the public and political consciousness of Bais. Emilio's tenure set the foundations for participatory governance in the town, and his family became known for public service and integrity.

However, as time passed and generations shifted, so too did the identity carried by Emilio's descendants. The succeeding generations of the family began to adopt solely the Teves surname, a strategic and symbolic choice. In the evolving social and political landscape, where name recognition played a critical role in shaping public support, the Teves name grew to carry significant weight.

This transition from “Abilla-Teves” to simply “Teves” was not a rejection of heritage but a deliberate adaptation—an embrace of the Teves identity to continue serving the community and maintain a connection with the people’s aspirations. By adopting a name that resonated more widely with the electorate, the family not only preserved its influence but also honored the legacy of Emilio, whose leadership had first captured the heart of Bais.

The Abilla-Teves legacy evolved through generations, culminating in 2025 with the Sagarbarria family's electoral sweep. Governor Chaco, Mayor Chiquiting, Congresswoman Maissa, Councilor Chessa, and Councilor Emilio Yoldi cemented their dominance in Negros Oriental and Dumaguete City—echoing Emilio Teves Abilla’s pioneering spirit through a new political dynasty.

Don Ariston Teves, the third son married Praxides Macias, a union that would give rise to a formidable political dynasty dominating the Third District of Negros Oriental and shaping its future across generations.

From this distinguished lineage emerged leaders whose influence reverberated not just within the province but throughout the nation. At the helm was Senator Lorenzo Guivelondo Teves, who served in the Philippine Senate from 1952 to 1972, a twenty-year tenure marked by legislative foresight and public integrity. Prior to his senatorial career, he represented the third district as Congressman from 1946 to 1949, where he played a pivotal role in national recovery after World War II. He is best remembered as “The Father of Dumaguete as a Chartered City”, having authored the law that formally created Dumaguete City in 1948. His return to public office as Governor of Negros Oriental from 1982 to 1986 solidified his legacy as a statesman who dedicated his life to public service.

Following closely in his footsteps was his brother, Herminio Guivelondo Teves, who served as Officer-in-Charge Governor of Negros Oriental during a critical time in the post-EDSA era. Herminio also held a congressional seat for several terms, continuing the family’s tradition of legislative leadership and commitment to the development of the Third District. Son Don Ariston Teves, a patriarch whose third son married Praxides Macias, a union that would give rise to a formidable political dynasty dominating the Third District of Negros Oriental and shaping its future across generations.

From this distinguished lineage emerged leaders whose influence reverberated not just within the province but throughout the nation. At the helm was Senator Lorenzo Guivelondo Teves, who served in the Philippine Senate from 1952 to 1972, a twenty-year tenure marked by legislative foresight and public integrity. Prior to his senatorial career, he represented the third district as Congressman from 1946 to 1949, where he played a pivotal role in national recovery after World War II. He is best remembered as “The Father of Dumaguete as a Chartered City”, having authored the law that formally created Dumaguete City in 1948. His return to public office as Governor of Negros Oriental from 1982 to 1986 solidified his legacy as a statesman who dedicated his life to public service.

Following closely in his footsteps was his brother, Herminio Guivelondo Teves, who served as Officer-in-Charge Governor of Negros Oriental during a critical time in the post-EDSA era. Herminio also held a congressional seat for several terms, continuing the family’s tradition of legislative leadership and commitment to the development of the Third District. Son Margarito "Gary" Bustaliño Teves who served as third District Representative of Negros Oriental  who served as Secretary of the Department of Finance of the Philippines. He was appointed to the position in July 2005 by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, following a mass resignation of her economic team.

In January 2009 he was named "Best Finance Minister" in Asia, a title given by London-based international finance magazine, The Banker

The succeeding generations of the Teves clan have carried this political torch with vigor. Rep. Pryde Henry Teves, grandson of Herminio, represented the Third District in Congress with a focus on agricultural innovation, energy development, and local infrastructure. Danilo Teves Leon, another descendant, has served the people of Dumaguete City as a City Councilor, actively pushing forward progressive ordinances and urban development. Arnie Teves, known for his stint as President of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) in the Province, embodied grassroots leadership and local governance, bringing the concerns of the barangays to the provincial stage.

The Teves bloodline also intertwines with other illustrious families in the province, including the Locsin family, known for their contributions to civic affairs, the hospitality industry, and the medical profession, further amplifying the clan’s influence in public life and community development.

Among their most notable ancestors is Don Doreteo Teves, the revered gobernadorcillo of Dumaguete, who, along with his wife Lorenza Pinili, laid the foundation for the family’s legacy of service. This noble lineage is complemented by allied branches such as the Macias-Imbo line, represented today by City Councilor Jose Victor V. Imbo, the great-grandson of Pedro Macias Teves, a beloved Dumaguete Mayor and hero of the people. Councilor Imbo was recently named one of the Top 5 Outstanding Local Legislators in 2024, selected from among 262 municipal and city councilors across the 25 LGUs of the province—proof that the commitment to excellence and governance continues to live on in this extended political family.

Don German Teves married to Taribia Bilbao is a famous Politics leader and Gobernadorcillo of Tanjay, Escolastica the eldest daughter married to famous doctor Geronimo Villegas The Bobon, Villegas, Belloso, Zerna, Diaz, Barot and Pastrano are her descendants, Gertrudes the youngest daughter married to Dan Bruno Gomez Vicente (present descendant Moras ,Vicente and Bouffard). Rosario Vicente Moras daughter of Gertrudes was the on who made the family tree of the whole Teves clan in 1970s. This line governed the Mayorship of Tanjay like Joaquin Villegas and Atilano Villegas.

Fifth son Don Qurico Teves produced the first Charter City Mayor of Dumaguete Diogracias Teves Pinili (1946-1953) the son of Pilar Teves and Kristino Katada Pinili, Don Francisco Teves sixth son is a famous Rice and Corn trader in Dumaguete, Bais and Valencia.

Doña. Eugenia Teves married to Spanish Sugar Planter Don Manuel Pastor before the turn of the 20th century. There were two first cousins, Joaquin and Fausto Preysler descendants of Carmen Teves Pastor and Don Benito Perez de Tagle a famous Tabacalera businessman. They ventured from Spain to the Philippines where they fell in love and married two cousins, Vicenta Gonzales and Carmen Perez de Tagle . Carlos P. Preysler married to Betty Arrastia, one of his daughters is one of the most glamorous women in the world. Isabel Preysler, her two sons is very popular in the world of Music Scene Icon Enrique Iglesias and brother dancing with the stars Julio Iglesias Jr. while youngest sister Ana Felco is one of the most popular fashion designers in the world.

Doña Alejandria the eight daughters is a soltera and the grand dame of Dumaguete during her time, Doña Liberta Teves the ninth daughter married to Spanish military officer and Educator Sr. Enrique Munoz. Jose Teves Munoz eldest son of Liberta , got married to Josefa Calumpang . Don Jose Teves Muñoz, Sr. (fondly called Kapitan Jose) was a Gobernadorcillo and later on was the first Town Mayor (1901-1905) of Tanjay. Josefa Munoz married a Spanish Trader Francisco Romero with three children, Francisco Jr, Jose a famous Philippine Senator Secretary of Education Ambassador and Carmen. After the Christmas Eve in Tanjay stampede ensued and young to be without maternal care, remarried to the sister Candellaria. They have children with Papa Cho-Chon, realizing that his children were too young to be with Papa Cho-Chon, the beautiful Adela (Mrs. Raymundo Villanueva) Hector “Chito” Villanueva one of the sons served the National Government as Press Secretary and at present Post Masters General of Philippine Postal Corporation Ramon, Pantaleon (married to Diana Villanueva from Bais) Remedios who died young and Luis, married to Rosita Villacampa-Robillos is the father of the former Congressman Miguel Romero and grandson former Negros Oriental SK President Juan Miguel Romero III.

Doña. Juliana Teves is the Chinese Branch of the Teves Clan. Petrona Teves most of her descendants are now in Manila,Spain and in the United States. West Point Graduated and former Vice Mayor of Dumaguete Atty .Alan Gel Cordova is a descendant of this bloodline.

Doña. Estefania Teves married to Dr. Jose Pastor most of her grandchildren serving the Charitable Institution, St. Paul University, The Ramon Catholic Church, the people of barrio Sra. Acion in San Jose, Religious Activities in the City and Subdivision Developer of the City of Dumaguete. Aurora Pastor the third daughter married to Don Mariano Larena a famous Sugar planter and businessman of Dumaguete and Bais, Half of the property of St.Paul University was donated by their family thru Angelina Larena. Ramon the only son became a Councilor and Mayor of Dumaguete (1912-1916) married to Spanish Mestiza Maria Ascusion Patero of San Jose the sister of Duamguete Mayor Miguel Patero. The Regional Science High School is named after him and one of the Historical Landmark of the City Pastor Whitehouse along Real St. (now Ramon Teves Pastor St.) in Dumaguete.

Doña Fausta Teves the second wife of Jose Pastor bored with three children Jose(married to Emiliana Pinili ) Mayor of Dumaguete (1925-1931) Severino “Laloy” Pastor a Civil World War II Hero the father in law of former Governor and incumbent Congressman Hon. George P Arnaiz married to Nanette Pastor. Arlene Pastor the first cousin of Nanette based in Virginia U.S.A. a former employee of the World Bank. She is making updates of our Teves Genealogy and Family history.

Carmen the second child married to an eye doctor, Dr. Enrique Llanderal, the son Ramon is one of the Administrative Officer of Bais Sugar Central CAB, later on, he married a distance cousin Ma. Lourdes. Teves of the Canlargo Tevesses. Enriquito(married to Mitos Bengoechea) Menchu married to Spanish handsome guy Bilbao Spain and the late Josefina known for her star of the ball parties.

The Teves Clan of Negros Oriental has been known as one of the largest clans in existence in the province today. One of the most celebrated political, society and pilar of the Sugar Industry of Oriental Negros.