Last of Two Parts
If Part I told the story of roots, Part II speaks of branches—how the children of Nonoy Pinsing and Inday Lily grew into leaders and public servants whose influence now stretches far beyond Hda. Rosario–Nato and Balay Daku.
Florencio, Jr. “Nonoy,” close to my age, was once known among us for his grace on the dance floor. Light-footed and confident, he embodied the youthful vibrance of our generation.
In time, he channeled that same energy into agriculture, becoming a sugarcane planter managing family land in Kabankalan. Through enterprise and discipline, he continued the agricultural tradition instilled by his father.
His spouse’s family owns Canonoy Beach Resort, further expanding their connection to both land and enterprise in Negros.
Lily Isabel “Lilybel,” admired for her grace, beauty, and intelligence, spent many years in Quezon City before relocating to Bacolod City last year. A devoted mother, she takes deep pride in her son, who now works and resides in New York, and in her daughter who remains in Manila pursuing a career in information technology.
Despite distance and changing seasons of life, Lilybel has remained a loyal and cherished friend of my sister Jo—proof that enduring friendships are among the most precious legacies of youth.
Albertito “Liboy”, my closest childhood companion, shared with me countless adventures in the hills of Rosario–Nato.
We searched for guavas, anagas, and banawak, rolled stones downhill, rode improvised coconut sleds, and stood in awe at panoramic views—Kanlaon rising proudly to the east and the Guimaras Strait shimmering to the west. Those landscapes formed our character as much as they framed our childhood.
We both pursued agriculture. Liboy’s journey eventually took him to Queensland, Australia, and later to Bukidnon. In 2020, we reunited in Maramag, where he had built a two-story home overlooking a serene lake.
His achievements are remarkable—an armored vehicle, a sports car, even a helicopter. Publicly, he is known as “Albert” or respectfully addressed as “Cong” in his role as deputy to Cong. Joey Zubiri. Yet to me, he remains Liboy—the same boy who once climbed hills with carefree innocence. Titles may change; friendships endure.
The first set of twins, Jose Benito “Joeben” and Jose Maria “Jomar,” embodied political synergy. Identical in appearance save for Jomar’s birthmark, they grew into formidable leaders in Pontevedra.
Their alternating service as mayor and provincial officials ushered in visible transformation: concreted roads replacing dusty trails, widened barangay routes improving access, solar lighting brightening once-dark communities, and the construction of a modern municipal hall.
Governance under their leadership was not abstract—it was concrete, measurable, and tangible.
In 2010, while serving as an Asian Development Bank economist consultant, I prepared a feasibility study for a Pontevedra Farm-to-Market Road. The twins’ support for development initiatives reflected not mere political instinct but strategic vision.
Last year, Joeben was elected Vice Governor of Negros Occidental, while Jomar secured reelection as mayor without opposition—clear affirmations of public trust.
Their leadership has not been about entitlement but accountability. Their service has not centered on control but continuity. Structure, planning, fiscal prudence, and measurable outcomes define their governance philosophy.
The second set of twins, Edgardo “Ed” and Eduardo “Eddie,” chose paths in business and agricultural management. Eddie manages Hacienda Masulog and previously served as a board director of NOCECO.
Though less publicly visible than their siblings, their contributions fortify the agricultural backbone of the province. Leadership does not always stand at a podium; sometimes it stands quietly in fields, ensuring productivity and stability.
Josefina “Fini,” the youngest, also embraced public service, serving as City Councilor of La Carlota. Though she opted not to seek reelection, her commitment did not wane.
Today, as city administrator of La Carlota, she continues to uphold responsive and transparent governance. Under her administrative leadership, educational programs have strengthened, livelihood initiatives expanded, and essential services streamlined with efficiency and integrity.
The Alonso legacy in public service extends further. Valentin Miguel “Matxu” served as Provincial Board Member. Paula has just begun her term in the same capacity, a sign of sustained public confidence. Giacomo, son of Nene, now serves his second term as Sangguniang Bayan Member of Pontevedra—evidence that the next generation carries forward the mantle.
The Alonso family’s story intersects deeply with public life in Negros Occidental. Yet what distinguishes them is not merely political presence but grounded humility. Nonoy Pinsing himself served in USAFFE during the Second World War, anchoring the family identity in patriotism and sacrifice.
Critics may question political dynasties—and rightly so. Democracy demands vigilance and accountability. But assessment must rest on evidence. Have roads been built? Have communities progressed? Have institutions strengthened? In Pontevedra and beyond, development is visible and measurable.
Leadership is not validated by surname but by service rendered. Service is sustained not by ambition but by competence. Competence earns trust; trust earns continuity. Continuity ensures stability. Stability fosters growth. Growth uplifts communities. And communities remember.
From Balay Daku to provincial leadership, the Alonso narrative is not one of sudden ascent but steady preparation. The discipline of farm life matured into administrative rigor. Childhood lessons in responsibility evolved into adult accountability. Their father’s biblical reminder—“the last shall be first”—became not merely quoted scripture but lived principle.
As I reflect on decades of friendship and shared history, I see not simply a prominent family but a generational commitment to community building. The hills where we once played shaped men and women who would later shape municipalities. The river where we swam cultivated patience that would later guide policy. The simple telephone in Balay Daku connected more than voices—it connected futures.
If the next chapter of Negros Occidental calls for tested leadership, institutional memory, and continuity of progress, then experience remains a valuable asset.
I pray that, by God’s grace, Vice Governor Joeben—steadfast in leadership, shaped by strong heritage, strengthened through years of service, and guided by humility and faith—will continue to be a blessing, advancing unity, progress, and compassionate governance for all Negrenses. | NWI
