Not just among, he's the 'Emong' of Negros

IT is quite amazing to know how a list of the more notable people across architecture, arts, literature, music, film, theater, sports, history and politics have hailed from Negros. But today, we shine the spotlight on a small sugar cane planter who pioneered the first electric distribution company that serviced his hometown of Talisay and empowered his fellow Negrenses by revolutionizing their primeval oil and candle-lit communities.

Anselmo Sison Diaz never actually intended to enter the power utility business. After experiencing some failed ventures like his plantation called Lamitan and a store in Talisay, Emong simply sought to provide for his growing family. In fact, all he ever wanted was to light up his house using a small farm generator to surprise the guests he had invited for his son's christening. A natural tinker, he achieved just that. Meanwhile, his guests were incredibly impressed and pleaded with him to extend his wires to their houses. Amazed at the possibilities of a fully powered town, some even offered him loans to further improve his innovation. The year was 1920 — the humble beginning of Talisay Electric, the first electric distribution company in the area.