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Telesforo Garcia Gargantiel Sr. (January 5, 1892 -April 20, 1972)  was the municipal mayor of  Bayawan City, Negros  Oriental, Philippines from Febuary 25, 1947 to 1952. He was the first municipal mayor of Bayawan during the Philippine Republic. Telesforo started out as a town councilor and after World War II was appointed municipal mayor by President Manuel Roxas. During his term, Republic Act no. 101 was approved for the separation of the town of Bayawan and Santa Catalina and Republic Act no. 694 changing the name of "Tolong" to Bayawan.

Telesforo Gargantiel was instrumental in opening the doors of education in Bayawan. In 1947, through his initiative, the Tolong Junior High School was established. It was located at the heart of Bayawan city where the old tennis court stands. Two years thereafter, it was transferred to the Balabag site. In 1950, Tolong Junior High School was renamed Tolong High School. Among his outstanding contributions to the community was the establishment of the Negros Oriental National Agricultural School (NONAS). Republic Act No. 561 authored by then Congressman Enrique Medina Sr., converted the Tolong High School into the Negros Oriental Rural School on June 15, 1953. Negros Oriental Rural School was converted to Negros Oriental National Agricultural School by virtue of Republic Act No. 3649 authored by then Congressman Lamberto Macias in June 22, 1963.

Today, Negros Oriental Agricultural School (NONAS) is part of the Negros Oriental State University. The public elementary school located in barangay Malabugas is named Telesforo Gargantiel Memorial Elementary School, a memorial to the father of education in Bayawan City.

PERSONAL LIFE

Telesforo Gargantiel was born in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, Philippines. He married Socorro Grecia Golez of Jaro, Ilo-ilo and settled in Malabugas, Bayawan City. Out of his industry and thrift he became one of the leading businessmen and prominent citizen of the community.

The couple had 6 children. Ceasar, who died during the World War II;  Remedios a teacher, married  Dean Felix Gaudiel Sr. a lawyer and former dean of the College of Law of Silliman University;    Consolacion, a teacher  married to Atty Roberto Ignacio of Cadiz, Negros Occidental and former municipal judge of Bayawan & Sta. Catalina;   Igmedio former Bayawan councilor  married to Ester Rivas a teacher ;   Serafin a lawyer and former judge of Bayawan & Sta Catalina married to Rhodora Tronco a pharmacist and  the youngest Rodolfo an engineer and enterprenuer married to Teresita Arcenas Tirol.

In April 30, 1930 Socorro died of Tuberculosis. Telesforo married Maria Grecia Golez, the elder sister of his wife Socorro. They had no children. He died of stomach cancer at the age of 79.

REFERENCES

Bayawan City official site - www.Bayawan City.gov.ph

Philippine Law, Statutes and Codes Chan Robles Virtual Law Library - www.chanrobles.com

Silliman University - www.su.edu.ph

Philippine Bar - sc.judiciary.gov.ph/baradmission/lawlist/i.php

Teleforo Gargantiel Memorial Elementary School - www.philippinecompanies.com/companyprofile