An Update on My Postings on Macrine's Nieva Ancestry
https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2014/11/latest-update-on-ancestry-of-nievas.html
Lt. Governor Juan Nieva y Morente (1863–1932), Builder of Gasan’s Iconic Bridges in his Younger Years
Juan Nieva was one of Marinduque’s most distinguished early political leaders and the eldest of the six children of Calixto Nieva and Epifania “Capitana Maning” Morente. Epifania was known for her mestiza beauty, being the daughter of a parish priest of Boac, of Spanish-French descent.
The six Nieva children are, in the order of birth, Juan, Victoria, Dionisio, Gregorio, Jose and Rosita. They were referred to as the ‘Magnificent Six’, for they all were extraordinary and impressive men and women who have made indelible marks not only in the history of Marinduque but that of the nation as a whole.
Born in 1863, Juan belonged to one of the island’s most influential families. His father, Calixto Nieva, served as Gobernadorcillo (Cabeza) of Boac in 1867, who came from a line of gobernadorcillos himself.
Epifania was a supportive partner to Calixto. The leadership qualities of the Morentes seemed to have manifested themselves in her siblings, one of whom, Juan or Juancho, became governor of Mindoro, as well as subsequent generations of Morentes that have produced National Artist Lucrecia Kasilag, DOTC Undersecretary Josie Trinidad-Lichauco and an assortment of business and professional leaders.
Juan was educated at the Liceo de Manila, the forerunner of the Ateneo de Manila, where he became a schoolmate of the young José Rizal, whom he affectionately called “Pepe.” He also developed a close friendship with Manuel Luis Quezon, then a fellow province mate from the united Province of Tayabas and Marinduque. Their friendship endured into adulthood, with Quezon later becoming the godfather of Juan’s first-born son, Guillermo (“Willie”) Nieva.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Juan devoted his life to public service. He served as Cabeza de Barangay of both Boac and Santa Cruz before being appointed Lieutenant Governor (Sub-Governor) of the Sub-Province of Marinduque. He was appointed Lieutenant Governor by the Governor General with the advice and consent of the Philippine Commission, on May 17, 1907, by virtue of Act No. 1649, Section 1, which ‘provided for a lieutenant governor for the said sub-province’ (Marinduque). He served from 1907 to 1916.
During his administration, he was credited with introducing large-scale coconut planting across the island, laying the foundation for one of Marinduque’s important agricultural industries. He also spearheaded the installation of telegraph lines connecting the municipalities of Marinduque, significantly improving communication and government administration throughout the island.
Juan Nieva’s legacy extends beyond his own descendants. His contributions to agricultural development, public infrastructure, and provincial governance established him as one of the pioneering statesmen of early twentieth-century Marinduque.
Juan’s leadership helped shape the province during the early years of American civil government. He was supported politically by his younger sister, Victoria Nieva Mercader, who became known as the “king-maker” behind many of the island’s political successes during that era.
Victoria was Juan’s political right-hand assistant. Though lame (from falling from a calesa), she was an astute and dynamic politician.
Victoria was active in civic and charitable affairs, putting up and becoming the first president of the Boac Puericulture Center which looked after the health of mothers and their babies. Victoria married Doroteo Mercader and from them came the Reyeses, the Sto. Domingos and the Laurels of Generation 2 and 3 and again other surnames in succeeding generations.
GASAN ICONIC BRIDGES
During his incumbency as Lieutenant-Governor, Juan Nieva thought of building the two bridges in Gasan, a town located between two rivers: Tiguion river in the north, and Matandang Gasan river in the south.
The construction of the two bridges was finished in 1924.
Then in 1929, the provincial capitol building was built, through a contract with a Manila-based construction firm owned by Mr. Yu Chong Tian. The building construction cost PhP95, 239. The total cost of the build was Php104,973, ‘including the cost of supervision and provincial and insular surcharges.’
Juan Nieva’s friendship with national figures such as José Rizal and Manuel L. Quezon further illustrates his place within the generation of Filipinos who helped shape both provincial and national history.
Ref: History, Culture and Tradition | Province of Marinduque | Official Website
Ref: Marinduque Politics – Ulongbeach.com
Ref: Juan Nieva y Morente (1863 - 1932) - Genealogy
Ref: Snowbirds Living in the Philippines : Chapter 8: The Ancestral Roots of the Nieva Clan of Marinduque-The Magnificent Six
Ref: Where the Heck is Marinduque?: Governors and Representatives to Congress of Marinduque, Philippines
David B. Katague blogs
Meanwhile, Here's the List of:
Nieva Gobernadorcillos (equivalent to Municipal Mayor) of Boac, Marinduque:
Capitán Don Carlos María de Nieva - 1825
Capitán Don Espiridión María de Nieva - 1831 & 1845
Capitán Don Juan María de Nieva - 1848–1849
Capitán Don Ruperto María de Nieva y Buñag - 1859
Capitán Don Calixto María de Nieva y Buñag - 1867–1869 & 1879
Capitán Don Francisco María de Nieva y Buñag - 1885–1887
(Based on my research of the Nieva Clan - Marinduque & Credits to David B. Katague's blogs)
My Photo of the Day:
Finally, here are the top five international news stories for today, Tuesday, July 14, 2026:
- Middle East conflict continues to escalate
Fighting between the United States and Iran remains the dominant global story. Reports indicate additional U.S. military strikes, Iranian retaliation, and heightened tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz. The crisis has pushed oil prices higher and increased concerns about global energy supplies. - Global markets await U.S. inflation data
Investors around the world are watching the release of the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI). Rising oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty have kept markets volatile, while major U.S. banks have begun reporting quarterly earnings. - 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches the semifinals
The World Cup enters one of its most exciting stages today with France facing Spain in the first semifinal. Football fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the outcome as the tournament nears its conclusion. - Wildfires spread across Europe and North America
Severe heat and drought continue to fuel destructive wildfires in several countries. France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, and parts of the United States are battling major fires, prompting evacuations and public health warnings. - China sends a senior delegation to North Korea
China's top political adviser, Wang Huning, is scheduled to visit North Korea this week. The visit is viewed as an important diplomatic move that could influence regional security and strengthen ties between Beijing and Pyongyang.
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