SU signs MOA with alumnus for Villegas-de la Viña Endowment Fund for history lectures
Silliman University (SU) and Adlai J. Amor, SU alumnus, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on August 18, 2025, establishing the Villegas–de la Viña Lecture Endowment Fund for a History Lecture Series, under the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) – History and Political Science Department.
The Villegas–de la Viña History Lectures is a special program that honors the friendship formed by Amor’s ancestors and aims to enhance Silliman University students’ understanding of local history.
In a follow-up email correspondence, Adlai Amor explained how he and his relatives have been considering the best way to celebrate the friendship of their forebears, Don Diego de la Viña and Don Pelagio Villegas.
It must be noted that Don Diego earned the sobriquet of Liberator of Negros (from the Spaniards). Don Pelagio of Guihulngan welcomed Diego and helped him settle in Vallehermoso.
They became close friends, and their friendship was cemented through the marriage of their children. The sister of Don Pelagio’s son-in-law, Narcisa Geopano, became the second wife of Don Diego. Both families have been – and continue to be – politically active in Negros.
According to Amor, Don Pelagio Villegas (they call him Lolo Piyoy) was his direct great-great-great grandfather, while Don Diego was his great-great-grandfather by his marriage to his great-great grand aunt, Narcisa Geopano.
“However, my relatives and I realize that today’s generation is not so well-versed with history, especially local history (though not necessarily Negros history),” Amor explained.
“We would like this lecture series to also spur more research into local histories by our students and faculty or from other universities,” he added.
Under the agreement, the Villegas–de la Viña History Lectures will be held in early August to coincide with the celebration of Philippine History Month and SU Founders Month.
Present during the signing at the SU Boardroom Annex as witnesses together with Amor were Alex J. Amor, Jr., Gloria Emily S. Amor, and Alexdel J. Amor.
Meanwhile, McCann was joined by Dr. Mae Brigitt Bernadel L. Villordon, Assistant to the President for Institutional Affairs; Dr. Alana Leilani C. Narciso, CAS dean; Asst. Prof. John Barry N. Nuico, History and Political Science Department chair; Dr. Earl Jude Paul L. Cleope, department faculty member; and Glynnis Jean C. Casiño, Strategic Partnership and Enterprise Development officer-in-charge.
