Don Perfecto Sison: A Biography of Pangasinan’s First Civil Governor

Early Life and Background

Don Perfecto Sison emerged as a significant figure in the early 20th century in Pangasinan. While specific details about his birthdate and early life remain limited in the available records, his prominence rose with his appointment as the first civil governor of the province under American rule.

Appointment as Governor

A pivotal moment in Sison’s life and Pangasinan’s history occurred on February 16, 1901. On this day, the Taft Commission, convened in a general assembly in Dagupan, formally organized Pangasinan as a civil province. During this assembly, Don Perfecto Sison of Lingayen was appointed as the inaugural governor. This appointment marked a crucial transition for Pangasinan from military rule to civil governance under the American occupation following the Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American War .

The Taft Commission also made the significant decision to designate Lingayen as the capital of Pangasinan, choosing it over Dagupan. The primary reason for this selection was the presence of Casa Real in Lingayen. This structure, built in 1840, had previously served as the Provincial Capitol under Spanish rule . The choice of Lingayen and the utilization of Casa Real likely aimed to provide a sense of continuity and stability during this period of change. Historical accounts indicate that Judge Taft and his commissioners received a warm welcome at Casa Real.

Tenure as Governor (February 1901 – February 1902)

Don Perfecto Sison’s tenure as governor spanned approximately one year, from his appointment on February 16, 1901, to February 2, 1902 . As the first civil governor, his primary focus would have been on establishing and reorganizing the provincial government in the wake of American military control. This involved setting up administrative structures and processes necessary for civil governance, including potentially organizing local government units and implementing initial policies .

However, Sison’s term was not without its challenges. American policymakers reportedly considered him “too nationalistic” . This suggests that his priorities may have leaned towards Filipino interests, potentially causing friction with the American colonial administration. Consequently, he was defeated in subsequent elections by members of the Federal Party, which advocated for the annexation of the Philippines by the United States .

Political Affiliations and Views

Sison’s political leanings are further illuminated by his membership in the Partido Nacionalista . This affiliation aligns with the assessment of his nationalistic views, as the Partido Nacionalista generally advocated for Philippine independence. His involvement with this party underscores his commitment to Filipino self-determination during the American colonial period.

Connection to the Municipality of Sison

The municipality of Sison in Pangasinan bears a name that often leads to questions about its origin. While some accounts suggest it was named after Don Perfecto Sison due to his early governorship , the prevailing historical evidence indicates that it was named in honor of Senator Pedro Ma. Sison . Senator Sison sponsored the bill in Congress that resulted in the merger of the townships of Alava and Artacho in 1918, leading to the formation of the municipality, which was subsequently named after him .

Family Context and Legacy

Don Perfecto Sison, the first civil governor, should be distinguished from other notable individuals with the same surname in Pangasinan’s history. These include Perfecto Santos Sison, born in 1903 and later a librarian , Senator Pedro Ma. Sison , Teofilo Sison, who served as governor in the 1920s and held national positions , and Jose Maria Sison, a later figure who founded the Communist Party of the Philippines . While sharing a surname and regional connection, their roles and periods of activity differ significantly from Don Perfecto Sison’s governorship in 1901-1902 .

Don Perfecto Sison’s primary period of influence was during his brief but critical tenure as the first civil governor of Pangasinan. His appointment by the Taft Commission marked the beginning of a new era of governance in the province under American sovereignty . Despite his nationalistic sentiments leading to his eventual replacement, his role in establishing the initial framework of civil administration remains a significant chapter in Pangasinan’s history .

Don Perfecto Sison holds a notable position in Pangasinan’s history as its first civil governor under American rule. Appointed in 1901 by the Taft Commission, his governorship, though lasting only a year, was instrumental in the early organization of the province’s civil administration. While often associated with the municipality of Sison, historical records indicate the town was named after Senator Pedro Ma. Sison. Don Perfecto Sison’s legacy rests primarily on his pioneering role as governor during a transformative period in Pangasinan’s history.