In the mid-1800's, there was a wave of migration from the Visayas provinces to Mindanao. The
migrants settled along the coastlines of Dapitan in the west, to Gingoog in the east and as far
as Lanao and Cotabato in the south. Benito "Titong" Apepe, a migrant from Loay, Bohol, settled
in a place called Anuran (now Aloran) in what was then the province of Misamis.
Aloran was a barrio, but in 1910, a concerted effort to restore Aloran into a regular town
started. Local government and independence was restored by Executive Order no. 67, dated
September 30, 1916 and took effect on January 1, 1917, signed by American Governor General
Francis Burton Harrison.
Benito Apepe was appointed as first Municipal President (equivalent to today's mayor)
with councilors representing the first barrio of Balaring, Cassosan, Lawa-an and other sitios of
Caputol, Pelong, Culpan, Miasan and Conat. His term lasted from 1917-1919.
He was married to Andrea Maisog and their union produced nine children (two sons and seven daughters).
For the family tree of Benito Apepe/Andrea Maisog, tap/click the table or the images above.
His achievements as a Public Servant were recognized as follows:
- Posthumous Achievement Award for epitomizing virtues and deeds as an Aloranon;
- Distinguished as a true-blooded Aloranon who shall never be forgotten.
These awards were signed by Aloran Mayor Junipher A. Roa on February 3, 2017.
He was a hardworking man. He worked on his farm, together with Legaspe "Pepe" Sanchez,
his eldest apo. He provided his children with residential and farm lots in sitio Napo,
Toril, Aloran, where their families were living, except for the family of Papa Cacoy Apepe who
lived in Plaridel, Misamis Occidental
Benito Apepe was a music lover. He provided musical instruments to his music-minded
family members - the Undag family, the Sanchez family (saxophone for Manong Susing and clarinet
for Manong Tomas) and Tiyo Tatoy Yobero who had his trumpet.
Twice a month they would go to Plaridel to practice with their cousin, Ciriaco "On-on" Apepe,
Jr. who was also good at playing the guitar. Together with other Plaridelians, they practiced at the
municipal building. They called their orchestra "The Stampers". They were so good that they were
invited to play during fiestas not only in Misamis Occidental, but even as far as Siquijor.
He was knowledgable. He was good in the Spanish language that he wrote private documents
in Spanish. He was a good friend of the Obispo Maximo (Supreme Bishop) of the Iglesia Filipina
Independiente (IFI). They communicated in the Spanish language. He was a church leader of the IFI,
Parish of St. Matthew, Aloran. He was an exemplary religious person and was so prayerful.
The brothers and sisters of Nanay Andrea Arombo Maisog:
- Espiridion A. Maisog
- Andrea A. Maisog-Apepe (Andea )
- Alejandra A. Maisog (Andang)
- Cornelio A. Maisog
- Pablo A, Maisg
- Fulgencia A. Maisog (Fulen)
- Pati A. Maisog (husband - Elpidio Postrero)
The Children's Family Trees
Tap/Click the image above to view the children's family tree.
The descendants of Benito Apepe led by Alexander Mutia has created a Facebook group called
KABENTA (Kaliwat ni Benito Tare Apepe). The members are planning to have a get-together/reunion
in November, to coincide with the death anniversary of Benito Apepe.
You are cordially invited to join the reunion. Please fill up the survey form below.
Reunion Survey Form
Dates to remember about Benito Apepe:
- Date of Birth: March 21, 1874
- Place of Birth: Loay, Bohol.
- Date of Death: November 7, 1952
- Place of Death: Aloran, Misamis Occidental.
