Joaquín Ortega

Don Joaquín Ortega was born in Cebu to Antonio Ortega of Manila and Juana Joaquino of Surigao in 1870. A student of the University of Santo Tomas, he would spend his vacation in La Union where his father worked with the Tabacalera. In 1889, he himself worked with the Tabacalera in Carlatan, San Fernando, La Union. In 1901, Col. William Penn Duvall, chose from three local candidates as to who would be the Filipino civilian governor. The profile of Joaquín Ortega as written by Duvall on May 24, 1901 states: Señor Ortega, 31 years old, born in Cebu, and a resident of Carlatan since 1889, is married and has 5 children. A man of ability, force, dignity and fine address, and I believe, and have confidence in this man’s general fitness for the position than in any other native. I regard it as a distinct advantage that Senor Ortega lives so near.

Joaquín Ortega was then appointed by the Taft Commission as the first civilian governor of La Union on August 15, 1901, the first in the Ilocos Region. In 1902, he became the first elected governor of the same province. In 1905-1914, he was the Lt. Governor of the Sub-Province of Abra; of Bontoc, Mountain Province from 1916-1920; with designations to perform similar duties in the sub-province of Lepanto and Benguet; and was the special agent of the Bureau of Non-Christian Tribes from 1920-1926 when he was retired under the Osmeña Act.

Governor Ortega was married to Francisca Lacsamana of Bangar, La Union and they had fourteen children, the sons who were full grown, José, Luis, Francisco, Joaquín, and Evaristo all took up law. Joaquín, Jr. died at infancy. The eight daughters, Antonia, Vicenta, Ramona, Juanita, Manuela, Joaquina, Concepción and María, stayed at home and learned the art of housekeeping.

Don Joaquín died on May 31, 1943, not realizing that he would have numerous descendants who would become public servants. The descendants of Joaquín Ortega y Joaquino are committed to uphold the family name that has been associated to public service in the Province of La Union.

Source: http://www.ortegatwins.com/ortega-roots.html