THE LEGEND OF BARANGAY SAN VICENTE
Vicente Tolentino was born on April 5, 1859. He was the youngest of the three sons and one daughter of Francisco Tolentino and Marcelina Tolentino. While young Vicente studied in a private house. His tutor was his granduncle priest, Fr. Carlos Tolentino. After learning the alphabet he went to Vigan to study in the Seminary School under the orders of Saint Paul. When he was about to finish his course of priesthood, he unfortunately contracted a contagious skin disease. To prevent anyone from the disease, his professors advised him to go home for treatment.
In the course of his treatment, he was enchanted by the beauty of Estefania Guerrero, daughter of Silvestre Guerrero, a native of Magsingal, and Juliana Singson, native of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. He courted the lady and soon they got married. After his marriage he became a farmer and prospered because of his patience and industry.
Observing that Vicente was a good man, the Spanish authorities appointed him Auxiliar to the Gobernadorcillo, now called the Secretary of the Mayor. Later, he was appointed Justice of the Peace in his hometown for four years. Then he was voted as Presidente Municipal for two terms. Because of his integrity and uprightness he was again appointed as Justice of the Peace. He have been also a member of the Malolos Congress, the President of which was Emilio Aguinaldo. While in his office he was attacked by cerebral hemorrhage. He died on June 15, 1903. The death of Vicente Tolentino was a great loss to the town.
To honor him, the street and district in which his house stands was named San Vicente, now Barangay San Vicente.
Agrimat Magsingal 