Don Eugenio Daza y Salazar (November 15, 1870 – December 16, 1954) was a Filipino principale (nobleman) recognized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as the first maestro (teacher) in the Samar province.

[1] He was both an infantry major and procurement officer in the Philippine Republican Army during the Philippine-American War.

[2][3] After the war, he helped establish peace and order in Samar, in the transition to American governance.

Through Doña Magdalena's family, the Salazar's, Daza was a member of the Principalía (nobility) of Samar, giving him the title of Don.

[6] Daza earned a degree in education in 1888, at the Jesuit Escuela Normal de Maestros in Manila.

In the Philippine-American War, Daza held the rank of Capitán de Infanteria (infantry captain).

In addition to being an infantry officer, Daza was in charge of military administration in the region and oversaw the collection of taxes, food supplies, arms, and ammunition.

[10] Daza is noted to have been the commander and tactician of the Battle of Balangiga along with Captain Valeriano Abanador.

On April 27, 1902, Daza and the Balangiga contingent were the last to arrive for the formal surrender at the Gándara river mouth in Catbalogan.

During the ceremony, General Smith wrapped Daza with an American flag to "symbolize amnesty and welcome to the fold."

They were tasked with encouraging reconstruction, convincing the principales to swear an oath to the U.S. and organizing the local government.

[5][20][21] Daza was one of seven teachers that were elected to the first Philippine Legislature, the others were Juan Alvear, Gabriel Lasam, Maximino Mina, Simeon Mobo, and Luciano Sinko who was also from Samar.

[24] On October 6, 1945, President Osmeña appointed Daza Acting Councilor of Borongan, Samar.

[25] On December 23, 1935, Daza gave a sworn statement detailing the Balangiga Encounter and the surrounding events, entitled "Balangiga su Historia en la Revolucion el 28 de Septiembre la 1901".

Daza's memoir was used as part of the request for the return of the Balangiga Bells seized by the United States Army following the Encounter.

[27] Daza's Memoir ended with:...one of the bells which were rung on that memorable day of the heroic battle, was taken by the Americans to the United States.

Gen. Vicente Lim, and Juan serving as a Guerilla Major in the Counter Intelligence Propaganda Corps, in charge of the Hunter Town Units.

Colonel in the Philippine Army and became a member of the Board of Directors for the Hunters Veterans Legion in Manila.