THIS WEEK’S MILESTONES

DEC. 8 TO DEC. 14

Dec. 13, 2018

The South Cotabato State College was established in Surallah town, South Cotabato province, through Republic Act No. 11150, signed by President Duterte. It was integrated with the Surallah National Agricultural School, previously the only tertiary government institution in province that focuses on agriculture. The South Cotabato State College is mandated to advance instruction, research and programs in agriculture, allied technological sciences and related sciences. The college provides undergraduate and graduate studies in the fields of agriculture, environmental management, engineering, education, arts and sciences.

Dec. 14, 2014

A historical marker was unveiled for St. John the Baptist Church in Camalig town, Albay province. The massive stone church built by Franciscan missionaries served as refuge to the residents during World War II. According to the marker, Franciscan missionaries administered the church for over 400 years, from 1579-1983. The original church from 1579 to 1580 was made of wood and nipa. The second church was made from stone in 1605, but was destroyed by numerous Mayon Volcano eruptions from 1766 to 1814. It was rebuilt in 1837 and was made of solid blocks of lava rocks. Having survived several typhoons since then, the church is touted by the Department of Tourism as “one of the strongest and massive churches in the Bicol region.”