THIS WEEK’S MILESTONES

March 14 to March 20

March 14, 1981

General Mariano Alvarez formally became a municipality with the inauguration of its appointed local government officials. The youngest town in Cavite province was previously a part of Carmona town and was a resettlement site under the management of the People’s Homesite and Housing Corp., now the National Housing Authority. In January 1981, a plebiscite was held to ratify Batas Pambansa Blg. 76, the law that created General Mariano Alvarez. It is named after the revolutionary leader during the Spanish revolution who is said to be responsible for the growth of the Katipunan in Cavite.

March 15, 2005

The town of Paete in Laguna province was declared the “carving capital of the Philippines” through Proclamation No. 809 signed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Known for its centuries-old woodcarving industry, Paete has some of the best craftsmen who produce statues, murals and bas relief found in churches, palaces and museums in the country and abroad. The town’s name is derived from “paet,” which is Filipino for chisel, the main tool in woodcarving.

March 18, 1990

The first celebration of Victory Day on the islands of Panay and Romblon was held following the proclamation declaring March 18 of every year a day of observance of the liberation from the Japanese imperial forces. In July 1989, then President Corazon Aquino declared March 18 of every year as Victory Day to commemorate the heroism of the Free Panay Guerrilla Forces when they launched the final assault against the Japanese on March 18, 1945. The yearly celebration is also a special nonworking day.

March 20, 1998

The former municipality of San Fernando in La Union province officially became a city after the majority of residents voted in favor of the conversion in a plebiscite, ratifying the city charter. The coastal city, which was declared a capital in 1850, is the commercial and administrative center of the Ilocos region. It is home to Poro Point Freeport Zone, one of the economic hubs under the Bases Conversion and Development Authority designed to become a business and leisure destination. Canceled events: Due to the national public health emergency in relation to the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Kapaw Festival in Basay, Negros Oriental province; and the Ani Festival in Dingras, Ilocos Norte province; and the Sulyog Festival in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, scheduled between March 14 and March 20, have been canceled by the local governments concerned. Meanwhile, most of the activities for the Pasayaw Festival in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental; Kanlahi Festival in Anao, Tarlac; Sinigayan Festival in Sagay, Negros Occidental, will be held online. Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research Sources: Inquirer Archives, officialgazette.gov.ph, gmacavite.ph, calabarzon.dilg.gov.ph, sanfernandocity.gov.ph, psa.gov.ph, coa.gov.ph