THIS WEEK’S MILESTONES

July 25 to July 31

July 26, 1945

The town of Natonin in Mountain Province was liberated from Japanese control. The recapture of the landlocked town was fraught with challenges as Japanese forces attacked aircraft containing food and clothing. The victory in Natonin was another crucial milestone in the liberation campaign as the town served as a passageway for the Japanese who planned to retreat to Mayaoyao town in Ifugao province.

July 27, 1949

The former district of Glan was established as a new municipality of Cotabato province through an executive order signed by then President Elpidio Quirino. Glan was formerly part of Buayan town, now a barangay of M’lang in Cotabato. It has been under three different provinces: initially in Cotabato, then South Cotabato in 1966 and Sarangani in 1992. The town’s name supposedly came from the Moro word “magalang,” which means sharp, as Glan was said to be a favorite hunting ground of Moros. The coastal town, home to more than 109,000, boasts of white sand beaches and is a top producer of coconut in Sarangani.

July 29, 2019

The new grandstand in the capital city of Iloilo province was renamed Iloilo City Freedom Grandstand through an executive order. Inaugurated in January 2019, the P50-million grandstand facing the Iloilo River on De la Rama Street was initially called “Iloilo City Dinagyang Grandstand.” It replaced the old one, which was constructed in 1953, that was demolished to give way to a restoration project. The historic grandstand located on J.M. Basa Street, known as Calle Real, served as a venue for political rallies, cultural shows and religious gatherings.

July 31, 1990

The Provincial Science and Technology Centers (PSTC) were established through Republic Act No. 6959 signed by then President Corazon Aquino. The centers, which serve as extensions of the regional offices of the Department of Science and Technology, are tasked to identify the needs in science and technology and implement programs that will help the province maximize its potential for growth and increase its productivity. Bills that seek to raise the rank of PSTC officers, who head the centers, are pending in the Senate.

Canceled events: Due to the national public health emergency in relation to the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Panagsogod Festival in Sogod, Cebu; Padagyaw Festival in Dumarao, Capiz; and Abayan Festival in Butuan City, scheduled between July 25 and July 31, have been canceled by the local governments concerned. Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research Sources: Inquirer Archives, officialgazette.gov.ph, psa.gov.ph, iloilocity.gov.ph, pna.gov.ph, sarangani.gov.ph, pvao.gov.ph, iloilocity.gov.ph, senate.gov.ph