March 16, 1992
By virtue of Republic Act No. 7228, signed by former President Corazon Aquino, the province of Sarangani was created, making it the 76th of the 81 provinces in the Philippines. Sarangani is composed of seven municipalities that previously belonged to South Cotabato鈥攖he coastal towns of Maitum, Kiamba, Maasim, Alabel, Malapatan, and Glan, as well as the inland municipality of Malungon. It stands out for its distinct geography, as it is bisected by General Santos City and Sarangani Bay. As the Philippines鈥� southernmost province, it also serves as a key convergence point for the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area. Over the years, Sarangani has thrived economically, with significant growth in agriculture, aquaculture, mariculture and tourism. It is also among the key players in the Soccsksargen Growth Center which constituted Region 12.
March 18, 2021
Guiuan Church
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines unveiled a historical marker at Guiuan Church, also known as the Immaculate Conception Parish church, in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Originally established by Jesuit priests under the patronage of La Purisima Concepcion in the early 17th century, the stone church was built in 1718. Following the Jesuits鈥� expulsion in 1768, its administration was transferred to the Augustinians and later to the Franciscans from 1795 to 1804. Over the centuries, it underwent multiple renovations, including the addition of a tile roof, bell tower and convent. In 2001, the National Museum declared it a National Cultural Treasure. However, Typhoon Yolanda (International name: Haiyan) in 2013 severely damaged the church, destroying its retablo, 17th-century roof and church relics, leaving only its stone walls and bell tower intact. The National Museum led the restoration of the church from 2016 to 2019, culminating in its reinauguration on Dec. 8, 2019.
This week鈥檚 festivals
Sinigayan Festival (March 15 to March 19)
Sinigayan Festival
The Sinigayan Festival, celebrated in Sagay City, Negros Occidental, is a vibrant cultural and environmental festivity that showcases the city鈥檚 rich marine biodiversity and agricultural abundance. The festival takes its name from 鈥渟igay,鈥� a small, spherical seashell, which also inspired the name Sagay City. This five-day celebration features a dynamic lineup of events, including various competitions, seminars and symposiums, concerts featuring renowned artists, beauty pageants, and religious activities like fiesta and novena Masses.
Bagoong Festival (March 20 to March 22)
Bagoong Festival
The Bagoong Festival, held in Lingayen, Pangasinan, is a lively tribute to the town鈥檚 rich cultural heritage and thriving bagoong-making industry. With 60 registered small to medium bagoong processors as of 2019, Lingayen is renowned for producing this flavorful fermented fish or shrimp paste, a staple in Filipino cuisine. The festival was first celebrated in April 2011 in Pangapisan Norte, with participation from the neighboring village of Maniboc, another major bagoong-producing community. This year鈥檚 festivities will feature an exciting lineup of activities, including a street dancing competition, grand float parade, food showcase, cooking contest, and beauty pageant. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a free guided tour of a bagoong factory, offering a firsthand look at the traditional methods behind this iconic delicacy.
Compiled by: Nathalie Grace Adalid, Inquirer Research, Sources: Inquirer Archives, Lingayen Information Office Facebook page, I Love Sagay Facebook page, easternsamar.gov.ph, sarangani.gov.ph, pangasinan.gov.ph, legacy.senate.gov.ph, pna.gov.ph, nhcphistoricsites.blogspot.com