This week’s milestones: Nov. 8 to Nov. 14

The province of Samar was divided into three separate provinces—Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Western Samar (subsequently named Samar)—through a plebiscite which ratified Republic Act No. 4221, approved on June 19, 1965. The plebiscite coincided with the November 1965 general elections. Today, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Samar are all classified as first-class provinces. Based on the 2024 Census, Northern Samar has a population of 645,789, Eastern Samar has 472,683 and Samar has 806,179.

Nov. 13, 2024

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the local government of Bayambang, Pangasinan, unveiled the historical marker, “Bayambang: Landas ng Pagkabansang Pilipino, 1899.” It was at this town where Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, president of the First Republic of the Philippines, and his family, officials, and army stayed from Nov. 7 to Nov. 13, 1899, while defending the country’s independence and nationhood against the American invaders. Bayambang served as the fifth and final capital of the First Philippine Republic. A decision was later made to continue the fight against the American forces through guerrilla warfare. They left for Calasiao, Pangasinan, on Nov. 13, 1899.

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Nov. 14, 1899

Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, president of the First Republic of the Philippines, and his army arrived and stayed at the church building and plaza of Calasiao, Pangasinan, while defending the freedom and independence of the Filipino people. On Nov. 14, 2024, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines installed a historical marker titled “Calasiao: Landas ng Pagkabansang Pilipino, 1899” in the town as part of the commemoration of the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood.

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This week’s festivals

Adivay Festival (Nov. 6 to Nov. 30)

The Adivay Festival is an annual celebration of Benguet’s indigenous culture, featuring the traditional dances, chants and indigenous food. Named after the Ibaloi term “adivay,” meaning “coming together,” the festival brings together indigenous groups from the province’s 13 towns for a grand celebration where they share their cultural beliefs and practices. This year’s celebration will coincide with the 126th founding anniversary of the province of Benguet, with many activities for locals and visitors to enjoy. This includes performances, various competitions, a beauty pageant, fashion expo, trade fair, agritourism fair and more.

Kahilwayan Festival (Nov. 6 to Nov. 21)

The Kahilwayan Festival in Santa Barbara, Iloilo, honors the town’s revolutionary heroes who fought for freedom during Spanish colonization. Named after the Hiligaynon or Ilonggo term, “kahilwayan,” which signifies independence, it commemorates the historic inauguration of the Revolutionary Government of the Visayas on Nov. 17, 1898, also known as the “Cry of Santa Barbara.” It was also the first instance that the Philippine flag was raised outside Luzon. This year’s celebration presents a series of exciting events, such as the Pintura Catmon Exhibit, a food festival, a job fair, pickleball cup, sound expo and more.

Dana Gracielle Quirante, Inquirer Research, Sources: National Historical Commission of the Philippines, docs.congress.hrep.online, elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph, easternsamarprovince.com, blgf.gov.ph, psa.gov.ph, iloilo.gov.ph, oldwebsite.bayambang.gov.ph; Gov. Melchor Diclas – Benguet, Department of Tourism – Philippines, Santa Barbara Ugyon, Bureau of Fire Protection Region 6 and PIA Western Visayas Facebook pages