This week’s milestones: Oct. 25 to Oct. 31

The remaining crew of the expedition once led by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan dropped anchor at “Biraham Batulach,” known today as Barangay Batulaki, to take shelter from a violent storm. In the detailed account of the voyage, Antonio Pigafetta, a Venetian scholar and explorer, also wrote that Sebastian el Cano had assumed command after Magellan was killed in the battle of Mactan four months earlier. After finding refuge along the shore, the expedition departed Batulaki the next day to resume their journey. On Oct. 26, 2021, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the National Quincentennial Committee unveiled in Batulaki the 32nd of the 34 quincentennial historical markers commemorating the 500th anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the world.

Oct. 28, 2013

Davao Occidental was officially made a province of Davao region through a plebiscite which ratified Republic Act No. 10360, signed into law by then President Benigno S. Aquino III on Jan. 14, 2013. Formerly part of the second district of Davao del Sur, this province now covers a total area of 2,163.45 square kilometers and comprises five municipalities: Sta. Maria, Malita, Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos, and the island municipality of Sarangani. As of the 2024 Census, Davao Occidental has a population of 317,598 and is classified as a second-class province.

This week’s festivals

Ivatan Festival (Oct. 26 to Nov. 13)

The Ivatan Festival in Batanes celebrates the richness of Ivatan heritage, traditions, artistry, and resilience. Held annually, it also aims to foster cultural pride and preserve living heritage for future generations. This year, the provincial government of Batanes, through the Provincial Heritage and Tourism Office, has organized a series of cultural and tourism activities for the festival as well as in observance of National Tourism Week and National Indigenous Peoples Month. These include a singing contest, trade fair, awards night, cultural night, tourism night, Kapatayu (Kapamuspus kan Kapayalalat, Kapayalalat, Kapaninon kan Kapaynanamet and Kapayakus), among others.

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Sambuokan Festival (Oct. 26 to Oct. 30)

The Sambuokan Festival takes place in the City of Mati, the capital of Davao Oriental province, presenting its diverse culture and tradition, sports, and adventure spots. Named after the Mandaya term “buok,” meaning “one,” the festival is an annual thanksgiving celebration of oneness and unity among the city’s people. The Mandaya is an indigenous group in Mindanao that generally inhabits the hinterlands of Davao Oriental. This year’s five-day festival coincides with the city’s founding anniversary on Oct. 29. Activities include Sambuokan village; the Abunda Festival, organized by the City Agriculture Office, featuring a fishing net making contest, harvest showcase, biggest harvest contest, and farmer and fisherfolks forum; Indigenous People’s Day; a beauty pageant; street dance competition, sports tournaments and more.

Dana Gracielle Quirante, Inquirer Research, Sources: elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph, dro11.depdev.gov.ph, blgf.gov.ph, psa.gov.ph, pcc.gov.ph, phworldexpo.tpb.gov.ph, nhcphistoricsites.blogspot.com; National Quincentennial Committee, Republic of the Philippines, Breathtaking Batanes, and Feel Mati Facebook pages