This week’s milestones: Nov. 15 to Nov. 21

Carmen was established as an independent municipality in Surigao del Sur by virtue of Executive Order No. 197, signed by then President Diosdado Macapagal. It initially comprised the barrios of Carmen, Esperanza, Cancaban, Bonga, Santa Cruz, Antao and Puyat, which were formerly part of the municipality of Lanuza. However, EO 197 was revoked three months later and Carmen reverted to being a barrio of Lanuza. It was only on July 16, 1971, that Republic Act No. 6367 was signed into law by then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., reestablishing Carmen as a municipality composed of the barrios of Carmen, Esperanza, Cancaban, Santa Cruz, Antao, Puyat, and Malibho. Today, Carmen is a fourth-class municipality with eight barangays and a population of 11,859 as of the 2024 Census.

Nov. 17, 1596

Jesuits missionaries Fr. Juan de Torres and Fr. Gabriel Sanchez left Cebu and arrived in Baclayon, Bohol, to begin the religious conversion of the villagers, marking the start of Christianization on the island. The growing number of catechumens in the area prompted the construction of a “visita” (chapel), which resembled a hut and was made from light, native materials such as wood and nipa, as well as a residencia for the Jesuit missionaries. Baclayon became the residence of the Jesuit superior general and the center of the Bohol missions, while the visita served as a hub of Christian civilization in the island. Many people from neighboring districts and islands traveled to Baclayon to receive religious instruction and join the Roman Catholic faith. However, following a raid in 1600, the residencia was transferred to Loboc. In 1717, Baclayon was finally elevated as a parish. The present stone church, constructed under the Jesuits, was completed in 1727.

This week’s festivals

P’yagsawitan Festival (Nov. 14 to Nov. 25)

The P’yagsawitan Festival is held in Maragusan, Davao de Oro, featuring performances by indigenous groups in the area and harvest-related thanksgiving rituals. Now in its 31st year, the celebration coincides with the 49th Araw ng Maragusan and carries the theme, “Hugyaw sa KaLAMBOan: Experience Fun in Maragusan.” The 12 day-celebration includes an agritrade fair, a job fair, parades, various competitions, sports activities, religious events and more. The 59th parochial fiesta of San Vicente Ferrer Parish church will also be celebrated on Nov. 24.

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READ: This week’s milestones: Nov. 1 to Nov. 7

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Kalimudan Festival (Nov. 19 to Nov. 22)

The Kalimudan Festival is held in commemoration of the founding anniversary of Sultan Kuldarat. The province was created alongside North Cotabato (later renamed Cotabato) and Maguindanao when the then province of Cotabato was divided into three provinces through Presidential Decree No. 341, signed by then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. on Nov. 22, 1973. Derived from the Maguindanaon word meaning “gathering,” the festival brings together the diverse cultures, traditions and indigenous groups of Sultan Kudarat in one grand celebration. This year’s four-day festivities include parades, a farmers and coffee congress, the SOX Fantasy Run, various exhibitions and competitions and other spectacular events.

Dana Gracielle Quirante, Inquirer Research, Sources: Inquirer Archives, elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph, carmensds.gov.ph, blgf.gov.ph, psa.gov.ph, baclayon.bohol.gov.ph, nhcphistoricsites.blogspot.com, tpb.gov.ph, phworldexpo.tpb.gov.ph; NHCP Museo ng Pamana at Kasaysayang Boholano, Pyagsawitan Festival of Maragusan, President Quirino Tourism, Department of Tourism – Soccsksargen Office, and Bohol Provincial Library Facebook pages