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

Tuguegarao was converted from a municipality to a component city of Cagayan province through the approval of Republic Act No. 8755. A plebiscite was later held on Dec. 18, 1999, to ratify the conversion. Designated as the capital city of Cagayan and the regional center of Cagayan Valley, Tuguegarao is bounded by the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges in the east, the Cordilleras in the west and the distant Caraballo Mountain in the south. Today, it is classified as a second-class city with a population of 167,297—the largest in terms of population size in the region as of the 2024 Census.

Nov. 6, 1898

The terms of capitulation was signed between the Spanish and Filipino representatives at the Luzurriaga Residence in Bacolod City, signifying the end of Spanish rule in the island of Negros. The Filipino representatives were Gen. Aniceto Lacson, Gen. Juan Araneta, Jose Montilla and Simeon Lizares. Meanwhile, the Spanish government was represented by then politico-military governor of Negros, Isidro de Castro; Provincial Fiscal Manuel Abenza; Administrator of Public Lands Ramon Armando, Provincial Registrar Emilio Monasterio; and Notary Public Domingo Ureta. A century later, on Nov. 6, 1998, the National Historical Institute installed a marker at the residence to commemorate this historic event.

Nov. 7, 2023

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines unveiled the historical marker, “Sheik Karimol-Makhdum Mosque in Tubig-Indangan, Simunul, Tawi-Tawi.” Established in 1380 by Sheikh Karimul Makhdum, an Arab missionary believed to have introduced Islam to the Philippines, it is recognized as the first and oldest existing mosque in the country. Over the centuries, it has undergone multiple reconstructions due to natural wear and conflict. However, four original wooden pillars, locally known as the “Pillars of Faith,” have been preserved. These are now considered national cultural treasures and are believed to hold spiritual significance for local Muslims. The mosque was declared a national historical landmark through Board Resolution No. 4, series of 1998 of the National Historical Institute, and Republic Act No. 10573, signed by then President Benigno Aquino III on May 24, 2013.

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This week’s festivals

Tumba-Tumba Festival (Oct. 30 to Nov. 3)

The Tumba-Tumba Festival takes place in San Narciso, Zambales. It celebrates the town’s traditions, creativity, sense of community, and shared way of remembering loved ones. This year’s festival, coinciding with the observance of All Souls’ Day, is lined with various activities such as live performances, a parade, a mini-streetdance competition, a beauty pageant and a masquerade ball. Adding to the festivities are the Tumba trike design competition and the Tumba-Tumba Competition, which will showcase creatively designed kubols. Other attractions include a municipal floral display, the Karkarna Ti Rabii Horror Houses and a food bazaar.

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Tigkalalag Festival (Oct. 31 to Nov. 2)

The Tigkalalag Festival is a unique and morbid-themed cultural celebration in Isabela, Negros Occidental, reflecting remembrance, artistry, and cultural identity. Held in observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, it pays tribute to departed loved ones and expresses thanksgiving for life. This year’s three-day festival features a horror village, Zumba halloween, battle of the bands, a beauty pageant, float parade, fun run and more.

Dana Gracielle Quirante, Inquirer Research, Sources: elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph, lawphil.net, cms-cdn.e.gov.ph, blgf.gov.ph, psa.gov.ph, nhcphistoricsites.blogspot.com, simunul.gov.ph; National Historical Commission of the Philippines, Department of Tourism – Region 3 Office, Amusing San Narciso, Miguel Angelo G. Yulo, Panaad sa Negros Festival Facebook pages