This week’s milestones: Sept. 20 to Sept. 26

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines installed a historical marker at Basay, Negros Oriental, to commemorate “Ang Pagdaong ng USS Crevalle.” On May 11, 1944, the USS Crevalle, a submarine of the US Navy that reached various parts of the Philippines and confronted Japanese naval forces, arrived on the shores of Basay. It was able to evacuate 40 American civilians, missionaries, and soldiers from Negros to Australia. The submarine also played an important part in delivering Adm. Mineichi Koga’s “Z Plan”—a document found by fishermen in the waters of Cebu detailing the movements of Japanese forces in the Philippines—to the Southwest Pacific Area Command headquarters in Australia. The “Z Plan” helped shape the strategy for liberating the Philippines from the Japanese.

Sept. 22, 1980

Sibagat was established as a municipality in the province of Agusan del Sur through a plebiscite that ratified Batas Pambansa Blg. 56. Approved on Feb. 1, 1980, the measure provided for the creation of the municipality from the barangays of Ilihan, Sinai, Sibagat, El Rio, Afga, Tabontabon, Perez, Magsaysay, Santa Cruz, Santa Maria, San Isidro, Villangit, Del Rosario, Anahauan, Mahayahay and San Vicente, which were formerly part of the Municipality of Bayugan in the same province. Today, Sibagat is a first-class municipality with a total population of 33,271, according to the 2024 Census.

READ: This week’s milestones: Aug. 30 to Sept. 5

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This week’s festivals

Hablon Festival (Sept. 16 to Sept. 22)

The Hablon Festival in Miagao, Iloilo, is a weeklong celebration honoring the town’s rich weaving heritage. “Hablon,” the town’s traditional handwoven fabric, is a treasured expression of the community’s craftsmanship and cultural identity. This year, locals, artisans and visitors can enjoy vibrant festivities that showcase the artistry and heritage behind “hablon” while promoting its continued appreciation and preservation for future generations. Activities include cultural presentations, pageants, trade fairs, dance competitions and other events. The festival culminates in the feast of the town’s patron saint, Santo Tomas de Villanueva, whose historic parish church stands as a treasured testament to Miagao’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

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Patabang Festival (Sept. 15 to Sept. 30)

The Patabang Festival takes place in the town of Tapaz, Capiz. Derived from the local term “patabang,” which means “bayanihan” or the spirit of communal unity and cooperation, the festival places the Filipino spirit of helping one another at the heart of the celebration. This year, Tapaz honors the traditions that define the town, its rich heritage, and recognizes its empowered people as the driving force behind a more progressive and thriving community. The festivities also highlight how cooperation and shared responsibility continue to define the town’s identity and propel its development, with activities including a grand parade, beauty pageant, agri-trade fair, fun walk, fireworks display and more.

Dana Gracielle Quirante, Inquirer Research

Sources: nhcphistoricsites.blogspot.com, elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph, officialgazette.gov.ph, blgf.gov.ph, psa.gov.ph, pna.gov.ph; Department of Tourism-Western Visayas Office and Tapaz Information Office Facebook pages. /das