THIS WEEK’S MILESTONES: Feb. 24 – March 2, 2019

Feb. 24, 1998

The Biak-na-Bato National Park at San Miguel town in Bulacan province was declared a historical shrine and a major destination by virtue of Republic Act No. 8546 signed by then President Fidel Ramos.

It was declared a protected area, making it a national park in 1937.

The national park served as hideout of revolutionaries during the Spanish colonial period and was where the Biak-na-Bato Republic was established under Emilio Aguinaldo.

It was closed to tourists for almost a year and a half after seven students from Bulacan State University drowned while crossing the Madlum River in August 2014.

Reopened in 2016, the national park imposed stricter rules for visitors, such as wearing life vests and helmets.

Feb. 24, 1989

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines declared San Matias Parish Church, more known as Tumauini Church, a national historical landmark.

The ultra-Baroque church located at Tumauini town in Isabela province was built entirely of red bricks and has a four-story bell tower.

Originally built in 1707 by a Dominican priest, the church was first made of nipa and light materials.

The current church was constructed in 1783 and was completed in 1805.

It was partly damaged during World War II, but it was repaired and faithfully reconstructed into its original form by the townspeople.

The Philippine Postal Corp. included Tumauini Church in its commemorative stamps in 2018 featuring Spanish colonial churches.

Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research