THIS WEEK’S MILESTONES: Aug. 11-17, 2019

Aug. 15, 2005

The Northern Negros Forest Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary and the largest watershed of Negros Occidental province, was declared a protected area and became a natural park through Proclamation No. 895 signed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The natural park spans the cities of Talisay, Silay, Victorias, Cadiz, Sagay and San Carlos; and the municipalities of E.B. Magalona, Murcia, Toboso, Calatrava and Don Salvador Benedicto.

Plants and animals endemic to the Philippines can be found in the park, along with some species pushed to extinction by destructive human activity.

In May this year, environmentalists issued a manifesto to penalize violators who operate businesses without permits and to protect the 80,454.5-hectare park from illegal activity.

Aug. 16, 2000

The former towns of Bacon and Sorsogon were merged to become the city of Sorsogon in Sorsogon province through Republic Act No. 8806 signed by then President Joseph Estrada.

The city charter was later ratified in a plebiscite in December of the same year.

The agriculture industry is one of the growth drivers in the city.

Its main agricultural products include rice, coconut, pili nuts and vegetables.

Sorsogon City also serves as a hub for ecotourism with its climate change initiatives. In  2015, its population was 168,110.

Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research; and Martha Pangilinan, Inquirer Intern