This Week’s Milestones: Mar. 15-21
Mar. 16, 2016
Mounts Timpoong Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument in the volcanic island of Camiguin was launched as the eighth Asean Heritage Park (AHP), becoming the third third AHP landmarks in Northern Mindanao, after the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park in Bukidnon province in 2009 and Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park in Misamis Occidental in 2011.
The park, which covers a total area of 3,739.14 hectares, is home to flora and fauna endemic to the province such as Camiguin Hawk Owl, Camiguin Hanging Parrot and medicinal trees like Kalingag and Duguan.
It is a prime ecotourism as it includes distinct rock formations, mountain lakes, waterfalls, cold and hot springs, and soda waters.
Mar. 21, 2012
The Senckenberg Research Institute based in Dresden in Germany announced the discovery of four new species of freshwater crabs in remote areas of Palawan province.
The purple-colored, semi-aquatic crabs under the genus Insulamon were named as Insulamon palawanense, Insulamon magnum, Insulamon johannchristiani and Insulamon porcolum. The study was undertaken primarily by the De La Salle University in Manila.
March 16, 1870
Barangay Anao in Paniqui town in Tarlac became a new municipality in the province.
Formerly a part of Pangasinan province, the area that is now known as the municipality of Anao was transferred to Tarlac during Spanish rule in the early 1800s.
Early settlers, who started agricultural activities in the area, were believed to have come from Paoay, Ilocos Norte province.
Anao is known as the “ylang-ylang” capital and has been producing essential oils extracted from ylang-ylang flowers since 1994.
A fifth-class town, Anao is the smallest municipality in Tarlac with a total land area of 2,387 hectares. Its population in 2015 was 11,528.
March 16, 1936
The municipality of Davao became a city by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 51 signed by then President Manuel L. Quezon.
In 1898, Davao’s potential for agricultural investments was tapped and eventually became a major producer of export goods such as abaca, copra and lumber.
It also saw a rise in population and economic activities as more business establishments were opened. Davao City is now considered the agricultural and trade center of Mindanao and serves as gateway to neighboring countries.
In February 1994, then President Fidel Ramos declared March 16 of every year a special nonworking holiday in Davao City known as “Araw ng Dabaw.”
But the formal commemoration of its cityhood anniversary was changed to March 1 through the enactment of Republic Act No. 11379 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in August last year.
Editor’s Note:
Due to the national public health emergency in relation to the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Pasayaw Festival in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental; Sulyog Festival in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro; and Ani Festival in Dingras, Ilocos Norte, scheduled between March 15 and 20, have been cancelled by the local governments concerned.
Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research; Julianna Remulla, Inquirer Junior Intern
