This Week’s Milestones: Jan. 2 to 8

Jan. 4, 1905

Originally known as Nauhang, the municipality of Naujan in the province of Oriental Mindoro was founded by Act No. 1280 of the Philippine Commission. Naujan was organized in 1639 under a royal decree promulgated by King Philip II of Spain and recognized the town as a regular pueblo. Naujan has the second largest population in the province at 109,587, according to the 2020 Census.

Jan. 5, 1868

Noveleta, originally a barrio of the municipality of Kawit in Cavite, was made into an independent town. Because of its geographical location, Noveleta became a busy hub between the rich and the poor and its population continued to increase. This prompted then Governor-General Jose dela Gandera to separate it from Kawit. At present, Noveleta has a population of 49,452, according to the 2020 Census.

Jan. 6, 1849

The British war frigate “Menander” arrived in Zamboanga. Onboard was Sir James Brooke, British Rajah of Sarawak who was on his way to conclude a treaty with a sultan there. He later sailed to Jolo where he made a treaty with a sultan there that they would not recognize any other power without the consent of Great Britain.

Jan. 8, 2004

A historical marker was installed in the Dayrit-Cuyugan House in the City of San Fernando in the province of Pampanga. This ancestral house, which exemplifies the architecture prevalent during the American colonial period, was declared a heritage house by the National Historical Institute by virtue of Resolution No. 5 signed on Jan. 27, 2003.

This week’s events:
Due to the national public health emergency in relation to the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and following the aftermath of Typhoon “Odette” (international name: Rai), local officials said some activities of the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City may be held face to face while observing minimum health and safety protocols and some may be held online.

Compiled by:
Marielle Medina, Inquirer Research

Sources: Inquirer Archives, Philippine Statistics Authority, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, naujan.gov.ph, cavite.gov.ph