May 27, 1906
The Culion Leper Colony began its operation with the arrival of the first batch of patients from Cebu. Under Act No. 1711 of the Philippine Commission, people afflicted with leprosy were forcibly segregated and isolated on Culion Island, located at the northern tip of Palawan. Back then, there was no known cure or treatment for leprosy, and the country was thought to have 3,500 to 4,000 cases. From 1914 until 1921, Culion was regarded to be the world’s largest leprosy colony. It was also the first and oldest organized leprosarium in the Philippines. Since its operation, it has catered to about 50,000 patients. In 2006, the World Health Organization declared Culion leprosy-free. Today, the island is a tourist destination, displaying its rich and distinct history. Culion now has 11 resorts that promote a sustainable ecology.
May 28, 1898
The Battle of Alapan was a bloody encounter between Filipino revolutionaries and Spanish marines in a barrio named Alapan, now part of Imus, Cavite. The battle ended in victory for Filipinos, who took their Spanish prisoners to the revolutionary headquarters in Cavite that same day. As they approached the headquarters to the shouts and cheers of the locals, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, leader of the revolution, waved the Philippine flag that he had brought back with him from exile in Hong Kong. It was the beginning of the successful struggle to overthrow Spanish rule and establish the Philippine Republic. This significant day was also declared as National Flag Day on March 6, 1965, by then President Diosdado Macapagal. During the battle’s centennial in 1998, the National Historical Institute installed a historical marker to commemorate the Filipino forces’ valor and heroism.
READ: THIS WEEK’S MILESTONES: May 19-25, 2019
This week’s festivals
Hudyaka ZaNorte Festival (May 4 to June 6)
The Hudyaka ZaNorte Festival is a celebration of the convergence of Zamboanga del Norte’s various cultural and traditional fsestivals. It also commemorates Zamboanga del Norte’s founding anniversary. The festival’s name, “hudyaka,” is a Cebuano term meaning celebration or revelry, and “ZaNorte” is an acronym for Zamboanga del Norte. The festival lasts a week and is held in Dipolog City, the provincial capital. Hudyaka ZaNorte is tagged as one of Mindanao’s premier tourist attractions.
Pasayahan sa Lucena (May 22 to May 31)
Street merrymaking at the “Pasayahan sa Lucena” in Lucena City. —Inquirer photo/Delfin T. Mallari Jr./Inquirer Southern Luzon
The Pasayahan sa Lucena showcases Lucena’s local culture, agricultural products, and marine life. This festivity is also the city’s formal claim to identity among the numerous local annual celebrations held throughout the Philippines. Celebrated at the end of May, Pasayahan carries a spirit and visual appeal comparable to the Mardi Gras of Brazil. In fact, the event is indeed known as Mardi Gras among the city’s more senior residents. Chami, Lucena’s fresh egg noodles specialty, is highlighted in the festival with the varied cooking and eating contests where locals and even outsiders compete to deliver the best representation of chami.
PASAYAHAN FESTIVAL The grand parade of “Pasayahan sa Lucena” festival in Lucena City on Tuesday. —Photo by Delfin T. Mallari Jr., Inquirer Southern Luzon
Compiled by: Nathalie Grace Adalid, Inquirer Research
Sources: Inquirer Archives, Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Tourism Office Official Facebook Page, Pasayahan sa Lucena Official Facebook Page, lucenacity.gov.ph, chicagopcg.com, legacy.senate.gov.ph, culionsanitariumandgeneralhospital.com, nhcphistoricsites.blogspot.com, culionpalawan.gov.ph, philatlas.com, officialgazette.gov.ph