This week’s milestones: Nov. 10 to Nov. 16

Nov. 11, 1896

The Battle of Binakayan, one of the bloodiest battles in Cavite, ended after three days of fierce fighting, which started on Nov. 9, 1896. This marked a significant victory for the Filipino forces during the early months of the Philippine Revolution. Led by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, the Filipino revolutionaries fought against the 73rd Regiment, supported by five battalions of Spanish Cazadores and the Marine Infantry led by Gov. Gen. Ramon Blanco. While the Filipinos won the battle, it still came at a heavy cost after Gen. Candido Tirona, Capt. Simeon Alcantara and their comrades lost their lives. In honor of their heroism, the National Historical Institute installed a historical marker on Nov. 11, 1996, on Samala Street in Kawit to commemorate their courage and sacrifice in the fight for Philippine independence.

Nov. 13, 2014

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines installed a historical marker in San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City. Considered the first and oldest penal facility in the country, it was founded on Aug. 31, 1870, under the patronage of Saint Ramon Nonato to promote agriculture through the labor of prisoners. It housed those convicted by the Spanish colonial government, including both Christian and Muslim prisoners. The facility was destroyed in 1899 during the Philippine-Spanish War. In 1907, the American administration reestablished it, and in 1912, Gen. John Pershing, chief executive of the Department of Mindanao and Sulu, classified the institution as a prison and penal colony. Under Pershing, the farm became self-sufficient with crops like coconuts, rice and corn grown there. On Nov. 1, 1905, the Reorganization Act No. 1407 was approved, creating the Bureau of Prisons under the Department of Commerce and Police and integrating the Old Bilibid Prison, San Ramon Penal Colony and Iwahig Penal Colony.

This week’s festivals

Lanuza Surfing Festival (Nov. 10 to Nov. 17)

The Lanuza Surfing Festival, held annually in the town of Lanuza in Surigao del Sur, is regarded as an international surfing event. It is traditionally observed from the second to third week of November, when the highest tides and waves reach 3.05 meters (10 feet). Lanuza is one of the country’s top surfing spots. Over the past two decades, this festival has not only grown as an international event but has also become a major boost to the local community. The festival’s highlight is the surfing competition at the river mouth of Doot Poktoy. The event also includes a variety of activities, such as a parade, a live band and open disco, a fireworks display and a coastal cleanup, making it a celebration of both sport and environmental awareness.

Hane Festival (Aug. 24 to Nov. 30)

The Hane Festival is an annual event commemorating the founding anniversary of the Tanay, Rizal. The festival is a vibrant blend of agri- and ecotourism, arts, culture and community spirit, showcasing the best of Tanay. The name “Hane” is derived from a popular local expression used by locals to seek agreement. This unique expression has become synonymous with the town, which then became the name of its tourism and cultural festival. This year’s festival features a mountain trail run, street dancing competition, beauty pageant, art exhibits and a mega job fair.

Compiled by: Nathalie Grace Adalid, Inquirer Research.

Sources: Inquirer Research, Bureau of Corrections Facebook page, Surf Lanuza Facebook page, Tanay Tourism Facebook page, tanay.gov.ph, surigaodelsur.gov.ph, nhcphistoricsites.blogspot.com, pna.gov.ph