Jan. 5, 2022
The Department of Public Works and Highways in Soccsksargen officially turned over a P25-million Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) consular office building to the government of Kidapawan City in Cotabato. This three-story building is strategically situated on a city government-owned lot on Alim Street in Barangay Poblacion. Its location near the overland terminal ensures convenient access for clients from Kidapawan and neighboring provinces of Cotabato. The DFA office marks a significant addition to the city’s services, becoming the second national line agency to establish a presence in Kidapawan. The first was the National Bureau of Investigation, which opened its satellite branch within the overland terminal complex in 2016.
Jan. 9, 1973
By virtue of Presidential Decree No. 934, signed by then President Ferdinand Marcos, barter trading in the Sulu Archipelago and Zamboanga del Sur was legalized and regulated. The decree granted authority to the Commander of the Southwest Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to coordinate activities and implement measures to ensure compliance with its provisions. According to the decree, Filipino residents intending to engage in barter trade with neighboring islands must register with the Philippine National Bank branches in Jolo or Zamboanga City. Registered traders are allowed to sell, buy, barte to or exchange goods, provided the items are not contraband under the Tariff and Customs Code or prohibited by special laws and regulations. The decree, however, limits the value of goods to P5,000 per trip and permits a maximum of two trips per month.
This Week’s Festivals
Dinagsa Festival (Jan. 11 to Jan. 26)
The Dinagsa Festival is a vibrant celebration held in honor of the Santo Niño in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental. The festival’s name, “Dinagsa,” reflects the abundance of blessings, symbolized by the city’s bountiful harvest of fish and seafood, for which it is renowned. This event showcases the community’s unique identity, making Cadiz City stand out in the Philippines. A key highlight of the festival is the wildly popular “Lamhitanay sa Dalan,” a massive city-wide paint party where participants smear each other (hence, “lamhitanay”) with colorful, water-based paint. Other activities include street dancing, sports events, fluvial parades, street parties and a fun run.
READ: 2 Silay residents pay fines, apologize for indecent acts during Dinagsa Fest
Kalibo Señor Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival (Jan. 10 to Jan. 19)
The Kalibo Señor Santo Niño Ati-Atihan Festival is a vibrant celebration held in honor of the Santo Niño in the Aklan capital of Kalibo. Dubbed the Mother of Philippine Festivals, this festival is a fusion of religious and cultural elements with economic impacts on the local businesses. The festival originated as a pagan tradition but was transformed with the arrival of Spanish conquistadores. Armed with swords and crosses, they introduced Christianity, evangelizing and baptizing the local population while introducing the Santo Niño. Today, the Santo Niño stands as the heart of the celebration, revered with deep devotion throughout the festival. This year’s Ati-Atihan promises a rich mix of religious and cultural activities. Highlights include baptisms, a grand procession, novena prayers and Masses. Beyond the religious observances, the festival offers an array of activities, such as a beauty pageant, the Higante Parade, the Barter of Panay reenactment and more.
Compiled by: Nathalie Grace Adalid, Inquirer Research
Sources: Inquirer Archives, Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival 2025 Facebook page, Bilis Cadiz Facebook page, pna.gov.ph, mirror.pia.gov.ph, negrosseasonofculture.com, lawphil.net