This week’s milestones: Aug. 10 to Aug. 16
Aug. 14, 2024
Three flood mitigation structures worth a total of P269.1 million were completed in flood-prone areas of Bacolod City and Binalbagan town in Negros Occidental. According to the Department of Public Works and Highways in Western Visayas, these nationally funded projects include a P91-million flood control structure in Bacolod’s Barangay Granada aimed at protecting residents of three districts in Hacienda Carmen from frequent flooding caused by the Loygoy River during heavy rains and typhoons; a P79.1-million slope protection project along Binalbagan River; and a P99-million river control structure along Binalbagan-Isabela Road. The latter two projects are vital for protecting communities against erosion due to strong river current and significantly reduce the risks associated with heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
Aug. 15, 2023
San Fernando Cathedral historical marker
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines installed a historical marker at San Fernando Cathedral, also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando, in Pampanga. The original church structure was built by the Augustinians in 1755 and was turned over to the secular priests in 1788. From that year until 1888, the church underwent reconstruction using stone. The cathedral played a significant role during the Philippine Revolution, serving as a station for revolutionary forces in 1898. A year later, in 1899, General Antonio Luna ordered its burning so it would not be used by the Americans. It was again destroyed by fire in 1939 but was restored after World War II. In 1948, it was officially elevated to the status of cathedral.
This week’s festivals
Nipa Festival (Aug. 4 to Aug. 16)
Nipa Festival
The Nipa Festival is a vibrant celebration of culture, history, community and creativity held in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental. El Salvador, also known as the “City of Mercy,” is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees of the Divine Mercy and is also famous for the legend of Tagnipa, which highlights the area’s abundance during a time of widespread hunger. This year’s Nipa Festival, set to run for nearly two weeks, will feature a wide array of exciting events, including a beauty pageant, drum and lyre competition, grand parade, nipa float parade, street dancing and grand showdown.
Longganisa Festival (Aug. 1 to Aug. 15)
The Longganisa Festival showcases the unique and flavorful longganisa products of Guinobatan, Albay. More than just a food festival, it also highlights the town’s rich cultural and natural heritage through various events, including the street dancing competition and the Culinaria Longganisa Cooking and Making Contest. This year’s festivities will feature a wide range of activities such as a beauty pageant, boodle fight, concert, civic parade and talent competitions. Events like the agri-fair opening, job fair, tree-growing activity are also part of the celebration. The Longganisa Festival also coincides with Guinobatan’s town fiesta in honor of its patroness, the Our Lady of the Assumption.
Compiled by: Nathalie Grace Adalid, Inquirer Research, Sources: City Government of El Salvador Facebook page, El Salvador City Tourism Facebook page, Ann Gemma Ongjoco Facebook page, koronadal.gov.ph, elsalvadorcity.gov.ph, pna.gov.ph, tpb.gov.ph, travelph.tpb.gov.ph, rsso12.psa.gov.ph, cbcpnews.net, philatlas.com, nhcphistoricsites.blogspot.com
