This week’s milestones: March 1 to March 7
March 6, 2025
The local government of Angeles City, Pampanga, inaugurated Belen Homesite Elementary School, the first solar-powered, fully airconditioned public school in Central Luzon. Equipped with 32 kVA solar panels, the school featured seven new air-conditioned classrooms and can accommodate around 189 students. Around P3 million had been infused to renovate the classrooms with new paint, tiles and fixtures. This development reflected the city’s commitment to education and sustainability, serving as a model for other cities by showing that classrooms can be powered by renewable energy.
March 7, 1998
A plebiscite was held for the ratification of Republic Act No. 8471, signed on Jan. 30, 1998 by then President Fidel V. Ramos, which integrated the municipalities of Babak, Samal and Kaputian of Samal Island, Davao Del Norte into a component city now known as the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos). Today, Igacos is recognized as the largest resort city in the Philippines, known for its pristine beaches and premiere diving spots. It is classified as a second-class city with a total population of 119,701 as of the 2024 Census. In commemoration of its foundation day, March 7 of every year is declared a special working holiday in the city by virtue of RA 12246.
March 7, 2024
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) unveiled a marker at Camp Kasisang in Casisang, Malaybalay, Bukidnon. In World War II, the 50-hectare camp held US General William Sharp, then Brigadier-General Manuel Roxas, and thousands of prisoners of war (POW). Roxas was given authority to manage the camp and make it self-sufficient, employing the POWs to agriculture, medicine, trade and other recreational activities. The camp eventually closed down in 1942 after Roxas and other prisoners were transferred to Davao. In 1948, the Philippine Historical Committee (predecessor of the NHCP) installed a marker in Camp Kasisang. The contents of the marker has since been updated, leading to the installation of a new marker in 2024.
This week’s festivals
Kamayadan Festival (March 1 to March 10)
The Kamayadan Festival is celebrated in Norala, South Cotabato, as a thanksgiving event, showcasing the town’s abundant agricultural harvest, cultural heritage and unity among its people. The term “kamayadan” comes from the Ilonggo (Hiligaynon) word “mayad,” which translates to “good” or “bountiful.” Now in its 19th year, this year’s festival carries the theme, “Sa istorya kag Kultura, nami gid tana ang Mayad nga Norala.”
Pasayaw Festival (Feb. 14 to March 19)
The Pasayaw Festival is a vibrant traditional celebration in the city of Canlaon—the renowned vegetable basket of Negros Oriental. Centered on the mythical tale of two ill-fated lovers, Kan and Laon, the festival weaves together history, religious customs and sociocultural materials. The lively street dancing also honors and gives thanks to the city’s patron saint, St. Joseph the Worker, for the abundant vegetable harvest that is exported throughout Negros. This year’s festivities also include various sports competitions, a civic parade, beauty pageant, festival showdown and more.
Dana Gracielle Quirante, Inquirer Research, Sources: Inquirer Archives, elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph, samalcity.gov.ph, blgf.gov.ph, senate.gov.ph, psa.gov.ph, nhcphistoricsites.blogspot.com, philhistoricsites.nhcp.gov.ph, elgu-norala-south-cotabato-news.e.gov.ph, negor.gov.ph, canlaoncity.gov.ph; National Historical Commission of the Philippines, Kamayadan Festival, and SALTA Canlaon Official Facebook pages
