This week’s milestones: April 26 to May 2

April 27, 1871

Montalban in the province of Rizal was established as a pueblo when Governor-General Rafael Gerónimo Cayetano Izquierdo y Gutiérrez issued a decree separating Balite, Burgos, Marang, and Calipahan from San Mateo. Prior to this, the whole territory was known among the natives as Balite. In 1901, Montalban was incorporated into the province of Rizal. In 1982, it was renamed Rodriguez, in honor of Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Sr., one of the town’s most famous native sons. On June 2, 2022, the name of the town was reverted to Montalban by virtue of Republic Act No. 11812, which lapsed into law without the signature of then President Rodrigo Duterte. Today, it is a first-class municipality with a population of 451,383 as of the 2024 Census.

April 27, 1998

The National Historical Institute installed a historical marker at the Casa Hacienda De Naic in Naic, Cavite. In this very building, the Acta de Naic, or Naic Military Agreement, was created and carried out on April 19, 1897 by Andres Bonifacio and his allies, who opposed the policies that were agreed upon by the revolutionaries during the Tejeros Convention held on March 22, 1897. It was also at this location that President Emilio Aguinaldo formed his “Cabinet of Reconciliation” that same year, completing the organization of his government’s cabinet that had not been established during the Tejeros Convention. Today, the building houses Naic Elementary School.

READ: This week’s milestones: April 19 to April 25

This week’s festivals

Sakayan Festival (April 25 to May 2)

The Sakayan Festival is held in the city of Isabela, Basilan, as a testament to their deep-rooted maritime heritage and the resilience of its people. Derived from the local term “sakayan,” a small boat with outrigger used for fishing, the festival pays tribute to the vessel’s purpose in carrying multitudes of different people brought together toward a single shared destination. With fishing as the main source of livelihood, the “sakayan” also symbolizes the modest way of life of the fisherfolk who depend on the sea for their sustenance. This year’s celebration coincides with Isabela’s silver cityhood anniversary, anchored on the theme “Reflections and Direction @25!” The eight-day event features a range of activities, including a parade of lights, float parade, food fair, mass wedding, various competitions, an anniversary exhibit and more.

Gotad Ad Kiangan (April 29 to May 3)

The Gotad Ad Kiangan is an annual festival held in Kiangan, the heritage town of Ifugao, showcasing traditional Ifugao performing arts of dancing and chanting. The festival is modeled after the “uya-uy,” an Ifugao prestige ritual required for a couple’s ascent to noble status. In addition to its vibrant dances and chants, the festival also presents a variety of cultural performances that reflect the province’s artistic richness, aiming to promote understanding, appreciation and interest in the different forms of Ifugao performing arts. Coinciding with the town’s annual fiesta, this year’s five-day celebration features a lively line-up of activities, including parades, a trade fair, various competitions and other festivities.

Dana Gracielle Quirante, Inquirer Research, Sources: Inquirer Archives, montalban.gov.ph, psa.gov.ph, philhistoricsites.nhcp.gov.ph, talapamana.ncca.gov.ph, tpb.gov.ph, tourism.gov.ph, pia.gov.ph, pna.gov.ph; Montalban Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Isabela City Tourism, and Kiangan LGU Facebook pages