This week’s milestones (Dec. 25 to 31)

Dec. 26
A group of young Filipinos arrive on Pagasa Island in the Spratly archipelago last year in a symbolic defiance of China’s claim on the West Philippine Sea.

Dec. 27
The province of Basilan, formerly called Tanguina, is created in 1973 by President Ferdinand Marcos through Presidential Decree No. 356.

Dec. 30
The municipality of Balanga in Bataan province is converted into a city in 2000. The name “Balanga” comes from the Tagalog word “bañga,” which means clay pot, a major product of the province.

Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research
Sources: DOT, Inquirer Archives, Official Calendar of the Republic