This week’s historical milestones

March 12 to 18

March 13, 1992

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority was created by virtue of Republic Act No. 7227 to oversee the conversion of the Clark and Subic military reservations into economic enclaves, following the vote of the Philippine Senate to remove US bases in the country.

March 15, 1941

Philippine Airlines started operations with its maiden flight from Nielson Airfield on Makati Avenue to Baguio City in Benguet province. The plane, a Beech Model 18, was piloted by Paul Gunn.

March 16, 1521

Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan reached the island of Samar for the first time while finding a westward route to the Moluccas, also known as Spice Islands, from Spain.

March 18, 1945

The town of Panay in Capiz province and Romblon province were liberated from the Japanese after the Free Panay Guerrilla Forces launched the final assault on the Japanese forces.