This Week’s Milestones: June 25 to July 1, 2017
June 27, 1898
Over 50 Spanish soldiers began to hole up at the Church of Baler, the last stand of Spanish forces in the Philippines against the revolutionaries. Known as the Siege of Baler, it went on for 11 months, with some Spanish soldiers dying from diseases. On June 2, 1899, the 35 survivors surrendered. Days later, then President Emilio Aguinaldo decreed that they be treated as friends and not enemies for their safe return to their country.
July 1, 1970
The town of Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte province was converted into a city by virtue of Republic Act No. 5520. In 1952, it became the capital of Zamboanga del Norte when Zamboanga province was divided into two provinces. Dipolog’s major products include coconut, corn, rice, bottled sardines and nito (forest vine) handicrafts.
Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research
Sources: Inquirer Archives, DOT, Official Calendar of the Republic, nhcp.gov.ph, dipologcity.gov.ph, apalit.gov.ph
