Aug. 10, 2000
The municipality of Maasin in Southern Leyte province became a city after Republic Act No. 8796 was ratified through a plebiscite. About 92 percent of votes, or 19,273, agreed with the town’s conversion into a city in a plebiscite participated in by 20,695 voters. Maasin City had a population of 85,560 in 2015.
Aug. 11, 1841
Queen Isabela III of Spain issued a decree declaring Samar province, formerly known as Western Samar, as independent and separate from the provinces of Leyte and Cebu. The historical event is the basis of the province’s celebration of Samar Day.
Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research; Sources: Inquirer Archives, DOT, officialgazette.gov.ph, ap.ironman.com, cebu.gov.ph, pia.gov.ph, southernleyte.gov.ph, PSA