This Week’s Milestones: Oct. 15-21, 2017

Oct. 16, 1936

The town of Davao in Davao del Sur province became a city under Commonwealth Act No. 51. Davao City was discovered  in 1848 by the expedition of Jose Oyanguren, who named it “Nueva Vergara.” The town was later renamed  Davao, which was derived from the three sub-groups of Bagobo indigenous peoples—the Tagabawa called the settlement “Dabo,” the Guiangan called it “Dawaw,” and the Obo called it “Davah.”

Oct. 20, 1936

The town of Cebu in Cebu province was declared a city by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 58. Don Vicente Rama, known as the “Father of Cebu City,” authored the law. The name Cebu came from the word “sebu,” which means animal fat. Cebu was a fishing village ruled by Rajah Humabon before the Spanish came to the city.

Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research

Sources: Inquirer Archives, DOT, Official

Calendar of the Republic, cebucity.gov.ph, davaocity.gov.ph, nro11.neda.gov.ph