This Week’s Milestones: Jan. 7-13, 2018

Jan. 9, 1945

Gen. Douglas MacArthur and his troops landed on the shores of Lingayen Gulf in Pangasinan province to start the efforts to liberate the Philippines from the Japanese forces. Around 68,000 troops landed during the initial operations.

Jan. 12, 2001

The conversion of the town of Valencia in Bukidnon province into a city was ratified in a plebiscite. Residents of Valencia voted to ratify Republic Act No. 8985, also known as the “Charter of the City of Valencia.” About 56 percent of the city’s total land area (63,126 hectares) is used for agriculture, making it suitable for crop production. Valencia City’s population in 2015 was 192,993.

Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research

Sources: Inquirer Archives, DOT, Official Calendar of the Republic, gov.ph, cityofvalencia.gov.ph, laguna.gov.ph