This Week’s Milestones: March 1-7

Photo by ARJOY M. CENIZA

March 5, 1996

Sarangani Bay and portions of municipal waters of Maitum, Kiamba and Maasim in Sarangani province were established as protected seascape by virtue of Proclamation No. 756 signed by then President Fidel Ramos.

According to the proclamation, the marine resources of Sarangani Bay and other covered areas shall be protected and conserved.

Sarangani Bay is bounded by the coastal towns of Maasim, Alabel, Malapatan and Glan in Sarangani and General Santos City in South Cotabato province.

About 230 coral reef fish species from 33 families have been recorded in the bay in the early 2000s.

A rich fishing ground for tuna, Sarangani celebrates Sarangani Bay Festival to raise awareness on the conservation of the bay.

Photo from Municipality of Lemery Facebook page

Mar. 6, 1945

The municipality of Lemery in Batangas province was liberated by American and Filipino forces who fought against Japanese who occupied the coastal town in 1942.

About one-third of Lemery, which has an area of 101.6 square km, was burned by enemy artillery.

Lemery was founded as a municipality in 1862. It was annexed to the town of Taal in 1904, but became an independent municipality again in 1907.

Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research