Milestones and Festivals: Nov. 23 to Nov. 29
Nov. 25, 1977
By virtue of Presidential Decree No. 1247 issued during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the municipality of San Mariano in the province of Davao—now known as Davao de Oro—was formally established. Following the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution, the municipality’s original name, Maragusan, was restored. Its name is derived from “Man-Agusan,” referring to the indigenous people who once thrived in the area. A landlocked municipality, Maragusan was known for its cool climate and abundance of natural resources. It is home to numerous waterfalls, mountain landscapes, diverse flora and the world’s largest flower—the rafflesia. Covering a land area of about 39,430 hectares, it is now a first-class municipality with 24 barangays and a population of 67,759, according to the latest census.
Nov. 26, 2018
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines has installed a historical marker at the Calbayog Cathedral—also known as the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral—in Calbayog City, Samar, commemorating its inclusion in the Philippine Registry of Cultural Property. The church was originally founded by the Jesuits in a place called Jibatan and became a “visita” of the Parish of Capul in 1599. It was later turned over to the care of the Franciscans in 1768, and in 1785 it was elevated into a parish under the patronage of the Nativity of Our Lady. The present stone-and-brick church was built in 1840. In 1910, through a decree of Pope Saint Pius X, Samar and Leyte were separated from Cebu, and Calbayog was established as a diocese. A few years later, in 1913, it was designated as the cathedral of the Diocese of Calbayog under the patronage of Saints Peter and Paul—distinguishing it as the mother of all dioceses in Eastern Visayas, being the first Cathedral to be established in the Samar and Leyte areas.
Pawikan Festival (Nov. 10 to Nov. 29)
The Pawikan Festival, held every November in Morong, Bataan, celebrates one of the province’s most treasured symbols of life and conservation—the pawikan, or sea turtle. More than just a festivity, the event aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting these creatures for the benefit of both present and future generations. This year’s celebration features prefestival activities such as an environmental forum, a dance competition, pawikan quiz bee and more. The main event will take place on Nov. 29 at the Pawikan Conservation Center in Brgy. Nagbalayong, Morong, Bataan—a nearby coastline facility dedicated to the preservation and propagation of endangered marine turtles, particularly the Olive Ridley species.
The Pyagsawitan Festival, held in Maragusan, Davao de Oro, is a vibrant celebration showcasing its indigenous groups through cultural performances and harvest-related thanksgiving rituals. While the original inhabitants of the area were the Mansakas (or Man-Agusan), Maragusan is now home to a diverse mix of ethnicities, including Cebuano, Boholano, Mandaya, Ilonggo, Waray and others. This year, the festival will run for a week, featuring a wide array of activities that highlight the town’s pride and roots; unity and solidarity and faith; and empowerment and beauty. Special programs for youth and community services are also included. The celebration will also coincide with the Araw ng Maragusan, adding an extra layer of festivity to this cultural showcase.
Source: Municipality of Maragusan Facebook page, Behold Bataan Facebook page, angelescity.gov.ph, davaodeoro.gov.ph, bataan.gov.ph, tpb.gov.ph, psa.gov.ph, pna.gov.ph, elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph, protectionclusterphilippines.org, nhcphistoricsites.blogspot.com
