This week’s milestones: Sept. 6 to Sept. 12

Sept. 10, 2008 The National Historical Institute installed a historical marker at the Biliran Watchtower, Leyte–Biliran Road, Biliran, Biliran to commemorate the “Bantayan ng Biliran.” Built of coral and stone, the watchtower is an example of Spanish-era architecture. Constructed on a hill by Fr. Gaspar Ignacio de Guevara, along with the church and fort, it served as a sanctuary for the faithful from 1765 until 1774. It was the only structure left standing after Moro pirates burned the site in 1774. The watchtower was also used in the propagation of the communal religion in Biliran, Leyte and Samar. It was restored in 2000. Sept. 12, 1982 The municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR) was created through the approval of Batas Pambansa Blg. 236. The youngest town in the province of Agusan del Norte, it was named after Remedios T. Romualdez, the late mother of former first lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos. Today, RTR is a fourth-class municipality with a population of 17,250 as of the 2024 Census. Composed of eight barangays and a total land area of 8,147 hectares, the municipality has wide green rice fields and is known as the rice granary of the province. Every 15th of May, the town celebrates the feast day of their patron saint, Saint Isidore Labrador the farmer. Sept. 11, 2025 The Ilocandia Cultural Center in Batac City, Ilocos Norte was formally opened to the public, which coincided with the celebration of the 108th birth anniversary of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. The construction of the two-story P327.26 million multipurpose building began in 2015 but faced several delays. Built on an 11,655-square-meter lot along the national highway, it was designed similarly to the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City, except for its roof design that resembles a “salakot,” a traditional Ilocano hat. With a seating capacity of 1,022 and a mezzanine, the center was envisioned as a venue to showcase the artistry and creativity of Ilocano talents and hold cultural exchanges at both the national and international levels. Article continues after this advertisement This week’s festivals Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival (Aug. 11-Sept. 27) The Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte honors the city’s patron saint, San Nicolas de Tolentino. The term “Bonok-Bonok” is derived from the word “Bonok,” meaning downpour, symbolizing blessings from the Creator, while “Maradjaw Karadjaw” translates to “very good” in the local dialect, embodying positivity and abundance. This year’s festival coincides with the 56th charter day of the city. With nearly two months of celebration, there are a lot of festivities for everyone to indulge in—exciting competitions, nightly affairs, live entertainment, alumni homecoming, music festival and a night market that showcases local flavors. Paray Festival (Sept. 1-Sept. 29) The Paray Festival takes place in Irosin, Sorsogon as a celebration of their culture, heritage, farmers and the spirit of Irosin. This year’s month-long festival coincides with the town fiesta and carries the theme, “Sarong Kultura, Sarong Irosin, Sarong Paglaom.” Starting this Sept. 1 until Sept. 29, residents and visitors can participate in various festival activities such as a parade, rave party, theatre play, concert, sports competitions, processions and other exciting events. Dana Gracielle Quirante, Inquirer Research Sources: nhcphistoricsites.blogspot.com, pna.gov.ph, elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph, rtradn.gov.ph, blgf.gov.ph, psa.gov.ph, Surigao City PIO Instagram Page, Irosin Tourism Facebook page Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.