This week’s milestones: July 19 to July 25

July 19, 2024

The National Irrigation Administration inaugurated the Sulvec Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte, to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in the municipality and nearby towns. Valued at P940.46 million, the project includes the Sulvec Earthfill Dam, the first impounding dam constructed in the province. With a capacity of over one million cubic meters, it provides a reliable water supply for irrigation and helps mitigate the effects of drought and seasonal water scarcity. The irrigation system benefits more than 1,000 farmers across approximately 10 barangays in Pasuquin and provides a firmed-up service area covering 705 hectares of agricultural land. Aside from storing water for irrigation, two hectares of the dam’s reservoir are allocated for aquaculture.

July 21, 2007

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Lapu-Lapu City was officially converted into a highly urbanized city in the province of Cebu through a plebiscite that ratified Presidential Proclamation No. 1222, signed on Jan. 23, 2007, by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Formerly the municipality of Opon, it was elevated into a chartered city through Republic Act No. 3134, signed by then President Carlos Garcia on June 17, 1961. The measure also renamed the city in honor of Datu Lapulapu—the Mactan chieftain famed for defeating Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the Battle of Mactan in 1521. Today, Lapu-Lapu is a first class highly-urbanized city with a total population of 497,813, as of the 2024 Census. Part of the Cebu Metropolitan Area, it occupies most of Mactan Island.

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Lechon Festival (July 1 to July 26)

The Lechon Festival in Balasan, Iloilo is regarded as one of the province’s ultimate fiesta experiences. Launched in 2007, it is a flavorful celebration that brings together locals and residents for a vibrant showcase of culture and tradition. The festival’s signature attraction is its boodle fight, a communal feast held along the streets of the poblacion where participants dine the traditional way using their bare hands. Long tables are lined with banana leaves and bordered with generous servings of rice and local favorites, with “lechon” standing out as the centerpiece. This year’s festivities also feature a parade, beauty pageant, fun run, bike run, Zumba fest, agri-trade fair, job fair and more.

Grand Kaliga Festival (July 3 to July 31)

The Grand Kaliga Festival in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, is the city’s biggest cultural celebration, honoring both Gingoog’s cityhood and its Higaonon heritage. Derived from the word “kaliga,” meaning “thanksgiving,” the festival reflects the unity, resilience and enduring spirit of every Gingoognon. Coinciding with the city’s charter anniversary, this year’s monthlong festival comes alive with vibrant street performances, cultural showcases, music and dance competitions, sports events, culinary experiences, community activities and a wide array of entertainment.

Dana Gracielle Quirante, Inquirer Research, Sources: Inquirer Archives, region1.nia.gov.ph, pco.gov.ph, ldr.senate.gov.ph, psa.gov.ph, blgf.gov.ph, elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph, region7.dilg.gov.ph, philhistoricsites.nhcp.gov.ph, tourism.cuyapo.gov.ph, ncda.gov.ph, web.nlp.gov.ph; Balasan Tourism, Municipality of Balasan, Department of Tourism-Western Visayas Office, Department of Tourism-Northern Mindanao Office, Turismo Gingoog, and Gingoog City Information Office Facebook pages

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