Today in Philippine History: The Katipunan Elevates Balangay Mahiganti's Status

MARCH 8, 1896

The Supreme Council of the Katipunan (KKK), a revolutionary society ruled that the Balangay Mahiganti, a KKK branch in Ermita, Manila be elevated to the status of Sangguniang Bayan. The Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) was founded by Andres Bonifacio along with other Filipino patriots on the night of July 7, 1892.

Today in Philippine History: The Declaration of Purpose

MARCH 7, 1919

The American-sponsored Philippine Legislature passed the Declaration of Purpose that shows the position of the Filipinos on the issue of the granting of independence by the United States of America. This Declaration was passed five years after the Filipino revolutionaries were completely neutralized and the end of the Philippine-American War (1899-1914).

Today in Philippine History: Fort Santiago Becomes A National Shrine

MARCH 6, 1951
The historic Fort Santiago was declared a National Shrine to remember the national heroes and martyrs who were imprisoned and killed there. During the Spanish era, the fort became the prison for Filipinos suspected to rebel against the Spanish Crown. Prominent among the Filipinos was Dr. Jose Rizal who was jailed inside the fort before his execution in 1896.

Today in Philippine History: Central Methodist Episcopal Church

March 5, 1899
The Central Methodist Episcopal Church was the first Protestant church in the Philippines founded during the American occupation. It was later renamed Central United Methodist Church and is located at T.M. Kalaw, Ermita, Manila. The church was a result of Filipino-American ties after the surrender of Manila in 1898.

Today in Philippine History: Rose Sevilla Alvero

MARCH 4, 1879

Born on this very day in Tondo, Manila, Rosa Sevilla Alvero was an educator, journalist and social worker. She fought for the rights of women to vote and co-founded the Liga de Damas Filipinas (Federacion Catolica de Mujerez). She also founded Women’s Outlook, a national magazine for women. She was the first Dean of Women at the University of Santo Tomas.

Today in Philippine History: The Liberation of Manila

MARCH 3, 1945
American and Filipino troops recapture Manila from the Japanese invaders. The Liberation of Manila began on February 3 until March 3. The one month battle for liberation ended in a massive bloodbath and totally devastated the city. This marked the end of the three years of Japanese occupation in the Philippines.

Today in Philippine History: Chief Justice Cayetano Arellano

MARCH 2, 1847

On this day, Cayetano L. Arellano was born in Orion, Bataan.He became the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines under the American Civil Government. He was Chief Justice from 1901 until his retirement on April 12, 1920 making him the longest serving Chief Justice.