A plebiscite was conducted during the synchronized elections to ratify the conversion of Biliran from a subprovince to a regular province, in accordance with Section 462 of Republic Act No. 7160, which was approved on Oct. 10, 1991. Ten days later, on May 21, 1992, Biliran was officially proclaimed as an independent province. The name ‘Biliran’ is believed to have been derived from ‘boro-biliran,’ a native grass once abundant in the area. Today, Biliran is classified as a second-class province with a total population of 184,095 as of 2024 Census. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, it is also the fastest-growing province in Eastern Visayas, recording an average annual population rate of 0.63 percent during 2020 to 2024.
May 15, 2025
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines unveiled a historical marker which designated the Celso Ledesma House in Iloilo City a heritage house. Built in 1922 by Engineers Mariano Cacho and Mariano Salas in the Beaux-Arts style, it was named after its first owner, Don Celso Ledesma. It is also known as the ‘Eagle House’ due to its iconic eagle designs atop its fence posts. Located within the Calle Real Heritage Zone in Iloilo City Proper, it survived World War II and was passed between generations of the Ledesma family who continue to maintain it into the present day.
This week’s festivals
Palong Festival (May 1 to May 13)
The Palong Festival takes place in Capalonga, Camarines Norte. It is best known for its lively street dancing and agro-industrial fair, reflecting the community’s gratitude for the origin of their town’s name and symbolizing the abundance of roosters available in the locality. Adding to the excitement for this year’s celebration are the various competitions and other fun activities that will showcase the talent, skills, and energy of the community. The festival also coincides with the town fiesta and honors the feast of the Black Nazarene, observed on May 12 this year.
Pahiyas Festival (May 9 to May 16)
The Pahiyas Festival in the agricultural town of Lucban, Quezon, is a thanksgiving feast for a bountiful harvest, held every May 15 in honor of San Isidro. It is dubbed one of the country’s most colorful festivals with its exquisite display of colorful ‘kiping’ (rice-based wafers arranged in chandelier-style artwork), fresh harvest and other native products in every house along the procession route in the town. This year’s celebration carries the theme, ‘Keeping the Color, Keeping the Vibes, Keeping the Tradition-KIPING PAHIYAS!’- A Thanksgiving to San Isidro Labrador!’ The crowd-drawing festival has various activities lined up such as a grand parade, concert, film fest, beauty pageant, thrilling competitions and more.
Dana Gracielle Quirante, Inquirer Research, Sources: Inquirer Archives, biliran.gov.ph, psa.gov.ph, blgf.gov.ph, pna.gov.ph, tpb.gov.ph, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, Local Government Unit of Lucban Quezon, Love Capalonga Facebook pages