1899 Lt. Col. Thomas H. Hamer is assigned as the first American military governor of Cebu. Cebu is designated as a subdistrict under the Department of the Visayas with headquarters in Iloilo. On this day, the Americans also establish in what is now Freedom Park the Post of Cebu, later called Warwick Barracks. 1902 Birth […]
Today in the History of Cebu
MARCH 4
1857 A bishop’s decree confirms the creation of the parish of Alegria, Cebu. 1943 Heavy fighting takes place between Cebu guerillas and Japanese troops in Guila-Guila, Compostela. The battle last for several days, leaving scores of Japanese killed.
MARCH 3
1914 Death of Juan I. Villagonzalo (1886-1914), Cebuano journalist and writer. 1954 Sergio Osmeña, Jr., defects from the Liberal Party to join the Nacionalistas. He is sworn into the Nacionalista Party by Vice-President Carlos P. Garcia. In explaining his defection, Osmeña, Jr., says, “My conscience was for Quirino but my heart has always been for […]
MARCH 2
1899 American troops, newly arrived to garrison Cebu City, occupy the Recollect church and convent as temporary barracks.
MARCH 1
1899 Gen. Elwell S. Otis issues an order providing for the creation of the Visayan Military District, to be composed of Panay, Negros and Cebu. Brig. Gen. Marcus P. Miller is named commander of the District. 1928 Madridejos, Cebu, is established as a parish.
FEBRUARY 28
1922 A strong earthquake hits Cebu and destroys, among others, the tile roofing of the San Nicolas Church.
FEBRUARY 27
1866 Birth in Ermita, Manila, of Alejandro Ruiz, who represented Cebu for several terms in the Philippine Assembly. 1919 Birth in Danao, Cebu, of Alejandro D. Almendras, who became Danao Governor, Cabinet Member, and Philippine Senator. 1945 Gen. Douglas MacArthur turns over the civil government of the Philippines to Commonwealth President Sergio Osmeña, Sr.
FEBRUARY 26
1886 The territorial Audiencia of Cebu is established. Its jurisdiction covers not only Cebu but Negros, Panay, Samar, Calamianes, Masbate, Leyte, Jolo, and other islands. 1899 General Elwell Otis orders a battalion of the 3rd U.S. Infantry to proceed to Cebu to relieve the Navy which had taken charge of the City since February 22. […]
FEBRUARY 25
1899 The first American ground troops, a detachment of 50 soldiers from the steamship “Boston”, arrive in Cebu to help secure American rule in the provinces. 1964 Death of Mariano Jesus Cuenco, Philippine Senator and long-time political kingpin of Cebu.
FEBRUARY 24
1863 A royal decree reestablishes the parish of Toledo. It was originally the parish of Jinulauan. 1905 Philippine Commission passes Republic Act. No. 1303 granting Martin M. Levering the franchise to install, operate and maintain an electric light, heat and power supply system in Cebu. Levering, Arlington Pond, and partners later sold the franchise to […]
FEBRUARY 23
1899 Capt. Charles C. Cornwell, commander of the American gunboat “Petrel”, hoists the American flag up the staff of the Government House in Cebu City. This marks the formal occupation of the City of Cebu by the Americans.