Significant Events in August in Filipino History

On August 26, 1908, Rufino Santos, the first Filipino Cardinal was born in Barrio Santo Niño, Guagua, Pampanga to Rosalia Jiao and Gaudencio Santos. He was baptized eight days later at the town’s parish church, one of the oldest churches in Pampanga, with Emilio Lagman, a close family friend, as sponsor.

On August 26, 1903, Governor-General William Howard Taft signed Act No. 854 - better known as the Pensionado Law - establishing a government-sponsored scholarship program for Filipino students to pursue higher education in the United States.

Within the chronicles of Philippine history, Licerio Gerónimo emerges as a compelling embodiment of resistance to colonial domination. Born into humble beginnings during the twilight of Spanish rule, Gerónimo rose to become a key General in the Philippine Revolutionary Forces, playing a pivotal role in both the fight for independence from Spain and the subsequent struggle against American occupation. His most celebrated achievement came during the Philippine-American War, where he led Filipino forces to a stunning victory at the Battle of San Mateo, resulting in the death of the highest-ranking American officer killed in the conflict.

On August 27, 1934, an advisory judicial council was established through an executive order. This council was tasked with preparing a list of members of the Bar who were duly qualified for appointment as judges of the Courts of First Instance, as well as those qualified for promotion to other judicial positions.

On August 07, 2004, Republic Act No. 9313, a significant piece of legislation that transformed the Samar State Polytechnic College in Catbalogan, Samar, into a state university known as Samar State University (SSU), was enacted. This act also integrated the Wright Vocational School in Paranas, Samar, into the newly established University.

On August 28, 1873, José Torres Bugallón y Gonzales was born in Salasa (now Bugallón), Pangasinan. He was a Filipino military officer who served both the Spanish Government and the Philippine Revolutionary Army during a tumultuous time in the country's history.

On August 28, 1901, Silliman University was founded as Silliman Institute by Protestant missionaries under the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. It is the first American and Protestant founded institution of higher learning in the Philippines and in Asia.

On August 28, 1987, members of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement or RAM led by Colonel Gregorio Honasan, who had been a former top aide of former Minister of Defense Juan Ponce Enrile, attempted to overthrow President Corazon Aquino, attacked the presidential palace, seized part of the main armed forces headquarters.

On August 28, 1851, Nazaria Lagos, maker of the first Philippine flag in Iloilo, was born in in barrio Burongan (now Jaguimit) Dueñas, Iloilo.

Carlos "Caloy" Loyzaga y Matute was a Filipino basketball player, coach, and politician. Known as the greatest Filipino basketball player of all time, Loyzaga's legacy in Philippine sports is unparalleled.