Significant Events in December in Filipino History
On , as the world celebrated Christmas, a pivotal moment in the Philippine-American War was unfolding in the waters of the Visayas. Brigadier General Marcus P. Miller departed Manila for Iloilo City, leading an expedition that would test the fragile peace between the United States and the newly formed Philippine Republic.
On December 27, 1735, the small coastal town of Baler, located in what is now Aurora Province, Philippines, was struck by a devastating tsunami known as "Tromba Marina". This catastrophic event obliterated much of the town, particularly the coastal Barrio Sabang, and claimed numerous lives. The suddenness of the disaster, coupled with the absence of any forewarning, left a lasting imprint on Baler's history.
On December 27, 1897, General Emilio Aguinaldo and 25 other revolutionary leaders sailed for Hongkong from Sual, Pangasinan, on board the steamer Uranus, in compliance with the terms of the Pact of Biak-na-Bato.
Jose Cabalfin Calugas was a Filipino-American soldier whose extraordinary bravery during World War II earned him the Medal of Honor, making him the first Filipino to receive the United States' highest military decoration. His life, marked by courage, sacrifice, and resilience, serves as an inspiring testament to the power of duty and perseverance in the face of adversity.