Significant Events in January in Filipino History

Manuel Acuña Roxas emerges as a transformative figure in Philippine history, remembered for his pivotal role in shepherding the nation from colonial rule to independence. Born on January 1, 1892, in Capiz (now Roxas City), Roxas would become the fifth President of the Philippines and the first President of the Independent Third Republic, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's trajectory during one of its most critical periods.​

Manuel Araullo y Gonzales, born on January 1, 1853, in Balayan, Batangas, was a distinguished Filipino jurist and the third Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. His contributions to the legal field and his dedication to justice have left a lasting impact on the country's judicial system.

Manuel Cabahug Briones was a distinguished Filipino Visayan lawyer, judge, and politician from Cebu, Philippines. His illustrious career spanned various roles, including being the first Supreme Court Associate Justice from Cebu, a former Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals, a two-term Senator, delagate to the constitutional convention, a Member of the House of Representatives for four consecutive terms.

Manuel Perez Manahan was a Filipino politician, journalist, businessman, and rural development advocate. His life and career spanned several decades, during which he made significant contributions to the political and journalistic landscape of the Philippines.

On January 1, 1588, the Santo Domingo Church was inaugurated. It enshrined an image of Our Lady of the Rosary from Mexico in its original location in Intramuros, Manila. It is currently a Roman Catholic National Shrine and parish church in Quezon City. Dedicated to Mary Mother of Jesus under her title Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary - La Naval de Manila, it was founded by the Spanish Dominicans 1587, the year the Dominicans arrived in Manila.

On January 1, 1906, a pivotal linguistic transformation took place in the Philippines when English officially became the language of all courts and their records, marking a decisive shift from centuries of Spanish linguistic dominance. This historic change was implemented through Philippine Commission Act No. 1123, passed in April 1904, which amended the original Act No. 190 of 1901.

On January 1, 1899, General Vicente Lukban issued a long proclamation addressed to the citizens of Samar and Leyte, calling on them to stand united and to live in peace under the protection of the new-born Republic following the virtual evacuation of the Spaniards.

On January 2, 1894, Nicanor "Nick" Baptista Reyes Sr. was born Nicanor Reyes Icasiano in Trozo, Manila to Carmen Baptista Reyes and Engr. Abelardo Icasiano. He was one of the founders and first president of the Far Eastern University (FEU).

On Janauary 2, 1962, the United States Information Service released a message from President John Kennedy to President Diosdado Macapagal, dated December 30, 1961, offering him on behalf of the people of the United States, the warmest congratulations on his election, and stating that "the spirit of all who love liberty are encouraged by the unwavering devotion of the people of the Philippines to their democratic heritage".