Significant Events in January in Filipino History
On January 13, 1975, President Ferdinand Marcos issued a proclamation that would reshape how the Philippines recognized its national heroes. For the first time, a Muslim Filipino leader - Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat - was officially hailed as a national hero of the entire Filipino people, not merely of the Muslim communities. This declaration, authorized under Letter of Instruction No. 126 (issued in September 1973), marked a pivotal moment in Philippine historical consciousness, acknowledging the remarkable contributions of Muslim Filipinos to the nation's centuries-long struggle against foreign domination.
On January 13, 1933, the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Act became the first measure passed by the United States House of Representatives, overriding a veto by President Herbert Hoover, to set definite date for the independence of the Philippines.
Carlos Peña Romulo Sr. emerged as a towering figure figure in Philippine history, earning recognition as a journalist, diplomat, soldier, statesman, and author whose remarkable career spanned nearly seven decades. Born within the Spanish walled city of Intramuros, Manila, at the twilight of one colonial regime and the dawning of another, Romulo would go on to become the most internationally acclaimed Filipino of his generation.
Ramon See Ang is a prominent Filipino businessman known for his leadership and vision in transforming San Miguel Corporation (SMC) into one of the Philippines' largest and most diversified conglomerates. As the President and Chief Executive Officer of Top Frontier Investment Holdings, Inc., the largest shareholder of SMC, Ang has played a pivotal role in the company's growth and expansion.
On January 14, 1936, Abdulmari Asia Imao was born to a Tausug couple in Siasi, Sulu. He was the first Muslim recipient of the Philippine National Artist Award and also the distinction of being the first Asian recipient of the New York Museum of Modern Art fellowship grant to study in Europe.
On January 15, 1914, Isabel Rosario Cooper also known as "Dimples", a Filipina film actress, known for being the mistress of General Douglas MacArthur and recipient of the first on-screen kiss in Philippine cinema, was born in Manila.
On January 15, 1973, Lim Seng, convicted drug trafficker, was executed by firing squad at 6 in the morning. His execution sent a stern warning to drug syndicates in the country and resulted in terminating the illicit drug business in the country during that period.