Significant Events in March in Filipino History

The history of the Philippines during the nineteenth century is a study of a colony in transition, moving away from the isolated era of the Manila Galleon trade and toward a more integrated role in the global economy. At the center of this pivotal era was Fernando Norzagaray y Escudero, a man whose career as a soldier and colonial governor exemplified the Spanish Crown's attempts to modernize its overseas possessions while maintaining traditional imperial authority. Serving as the 78th Governor-General of the Philippines from 1857 to 1860, Norzagaray presided over a period of significant administrative, scientific, and military change.

Paciano Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda was a Filipino revolutionary, general, and the older brother of the Philippines' national hero, José Rizal. Often overshadowed by his younger brother's fame, Paciano's contributions to the Philippine struggle for independence and his profound influence on José's life and works were monumental. As a patriot, a protector, and a revolutionary, Paciano's story is one of sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering commitment to his country and family.

On March 9, 1899, Francisca Reyes-Aquino, the country's pioneer researcher on traditional Philippine folk dances and music and known as the mother Philippine folk dancing, was born in Lolomboy, Bocaue, Bulacan.

The Battle of Balantang, also known as the Second Battle of Jaro, was a significant engagement in the early stages of the Philippine-American War. Fought on March 10, 1899, in Balantang, Jaro, Iloilo, this battle marked a crucial victory for Filipino forces against the United States Army.

Dolores Paterno y Ignacio was a remarkable Filipina composer, best known for her iconic composition, "La Flor de Manila" also known as "Sampaguita".

On March 10, 1908, Fernando "Tatay" Gonzaga Bautista was born in Tondo, Manila. He was the second of four sons of zarzuelistas Placido Bautista and Benedicta Gonzaga and grew up by the banks of the Canal de la Reina.

On March 10, 1785, Real Compañía de Filipinas (The Royal Company) was established through a royal decree. The company together with Sociedad Económica de Amigos del Pais (Economic Societies of Friends of the Country) established in 1781, were two of the most important events during the coming of Governor General José de Basco y Vargas which marked a new era in the economic history of the country.

On March 10, 1906, Alejandro G. Abadilla, regarded as "Father of Modern Tagalog Poetry", was born in Rosario, Cavite.

On March 11, 1966, the old Mountain Province - once a vast special province covering much of the Cordillera highlands - began the process of being divided into four separate provinces: Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga-Apayao, and a reconstituted Mountain Province.

On March 11, 1947, the Filipino people ratified in a nationwide plebiscite the "parity amendment" to the 1935 Constitution.