Philippine Historical Events in March
March 1, 1782
The Tobacco Monopoly was introduced in the country by Jose Basco. Read more about the tobacco monopoly here.
March 1, 1995
President Fidel V. Ramos signed Republic Act No. 7924 creating the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
March 2, 1903
First nationwide census in the Philippines officially begun.
March 2, 1989
President Corazon Aquino singed Republic Act No. 6715, also known as the Herrera Law. This act made a substantial amendment to Presidential Decree No. 442 or the Labor Code of the Philippines.
March 3, 1962
President Diosdado Macapagal orders the deportation of businessman Harry Stonehill after raids of the latter’s office revealed he had bribed several government officials.
March 3, 1928
On this day, Gelia Castillo was born in Pagsanjan, Laguna. He was selected as National Scientist in 1999.
March 4, 1899
Members of the Schurman Commission arrived in Manila to survey Philippine conditions while the Philippine-American War was still raging.
March 4, 2023
Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo was killed at his home, the highest government official to be killed during the first year in office of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
March 5, 1901
The National Library of the PHilippines was established through Act no. 96.
March 6, 1884
Spain introduced tax reform in the Philippines including the abolition of the tribute and its replacement by the cedula tax.
March 7, 1988
The cityhoods of Samal and Tagum, both in Davao del Norte Province were ratified.
March 8, 1902
Inventor and National Scientist Gregorio Zara was born in Lipa City, Batangas. He pioneered the study of solar energy and designed an airplane fueled by alcohol.
March 9, 1891
Dr. Jose P. Laurel, 4th president of the Philippines, was born in Tanauan City, Batangas.
March 9, 1899
Francisca Reyes Aquino was born in Bocaue, Bulacan. She was named National Artist in 1973 for the performing arts due to her work in different Philippine dances. She was also a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for government service in 1962.
March 10, 1785
The Royal Company of the Philippines was established to promote trade and industry.
March 10, 1917
The American authorities promulgated Administrative Code of the Philippine Islands.
March 11, 2007
The charter for the cityhood of San Juan in Metro Manila was approved.
March 12, 1942
MacArthur evacuated from Corregidor Island during World War II.
March 13, 1992
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority was established by virtue of Republic Act no. 7227.
March 14, 1903
Manila Electric Company was established.
March 15, 1945
The Congress of Labor Organization was formed with Cipriano Cid as the first president.
March 15, 1940
Fr. Bienvenido Nebres was born in Baguio City. He was chosen as National Scientist in 2011.
March 16, 1521
Ferdinand Magellan and his crew landed in Homonhon Island, off the coast of Eastern Samar.
March 17, 1957
President Ramon Magsaysay died in a plane crash near Cebu City.
March 17, 1881
The tobacco monopoly was abolished. Read more about the tobacco Monopoly.
March 18, 1928
President Fidel Ramos was born in Lingayen, Pangasinan.
March 19, 1731
Gabriela Silang, wife of Diego Silang, was born in Santa, Ilocos Sur.
March 20, 1843
General Ambrosio Flores was born in Manila. He succeeded Antonio Luna as Secretary of War during the Aguinaldo presidency.
March 21, 1565
Rajah Tupas of Cebu was baptized by Fr. Herrera with Legaspi as godfather.
March 22, 1897
A revolutionary government was established at the Tejeros Convention replacing the Katipunan. Emilio Aguinaldo was elected president while Andres Bonifacio was chosen as Secretary of Interior.
March 22, 1869
General Emilio Aguinaldo was born in Kawit, Cavite.
March 23, 1901
President Emilio Aguinaldo was captured in Palanan, Isabela by American Forces.
March 23, 1935
The 1935 Philippine Constitution was approved by US President Franklin Roosevelt.
March 24, 1934
US President Roosevelt signed the Tydings-McDuffie Law providing, among others, a 10-year transition period under the Commonwealth of the Philippines in preparation to the granting of independence.
March 25, 1986
The Freedom Constitution was adopted by the Aquino government.
March 25, 1895
Historian Encarnacion Alzona was born in Binan, Laguna. She was the first Filipina to hold a Doctor of Philosophy degree. She was declared National Scientist in 1985.
March 25, 1908
Chemist Julian A. Banzon was born in Balanga, Bataan. He was named National Scientist in 1986.
March 25, 2020 – President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11469 that gives himself 30 special powers to deal with coronavirus pandemic.
March 26, 1920
The Philippine Flag was adopted as the official flag of the republic.
March 26, 1935
Ernesto Maceda was born in Pagsanjan, Laguna. He was Senate President from October 9, 1996 to January 25, 1998.
March 27, 1890
Ruperto Kangleon was born in Macrohon, Southern Leyte. He was a former senator and Secretary of the Department of National Defense.
March 28, 1521
Magellan’s fleet reach Masao or Limasawa Island, off the coast of Southern Leyte Province.
March 28, 1889
Camilo Osias was born in Balaoan, La Union. He was senate president in 1952 and in 1953.
March 28, 1945
Rodrigo Roa Duterte was born in Maasin, Southern Leyte. He is the 16th president of the Philippines
March 29, 1521
Magellan made a blood compact with Rajah Kolambo, King of Masao or Limasawa Island.
March 30, 1900
The Department of Public Instruction was established by General Otis, the precursor of the Department of Education.
March 31, 1521
Spaniards celebrated the first Catholic Mass at Limasawa Island or Masao near Butuan City.
March 31, 1998
Urdaneta in Pangasinan became a city after its ratification. Read more about Urdaneta City.
March 31, 2001
Escalante, Himamaylan, Sipalay, all in Negros Occidental and Tanjay in Negros Oriental became cities after successful ratification of their cityhood laws.
March 31, 1764
Spaniards retook Manila from the British under Governor-General Simon Anda Salazar.
RELATED: Philippine Historical Events in January, February, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
See also:
List of Philippine Provinces with a link to their profile and history
The Philippines is an archipelago that was called Las Islas Filipinas by the Spaniards.