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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Magellan's historic Homonhon Island landing should be special non-working holiday, says solon

Magellan's historic Homonhon Island landing should be special non-working holiday, says solon

Published Mar 16, 2026 04:07 pm

At A Glance

  • Eastern Samar lone district Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales wants March 17 --the day of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan's landing on Homonhon Island in Eastern Samar--to be declared into a special non-working holiday in the province.
Ferdinand Magellan (Wikipedia)
Ferdinand Magellan (Wikipedia)


Eastern Samar lone district Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales wants March 17 --the day of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan's landing on Homonhon Island in Eastern Samar--to be declared into a special non-working holiday in the province.
Gonzales' proposal was spelled out in House Bill (HB) No. 122, filed near the start of the 20th Congress.
He said Magellan’s landing on Homonhon Island on March 17, 1521 represents a pivotal event in Philippine history.
Gonzales is proposing that March 17 of every year be officially recognized as “Homonhon Landing Day” to honor the milestone and preserve the nation’s cultural and historical heritage.
“The observance of Homonhon Landing Day will provide an opportunity for Filipinos to reflect on our rich cultural heritage and the enduring impact of Christianity in our country,” said the neophyte lawmaker.
“By commemorating this day, we are not only paying homage to our past but also reinforcing our collective identity and the values that unite us as a people,” Gonzales added.
When Magellan circumnavigated the globe, his three surviving ships anchored off Homonhon, where his crew rested and resupplied for eight days. They then sailed to Limawasa in Southern Leyte, Butuan in Agusan del Norte, and finally Cebu, where Magellan was killed in the Battle of Mactan.
“Formally recognizing Homonhon Landing Day is a meaningful step toward strengthening historical awareness, fostering cultural pride, and ensuring that future generations understand the events that shaped the Filipino identity,” Gonzales said.
Magellan’s arrival at Homonhon marked the beginning of the Philippines’ recorders interaction with the Western world and the eventual introduction of Christianity in Asia.
The bill also tasks the provincial government, along with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), and other relevant agencies, to organize commemorative activities.
The activities may include historical re-enactments, educational programs, and cultural exhibitions aimed at deepening public appreciation of the event’s enduring legacy.
The bill also underscores the potential of the annual observance to boost local tourism and economic activity by attracting visitors to Eastern Samar’s historical landmarks and natural attractions.
The measure is co-authored by House Minority Leader 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan, who previously represented Eastern Samar’s lone district in Congress for nine years.
Homonhon currently comprises eight barangays under the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Guiuan in Eastern Samar. Gonzales previously served as mayor of Guiuan.
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