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Trece Martires City Founding Anniversary

Trece Martires City Founding Anniversary is celebrated in the city of Trece Martires, Cavite, Philippines every May 24.

History of Trece Martires City

Trece Martires City, formerly known as Quintana, was considered one of the oldest areas located within the borders of Tanza, Cavite. During Spanish colonial era it was one of the territories of a large estate owned by the church.

Over time, its population increased as a result of gradual movement of people from neighboring areas and from as far as Batangas. Most of them found livelihood in farming particularly in the cultivation of sugarcane and in the raising of cattle. They would later own the lands under their care from an agrarian program by the government.

Development came within the administration of President Ramon Magsaysay when it was granted cityhood status. He signed Republic Act No. 981, which emanated from House Bill 1795 introduced by Representative Jose T. Cajulis and Senator Justiniano S. Montano, on May 24, 1954. This is the date that the yearly founding anniversary commemorates.

The law is otherwise known as “An Act Establishing the New Capital of the Province of Cavite, and Providing a Charter Therefor, and for Other Purposes.” It paved the way not only the transformation to a city but also its new name, Trece Martires City.

Its name is a tribute to the thirteen martyrs (from Spanish trece martires) accused of conspiracy with the Filipino revolutionaries that resulted to an uprising on August 31, 1896. They were executed by the Spanish authorities on September 12, 1896. The thirteen constituent barangays of the city are likewise named after them.

These martyrs of Cavite are:

  • Luis Aguado
  • Eugenio Cabezas
  • Feliciano Cabuco
  • Agapito Conchu
  • Alfonso de Ocampo
  • Maximo Gregorio
  • Maximo Inocencio
  • Jose Lallana
  • Severino Lapidario
  • Victoriano Luciano III
  • Francisco Osorio
  • Hugo Perez
  • Antonio San Agustin

The first officials of the newly created city were officers of the provincial government of Cavite with the governor and provincial board acting as ex officio mayor and city council, respectively.

Its first ex officio mayor was Dominador Mangubat. He was succeeded by Delfin Montano upon the inauguration of the provincial capitol on January 1, 1956. It was also the date that Trece Martires was made the capital of Cavite.

The status as provincial capital was affirmed subsequently by Republic Act 1912 on June 22, 1957 and Republic Act 2139 on April 7, 1959. These laws also reorganized the limits of the city and expanded the total land area under its jurisdiction.

However, the capital was moved to Imus by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 1163 that was signed by Ferdinand Marcos on . Amidst the transfer, Trece Martires City remains the de facto capital due to the presence of offices of the provincial government.

The first election of city officials were made possible through the passage of Republic Act 7325, otherwise known as “Act providing local elections of the City of Trece Martires.” It was signed by President Corazon C. Aquino on March 31, 1992.

How to reach Trece Martires City

Public transport is available from Metro Manila to Trece Martires City.

References

Trece Martires City Founding Anniversary Summary

NameTrece Martires City Founding Anniversary
CelebrationFounding anniversary
Contact (046) 419-0353, (046) 419-0887
CountryPhilippines
DateMay 24
Emailtrecemartires.CMO@gmail.com
Facebookwww.facebook.com
Historical eventCreation of Trece Martires City on May 24, 1954
LocationTrece Martires City, Cavite
OrganizerCity Government of Trece Martires
Websitewww.trecemartirescity.gov.ph