May 20, 1979
Aurora was officially converted from a subprovince into an independent and separate province following the plebiscite that ratified Batas Pambansa Blg. 7. The law, approved on Nov. 21, 1978, also designated Baler as the province’s seat of government. Aurora was named in honor of Doña Aurora Aragon Quezon, wife of former President Manuel Luis Quezon. In 2002, Aurora was integrated into Central Luzon through Executive Order No. 103. Today, Aurora is a second-class province comprising eight municipalities and 151 barangays, with a total population of 240,824 based on the 2024 Census. Situated along the eastern coast of Central Luzon, it is bordered by the Sierra Madre mountains to the west and the Philippine Sea to the east. Its capital, Baler, is widely regarded as the birthplace of Philippine surfing.
This week’s festivals
Pasa-Pasa Festival (May 20 to May 26)
The Pasa-Pasa Festival is the most anticipated ecological event in the town of Monreal, Masbate. “Pasa-Pasa” is the local term for manta ray, which commonly dwells in the municipal waters of Monreal—particularly in Baladingan-Tacdugan Reef in Barangay Famosa. First held in 2004, the festival focuses on the advocacy of the local government in the protection and preservation of its rich natural resources, including the manta rays, which have become an endangered species due to rampant catching. With many divers coming to see the mantas every year and enjoy island-hopping adventures, the festival also aims to promote ecotourism attractions in the area. For this year’s one-week celebration, there will be mangrove planting, clean-up drives, Agri and food fairs, parades, laro ng lahi, foam party and the much-awaited Baragatan.
