The National Quincentennial Committee and the municipal government of Glan, Sarangani recently unveiled the 32nd commemorative marker in line with the 500th anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the world by the Magellan-Elcano expedition. Situated at the remote village of Batulaki at the coast of the Celebes Sea, the expedition’s remaining crew sought refuge here due to a raging storm on October 26, 1521.
The spot was among the last three places in the archipelago where the Spanish sailors dropped anchor before heading to their original destination of the “Spice Islands” in Maluku, Indonesia. Similar markers were unveiled in the islands of Balut and Sarangani in present-day Davao Occidental province.
Situated about 90 minutes away from Glan proper, the Batulaki monument will be another historical attraction to the town which is acknowledged as the heritage village, culinary journey, and beach destination of the Soccsksargen Region.