CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--To strengthen the Filipino people's nationalism through Philippine history, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), with the Local Historical Committees Network (LHCN), holds the inaugural National Conference on Local History and Heritage, August 8–9, at Capitol University, here.

This year, the NHCP partners with the City Government of Cagayan de Oro City and Capitol University.

Themed "Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan" (Freedom, Future, History), the two-day coverage covers paper presentations on the local histories of the Philippine Revolution, the Philippine-American War, and the First Philippine Republic. It also encapsulates the revolutions and evolutions of local history and heritage work in the country.

The conference is also an official event under the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.

Members of local historical societies from across the Philippines, some working with local governments or tourism councils of various cities and municipalities, and history professors from different universities comprise this year's 300 conference delegates (100 in person, 200 online).

City Administrator Lawyer Hilario Roy Raagas delivers the message of Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy as he welcomes the delegates of the conference to the city, saying, "As we convene in this vibrant and culturally diverse city, we are reminded of the historical significance of our nation and the shared responsibility we bear in preserving and honoring our local histories."

Uy said the conference theme urges Filipinos to reflect on their journey as a nation, to celebrate the victories that shaped Filipino identity, and to look forward to the promise of a brighter future.

"Our city is a rich tapestry of stories, traditions, and cultural heritage that we are excited to share with all of you. Your dedication to preserving our shared past is commendable," Uy said.

Uy said that this conference serves as an invaluable platform to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange among local historical committees and that such partnerships will pave the way to a deeper understanding of our roots, enabling local government units to chart a path towards a more inclusive and culturally aware future.

Professor Emeritus in the Department of History, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Dr. Ma. Luisa T. Camagay, whose research interests include the history of women, urban history, and local history, keynoted the conference and presented several narratives on how local history transcends from being regional into stories with national significance.

"Ibig kong suriin ang kasaysayang lokal sa kontexto kasaysayang pambansa ng ating bayan [I would like to check local history in the context of the national history of our country]. National history without local history is shallow, just as local history without national history is parochial and divisive," Camagay said.

For his part, NHCP Chair Emmanuel Franco Calairo said, "NHCP commits itself to providing this academic gathering as a venue for all Filipinos to come together and learn the various stories that comprise our great whole from perspectives, from as far north as Batanes and as far south as Tawi-tawi, as we recognize that it is our shared historical experiences that binds us together as one Filipino nation."

Iligan local history

Through her paper, "Yligan Como Pueblo 1898-1900," Professor Cecilia B. Tangian of the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) Department of History discussed the historical development of Iligan from its founding as a "pueblo" in 1938 during the second day of the conference, August 9.

Tangian also cites the connection between Marawi and Iligan City as twin cities due to their shared culture, agricultural resources, and economic development up to this point.

MSU-IIT Assistant Professor Rey Luis A. Montesclaros cites various historical events in Iligan from the perspective and claims of the Jesuit priests, while MSU-IIT graduate student Janine Patilano also cites the same historical events, this time focusing specifically on the movements and revolution of the Indigenous People during the Spanish colonization.

NHCP works on strengthening local histories to give these stories national significance in the narrative of Philippine history.

The NHCP and the city government of Cagayan de Oro also hosted the 10th General Assembly of the Local Historical Committees Network (LHCN), August 10, New Dawn Hotel Plus, here.

Local history learning through books

CDO 2nd District Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez launched his new book, "Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin Historical Trail," which explores the 37 historical sites, at the Centrio Ayala Mall, August 9, and presented this, along with other titles, to the conference plenary on the same day.

However, Rodriguez said there is a lack of written local history and revealed that these books were written during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

"There has to be a good balance between national and local history in school teachings. There has to be a local history component," Rodriguez said, adding that writers of local history may approach local governments to help fund their writings or research.

Rodriguez also encouraged the conference delegates to write a definitive history of their respective localities. This will enhance the knowledge of the high school learners as well as foster an appreciation of their local history and culture.

Local historical committees network

The LHCN, created through Section 21 of Republic Act 10086, or the Strengthening People’s Nationalism Through Philippine History Act, serves as the NHCP’s citizen arm. Through these, NCHP monitors, coordinates, supports, and affiliates local historical bodies, local government units, higher education institutions, and civil society organizations engaged in local history research work, documentation, popularization, conversation, restoration, and preservation of sources and heritage assets.

This aims to professionalize cultural and historical work at the local level, with NHCP providing support for local history initiatives. 

LHCN members serve as active partners for people who want to engage in cultural work and historical research and contribute to the development of local history and heritage protection in the Philippines through various programs and projects that connect communities in the country. (SAYU/PIA-10)