TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) - - The book Dogs in Philippine History written and researched by historian Ian Alfonso was recently launched at the Cagayan Museum and Historical Research Center in Tuguegarao City.

According to Alfonso, who works for the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the book is a testament to the Filipinos’ indigenous culture of putting dogs in high regard. 

The book highlights cultural aspects and snippets in Philippine pre-history and history that portray the relationship of Filipinos and their “best friend”, the dog, especially the Philippine breed which is now commonly known as the aspin (from “asong Pinoy”). 

Alfonso’s presentation during the launch touched on the origins of the Philippine dog, historical dog-related terminologies, related local laws on animal welfare and rabies, and the continuing importance of these animals to the lives of Filipinos. 

The book also features local dog-related architecture in Cagayan such as the dog monument in Barangay Atulayan Sur and the dog motifs in the St. Peter’s Cathedral, which are both in Tuguegarao City. It is available for purchase online.

The book art was painted by artist Derrick Macutay, who himself is Ibanag and has roots in Cagayan’s capital.

The release of the book in this city, which is a part of a series of launches nationwide, was made possible through the Cagayan Museum’s partnership with the Cagayan Heritage Conservation Society and the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao. (OTB/JKC/PIA-Region 2)