The City Government of Cagayan de Oro expressed its profound thanks and gratitude to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), for the privilege of hosting the 2023 National Conference on Local History and Heritage (NCLHH) held 8-9 August 2023 at the Capitol University Mini-Theater, Cagayan de Oro City.
“We are immensely proud to be the first host city in Mindanao for this prestigious event, organized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and guided by the theme of Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan, commemorating the 125th Philippine Independence and Nationhood Anniversary,” said Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy in a message read by City Administrator Roy Hilario Raagas. “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.”
“The conduct of these programs in Mindanao is part of the commitment of the NHCP to expand its scope and make history accessible and relevant to all Filipinos in all corners of the country,” noted NJCH Chair Dr. Emmanuel Calairo.
The 2023 NCLHH, with the theme 𝘒𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘢𝘯, 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘶𝘬𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘯, 𝘒𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘯, explored the local history of the Philippine Revolution, Philippine-American War, and the First Philippine Republic and recent developments in the historiography of the 19th-Century period in Philippine history.
“Ngayon umaga ibig kong suriin ang kasaysayan lokal sa kontekto ng kasaysayan pambansa sa atin bayan. Ang dalawang pangyayari na rebolusyon at deklarasyon ng ating kalayaan ay dalawang ikutan pangyayari sa ating pambansang kasaysayan. Batay sa mga papel na babasahin nitong dalawang araw, susuriin ang dalawang pangyayaring ito sa isang ispesipikong lugar, madalas sa antas ng probinsiya,” said University of the Philippines Professor Emeritus and President of the Philippine Historical Association, Dr. Ma. Luisa T. Camagay said in her keynote speech.
This was in solidarity with the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood 2023-2026. The NCLHH is one of the NHCP’s commitments to the Local Historical Committees Network (LHCN) and local history and heritage workers across the country under the Cebu Framework on Local History and Heritage Development 2022-2027.
The conference proper was divided into five (5) plenary panels that focused on:
1. Experiences of Northern Luzon in the Struggle of Philippine Independence
2. The Development of the Revolution in Southern Luzon
3. The Visayas in the Birth of the Philippine Nation
4. The Mindanao Experience in the Struggle for Freedom
5. Recent Developments in the Historiography of the Philippine Revolution and Research Work on the Heritage of the First Philippine Republic and the Philippine American War
Performances by the Kagay-an Performing Arts and the Liceo de Cagayan Next Moves showcased the rich culture and arts scene of Northern Mindanao to more than 400 participants (physical and online) from all corners of the country.
A book-launch for the Cagayan-Misamis-Camiguin Historical Trail Book by Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez of the Second District of Cagayan de Oro City and the press conference ended the conference program with the NHCP sharing its plans and programs for Mindanao and answering questions from the public.
The conference is part of a three-day series of events by the NHCP in Cagayan de Oro under 2023 History Month.
Following the two-day conference, the 10th General Assembly of the LHCN was held at the New Dawn Plus Hotel with the theme Pagpapalaya ng Kasaysayan para sa Sambayanan and focused on projects and measures that expand access to historical works across the public, and initiatives on the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood (2023-2026) and the coming 650th Anniversary of Philippine-Muslim History (2024-2030).
The LHCN was created through Section 21 of Republic Act No. 10086 (The Strengthening People’s Nationalism Through Philippine History Act) with the goal of professionalizing cultural and historical work on the local level and provides support from the NHCP on local history initiatives. Dr. Maria Serena I. Diokno, Professor Emeritus of History from the University of the Philippines Diliman and Former NHCP Chair (2011-2016) delivered the keynote address.
“The Local Historical Committees Network (LHCN) plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting our local histories, weaving together the diverse tapestry of our nation’s past,” said Mayor Uy in his welcome message for the general assembly. “Your dedication and passion are invaluable in shaping a brighter future for our communities.”
“On behalf of the City of Cagayan de Oro, I extend my sincerest gratitude to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines for entrusting us with the privilege to host this significant event. We are truly honored to play a part in advancing the cause of our shared heritage,” Mayor Uy said. (RMB)
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