SANTA CRUZ, LAGUNA ─ In line with the celebration of Women’s Month, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) led by Executive Director Ludovico D. Badoy, unveils on Monday, 14 March 2016, the historical marker “Agueda Kahabagan,” in Santa Cruz, Laguna. The marker states:

The marker will be officially turned over to the Municipality of Santa Cruz, Laguna through Mayor Domingo G. Panganiban. Vice Mayor Louie C. De Leon will stand as witness during the signing of the certificate of transfer.

The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote and preserve Philippine historical heritage through research and publication, conservation and marking of historic sites and structures, and administration of national shrines and museums.

For more information, contact the Commemoration and Museum Division at NHCP tel. nos. 2547482 loc 126/523-1019.

Turnover Ceremony of the
BASILICA MINORE DEL SANTO NIÑO DE CEBU AND MAGELLAN’S CROSS

Restoration Projects of the
National Historical Commission of the Philippines
Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City
3 March 2016  · Thursday · 3:00 p.m.

M A N I L A – In commemoration of the 60th death anniversary of President Elpidio Quirino on February 29, 2016, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) will lead the transfer and re-interment of his remains from the Manila South Cemetery in Makati City to the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

President Benigno S. Aquino III, as the guest of honor, along with President Quirino’s descendants and other guests are expected to witness the occasion at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. The event will start with the send-off ceremonies at the Manila South Cemetery, followed a funeral motorcade along Ayala Avenue, McKinley Road, 5th Avenue, and Lawton Avenue to Libingan ng mga Bayani.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will render a water salute as the motorcade passes by South Avenue. Full military honors will also be given by the Armed Forces of the Philippines upon the arrival of President Quirino’s remains at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Quirino was elected vice president in April 1946 and became the sixth president after President Manuel Roxas’ unexpected death in April 1948. He was then re-elected president in November 1949 and his term lasted until 1953.

During his term, his administration was recognized for its projects on industrial ventures, expanding irrigation and improvement of the road system, setting up of the Central Bank and rural banking, and the concluding peace with Japan.

President Quirino began his career in politics as an elected representative of Ilocus Sur in 1919. He became a senator in 1925 and was re-elected in 1931. Qurino was one of the members of the delegates who helped pass the Tydings-McDuffie Act which was enacted on March 24, 1934 that later paved the way to Philippine Independence.

The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote and preserve Philippine historical heritage through research and publication, conservation, marking of historic sites and structures, and administration of national shrines and museums.

The transfer and re-interment of President Quirino’s remains was made possible through NHCP’s close coordination with the President Elpidio Quirino Foundation (PEQF) and his descendants.

MANILA – The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the City Government of Manila and the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) will lead the commemoration of the 144th death anniversary of martyred priests Frs. Jose Burgos, Mariano Gomes and Jacinto Zamora on 17 February 2016, 8:00 a.m., at the Gomburza Execution Site, Rizal Park, Manila.

The program will begin with the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies led by NHCP Commissioner Dr. Filomeno V. Aguilar as guest of honor. Other wreath-offerors are NHCP Executive Director Ludovico D. Badoy, Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada, NCCA Chairman Felipe M. de Leon, NPDC Executive Director Elizabeth H. Espino, and DepEd-Manila, Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Wilfredo E. Cabral.

They will be joined by the principals from the Mariano Gomes Elementary School, Jose Burgos Elementary School, and Jacinto Zamora Elementary School in Manila, officials from the Philippine Historical Association, Kaanak ng mga Bayaning Pilipino, Inc., Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, and the Knights of Columbus Gomburza Assemblies.

The blessing of the tomb of the three martyred priests immediately follows at the Paco Park Cemetery, Manila, to be officiated by Rev. Fr. Joel Rescober, C.M.

The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote and preserve Philippine historical heritage through research and publication, conservation, marking of historic sites and structures, and administration of national shrines and museums.

MANILA– The National Historical Commission of the Philippines will launch the book, Hidden Lives, Concealed Narratives: A History of Leprosy in the Philippines, on Wednesday, 17 February 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the NHCP building, T.M. Kalaw Street, Manila. The book launch takes place during the observance of Leprosy Week. DSWD Secretary Corazon J. Soliman is the guest of honor.

The book is an anthology of papers written by various academics about the history of leprosy from the earliest period to the present. A departure from the usual historical emphasis on political figures, events, and movements, the book examines colonial and postwar policies on Hansen’s disease, the establishment of colonies where those stricken by the disease were taken and, most important, the role of the afflicted and their efforts to assert their humanity. The project was supported by the Sasakawa Foundation, which has a global program on Hansen’s disease.

During the book launch, the Philippine Postal Corporation will also launch a special commemorative stamp highlighting the arrival of the first Filipinos brought to the Culion Leper Colony in Palawan.

The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote and preserve Philippine historical heritage through research and publications, conservation, marking of historic sites and structures, and administration of national shrines and historic museums.

1.1   IATF Affirmation/Congratulatory Letter;
1.2  MFO Accountability Report Card (MARC-1)
1.3  Management Accountability Report Card (MARC-2);

Resolution No. 01, S. 2015 – Resolution authorizing Chairperson Maria Serena I. Diokno to sign the Memorandum of Agreement with the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) for the production of an audio-visual presentation on President Manuel L. Quezon.

Resolution No. 02, S. 2015 – Declaring the Apolinario Mabini Monument in front of the National Library of the Philippines a National Monument

Resolution No. 03, S. 2015 – Resolution authorizing Chairperson Maria Serena I. Diokno to sign the Memorandum of Agreement with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports of Spain

Resolution No. 04, S. 2015 – Declaring the Quezon Monument at the Quezon Memorial Shrine a National Monument

Resolution No. 05, S. 2015 – Resolution Authorizing Chairpersonor the Executive Director of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to sign the Memoranda of Agreement with the Dioceses and Local Governments of Bohol and Cebu for the Restoration of Heritage Structures

Resolution No. 06, S. 2015 – Resolution Authorizing the Chairperson Maria Serena I. Diokno to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and other concerned agencies on integrating Bangsamoro History in the K-12 curriculum

Resolution No. 07, S. 2015 – Resolution authorizing the Chairperson of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to sign the Memorandum of Agreement with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) for the restoration of works of art in the church of Santa Barbara, including provision of necessary training.

Resolution No. 08, S. 2015 –

Resolution No. 09, S. 2015 –

Resolution No. 10, S. 2015 – Resolution authorizing the National Historical Commission of the Philippines to collaborate with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Technical Education and skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Bohol Island State University (BISU) to offer a program on heritage conservation.

Resolution No. 11, S. 2015 – Resolution authorizing Chairperson or the Executive Director of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to sign the Memoranda of Agreement with the Diocese og Tagbilaran for the development and adaptive reuse of the heritage structures at the church of Santisima Trinidad complex in Loay, Bohol

Resolution No. 12, S. 2015 – Resolution authorizing Chairperson or the Executive Director of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to sign the Memoranda of Agreement with the Diocese of Jaro for the development and adaptive reuse of the heritage structures at the church of Santa Barabara  complex in Santa Barbara, Iloilo.

Resolution No. 13, S. 2015 – Resolution authorizing the Chairperson of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) for the project “Tenure vs. Agrarian Reform: Lessons from the Philippine Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) from Commonwealth to Contemporary Periods”

Resolution No. 14, S. 2015 

Resolution No. 01, S. 2014 – Declaring a portion of the District of Santa Ana, Manila a Heritage Zone

Resolution No. 02, S. 2014

Resolution No. 03, S. 2014 – Declaring a Portion of the Iloilo City Central business District a Historic Center

Resolution No. 04, S. 2014

Resolution No. 05, S. 2014 – Resolution Authorizing Chairperson Maria Serena I. Diokno to Sign the Memorandum of Agreement with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) for the Improvement of Sta. Barbara Public Plaza (Phase 3 of the Sta. Barbara Church Complex Restoration Project)

Resolution No. 06, S. 2014 – Resolution Authorizing the Chairperson of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines to File Complaint-Affidavits against Anchor Land Holdings, Inc. and Admiral Realty Co., Inc. and Building Official and Processing Division Chief of Manila Building Office

Resolution No. 07, S. 2014 – Resolution Imposing an Administrative Fine and Authorizing the Chairperson of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines to Act on the Position Paper of Oceanville Spa and Hotel Corporation regarding the Army and Navy Club

Resolution No. 08, S. 2014 – Resolution Authorizing Chairperson Maria Serena I. Diokno to Sign the Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Public Works and Highways for the Restoration and Conservation of Historic and Heritage Structures affected by Disasters

Resolution No. 09, S. 2014 – Resolution Authorizing chairperson Maria Serena I. Diokno to sign the Memorandum of Agreement with the Quezon city Local Government for the Research and Curatorial Renovation and Development of the Museo Ni Manuel Luis Quezon

Resolution No. 10, S. 2014 – Resolution Authorizing Chairperson Maria Serena I. Diokno to Sign with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas the Memorandum of Agreement for the Presidential Car Museum.

Resolution No. 11, S. 2014 – Resolution authorizing Chairperson Maria I. Diokno to Sign the Memorandum of Agreement with the Tourism Infrastructure enterprise Zone Authority for the Restoration of Molo Church in Iloilo

Resolution No. 12, S. 2014 – Resolution Authorizing Chairperson Maria Serena I. Diokno to Sign the Memorandum of Agreement with the Commission on audit (COA) for the Restoration of the Old COA Building in Iloilo City

Resolution No. 13, S. 2014 – Resolution Authorizing Chairperson Maria Serena I. Diokno to Sign the Memorandum of Agreement with the University of the Philippines Diliman National Institute of Geological Studies (UP-NIGS) for the Assessment of below ground condition of Heritage Structures damaged by the Earthquake in Bohol and Cebu in 2013

Resolution No. 14, S. 2014 – Resolution Authorizing Chairperson Maria Serena I. Diokno to Sign the Memorandum of Agreement with the Presidential commission on Good Governance (PCGG) for Digitization of Martial Law Documents

Resolution No. 15, S. 2014 – Resolution Authorizing Chairperson Maria Serena I. Diokno to Sign the Memorandum of Agreement with the Instituto De Historia, Consjo Superior De Investigaciones Cientificas (IH-CSIC), Madrid, Spain

Resolution No. 16, S. 2014 – Resolution Adopting Policy Statement pertaining to the Taal Basilica in Batangas

by Jacob Philip V. Peralta*

Over the years, the roles of women have been steadily rising in the fields of commerce and industry in the Philippines. From mere members of a silent mass during the Spanish period, women have proven their tenacity for having undertaken crucial responsibilities in society.[1]

During the Spanish era, the role of women was reduced to housekeeping and childrearing as this was stereotypical at that time. In effect, women were viewed to be reserved, shy, and submissive to men. But despite all of these impressions on women, Dr. Maria Luisa Camagay, in her book, Working Women of Manila in the 19th Century, wrote that “… Filipino women of the Spanish period had a mind of their own, assertive, active, and enterprising…” However, because of the norms set by the Spaniards, their status remained to be inferior to men.[2]

At the turn of the 19th century, numerous occupations became highly dependent on the presence of women employees, especially in the manufacturing industry. The entry of women into the factory system showcased their industrious prowess highlighting their qualities like adaptability, patience, and the resistance to commit frauds, which were deemed advantageous. Filipinas possessed great skills in weaving, using different kinds of fiber like abaca, pineapple, silk, and cotton, to make a variety of cloths. They also excelled in making hats, cigar cases, mats, baskets, slippers, purses, umbrellas, seat covers, etc.[3]

First thought of as a hobby, weaving eventually turned into a profitable business as they were able to earn money from selling their products in public markets. Embroidery, usually a task done by women, became one of the chief exports of the Philippines during the American colonization era. In 1921, the exportation of embroideries amounted to at least Php 15,000,000 and in 1919, exports of hats amounted to Php 1,490,020.[4] The sheer number of export goods made by Filipinas proved the importance of their role in the economic development of the country. Moreover, it was observed by the Americans that Filipinas showed signs of independence because of their urge to improve the economic status of their families.[5]

The coming of the Americans created opportunities for women to earn college degrees and learn the essentials of business. According to Mendoza-Guazon, women were employed in managerial positions as heads of business firms dealing in textiles and native cloths, jewelry, embroideries, pawnshops, rice and foodstuff, bakeries, real estate, and transportation.[6] The influence of women in business has even extended to retail and other industries previously dominated by men.[7]

An analysis of the role of women in society during the American regime showed their evolving presence in the economy. Filipinas were given more responsibilities as managers in different industries because of their leadership skills and good work ethics.

The prioritization of education was responsible in improving the influence of women in the fields of trade and commerce. In the article written by Carolyn Sobritchea, she mentioned that, “the kind of education the Filipino women received during the American colonial period primarily prepared them to respond to the demands of the colonial bureaucracy and economy. With the increase in the female literacy rate, more women gained access to new types of work and careers, like in law and science.”[8] The significance of this is that women were able to get the opportunity to break away from traditional gender-related roles. This rise in opportunity became the guiding light towards the independent Filipino women that we see today.

References:

Camagay, Maria Luisa. Working Women of Manila in the 19th century. Quezon City: University of the Philippine Press, 1995

Mendoza-Guazon, Maria Paz. The development and progress of Filipino women. Manila: Bureau of Print, 1928

Sobritchea, Carolyn Israel. Women’s Role Philippine History: Selected Essays 2nd edition. American Colonial Education and its impact on the status of Filipino women. Diliman, Quezon City: University Center for Women’s Studies and the University of the Philippines, 1996

* The author is a student in De La Salle University Manila taking up AB History. He was a former OJT in the National Historical Commission of the Philippines

[1] Camagay, Maria Luisa. Working Women of Manila in the 19th century. Quezon City: University of the Philippine Press, 1995, p. 1.

[2] Ibid., p. 119.

[3] Mendoza-Guazon, Maria Paz. The development and progress of Filipino women. Manila: Bureau of Print, 1928, p. 33.

[4] Ibid., p. 59.

[5] Ibid., p. 34.

[6] Ibid., p. 56.

[7] Ibid., p. 59.

[8] Sobritchea, Carolyn Israel. Women’s Role Philippine History: Selected Essays 2nd edition. American Colonial Education and its impact on the status of Filipino women. Quezon City: University Center for Women’s Studies and the University of the Philippines, 1996, p. 79.

Artifact	Ceremonial Chest
Location	Museum of Philippine Political History

Items and artifacts in the museums administered by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines are all treasures of our history.  One of these unique treasures can be found in the Museum of Philippine Political History (MPPH).  It is a gold-plated ceremonial chest that once held the original copy of one of the most valuable documents in Philippine History, the 1935 Constitution.

In June 1934, Filipinos chose their representatives for the Constitutional Convention. President Manuel Quezon selected the officers of the convention, and Claro M. Recto was elected as the President. The draft of the constitution was completed on 8 February 1935.  On 19 February 1935, a solemn ceremony was held in the Session Hall of the House of Representatives, wherein each delegate signed the Constitution. One delegate, Gregorio Perfecto signed with his own blood.  On 23 March 1935, the Constitution was approved by US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and was ratified through a plebiscite on 14 May 1935.

This Constitution established the Commonwealth of the Philippines and provided that upon the withdrawal of American sovereignty in the country and the declaration of Philippine independence, the Commonwealth shall be known as the Republic of the Philippines. It created a republican government with executive, legislative and judiciary branches, and with the strong veto power of the President. The 1935 Constitution served as the fundamental law of the land from 1935 to 1972.

The MPPH aims to present the country’s political history through holograms, original artifacts, touch screen computers, dioramas and light and sound shows. The ceremonial chest which was formerly housed at the Quezon Memorial Shrine, along with the other Manuel L. Quezon memorabilia.

Tracing further its provenance, the chest was donated to the government by Compañia General de Tabacos de Filipinas, or Tabacalera, a factory of hand-rolled cigars which was founded on Nov. 11, 1881.  The chest was presented to President Manuel Quezon by Lorenzo Correa of the Tabacalera.

The ceremonial chest is made of cedar wood, bronze, cast iron, and gold plated Toledo steel.  The exterior, made of Toledo Steel, is of neo-renaissance, late nineteenth century style.  It has an inscription “Barcelona” and “Berisain”

Resolution No. 01, S. 2013 – Declaring the Philippine Ambassador’s Residence in Japan located at Fujimi, Chiyodaku, tokyp, Japan a National Historical Landmark.

Resolution No. 02, S. 2013 – 

Resolution No. 03, S. 2013 –

Resolution No. 04, S. 2013 – 

Resolution No. 05, S. 2013 – Declaring the Rizal Monument in Rizal Park as a National Monument

Resolution No. 06, S. 2013 – 

Resolution No. 07, S. 2013 – 

Resolution No. 08, S. 2013 – Declaring the Saint Joseph Parish Church in Las Piñas City as National Historical Landmark

Resolution No. 09, S. 2013 – 

Resolution No. 10, S. 2013 – 

Resolution No. 11, S. 2013 – Declaring the Zapote Battelfield and Zapote Bridge a National Historical Landmark

Resolution No. 01, S. 2012 – Declaring the Manila Central Post Office Building and Liwasang Bonifacio a National Historical Landmark with Zone to protect the site.

Resolution No. 02, S. 2012 – 

Resolution No. 03, S. 2012 –

Resolution No. 04, S. 2012 – Declaring the Resting Place of the remains of Melchora “Tandang Sora” Aquino in Banlat, Quezon City a National Shrine

Resolution No. 05, S. 2012 –

Resolution No. 06, S. 2012 – 

Resolution No. 07, S. 2012 – Declaring Fort Pikit in the Municipality of Pikit, North Cotabato a National Historical Landmark

Resolution No. 08, S. 2012 – Declaring Mt. Manunggal, Cebu, Crash Site of Mt. Pinatubo, the plane carrying President Ramon Magsaysay, a National Historical Landmark

Resolution No. 09, S. 2012 – 

Resolution No. 10, S. 2012 – 

Resolution No. 11, S. 2012 – Declaring the Kuta Church ruins in Barangay Anilao, Municipality of Bongabong, Mindoro Oriental a National Historical Landmark

Resolution No. 12, S. 2012 – 

Resolution No. 13, S. 2012 –

Resolution No. 14, S. 2012 – 

Resolution No. 15, S. 2012 – 

Resolution No. 16, S. 2012 – 

Resolution No. 17, S. 2012 – 

Resolution No. 18, S. 2012 – 

Resolution No. 19, S. 2012 – Declaring the Manila Bay and Waterfront from Del Pan Bridge to the Cultural Center of the Philippines a National Historical Landmark