Manila Bulletin
October 22, 2010, 5:48pm
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Historical Society (PNHS), the country’s oldest professional organization devoted to study and research in Philippine history, open its 31st National Conference on Local and National History today (Saturday) at the Conference Hall of Mindanao State University (MSU)-General Santos City. Co-sponsored with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts-Committee on Historical Research, MSU-General Santos, Philippine Social Science Council, and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the event bears the theme “Toward a National History: Mindanao and Sulu Local History in the Context of National History.”
The conference aims to determine the research and writing done on Mindanao and Sulu, as well as in the other regions of the country and situate these studies in the context of our national history. It will identify gaps for further research and encourage systematic studies on local and national history. Paper presentations will be made on the following topics: Historiography of Mindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi; agricultural colonies in Pikit-Pagalungan; the Sangil odyssey in Southern Philippines; the evolution of General Santos City from a frontier settlement to booming city in the South; the quest for peace in Mindanao, the peace process, and ODA; and the Calatagan pot as a national treasure with Bisayan inscription.
Organized on February 2, 1941 the PNHS (formerly, the Philippine Historical Society) traces its beginnings to the History Club at the Philippine Women’s University (PWU) organized by Eulogio B. Rodriguez in the late 1920s. Over the years, PNHS has encouraged and undertaken the study of Philippine history and catalyzed nationwide interest in and appreciation of history as the bedrock of Filipino national identity. The PNHS introduced a major intellectual shift from “classical colonial scholarship” toward studies depicting the grassroots of Filipino civilization and the life histories of individual Filipino communities.
Like the other regions and provinces of the country, Mindanao and Sulu have an opulent and colorful history to share. Their social, economic, and political landscape mirror their aspirations and struggles, while their rich local cultural heritage speak of their industry, faith, creativity, and resourcefulness, fashioned by the countless challenges they have faced.
We congratulate the Philippine National Historical Society, led by President Bernardita R. Churchill, Ph.D., its Officers and Members, on the occasion of its 31st National Conference on Local and National History. We wish them all the best and success in all their endeavors.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/283640/natl-local-history-conference
