History serves as a vital connection to our roots as a nation, making us understand the intricacies of human experiences and reinforcing our shared humanity as a nation among others in a global context.
During our formative years, the study of history is vital as it enables reflection on the past, encouraging a deeper understanding of the present, and guiding us toward a more enlightened future. Looking back allows us to learn lessons from historical mistakes, ensuring we do not repeat them and empowering us to make informed decisions.
To highlight the importance of history in our national conversation and collective consciousness, the President signed last Nov. 7, 2023 Proclamation No. 396, which is “Declaring the Years beginning 2023 through 2033 as the ‘Dekada ng Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas’ or the ‘Decade of Philippine History.’”
The proclamation aligns with Section 15, Article 14 of the Constitution, which declares that the “State shall conserve, promote, and popularize the nation's historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as its artistic creations.”
Reinforcing this constitutional mandate is Section 2 of Republic Act (RA) No. 10086 or “Strengthening Peoples' Nationalism Through Philippine History Act,” which states that the “State shall provide the means to strengthen the Filipino people's nationalism, love of country, respect for its heroes, and pride for the people's accomplishments, by reinforcing the importance of Philippine national and local history in daily life, with the end in view of raising social consciousness.”
Tasked with ensuring the commemoration of the “Decade of Philippine History” is the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), which traces its origins back to the Philippine Historical Research and Markers Committee (PHRMC), established under Executive Order No. 451 on Oct. 23, 1933, during the American regime.
Evolving from its predecessor, the NHCP gained independence as a government agency in 2010 through RA No. 10086. This law designated the NHCP as the entity responsible for the restoration, conservation, and protection of the country's historical objects, along with determining factual matters related to official Philippine history.
From its predecessor as PHRMC, the NHCP will mark its centennial anniversary in 2033. Thus, celebrating the “Decade of Philippine History” is an appropriate inaugural event, one that should also enjoin LGUs, schools, and various youth organizations to be part of.
Over the next 10 years, a series of events will “highlight the contributions of the individuals who make up the NHCP, including historians, researchers, curators, architects, engineers, chemists, conservators, artists, planners, managers, and many others.” These dedicated professionals have tirelessly advanced historical research, celebrated Filipino figures, and preserved historic sites and structures.
Their collective efforts aim not only to commemorate the NHCP's milestone but also to underscore the indispensable role of history in nation-building. Through various events, Filipinos, especially the youth, will be encouraged to revere national symbols, embrace our rich history and heritage, and understand the profound connection between our past and present.
Looking forward to becoming a better nation requires a deliberate gaze into our past. The coming decade stands as a crucial period to instill in all of us the enduring importance of history. Without it, we will not know where we should be headed.
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