Emy Ruth Gianan, News, Communication Management Office
Dr. Raul Roland Sebastian served as one of the plenary speakers two-day National Conference on Local History and Heritage held on August 8-9 at Capitol University, Cagayan de Oro City. Dean Sebastian discussed the “1898 Tondo Working Class Legacy in Philippine Historiography” during second day.
“We often tend to focus on the grand narratives in our nation’s history. The more famous heroes and well-known events, and how these impact the way society is shaped today. This is why putting local histories and heritage front and center becomes more important – because we get to highlight the diversity of our experiences and the depth of our identity as a nation. We should not forget the smaller stories, the more parochial concerns in towns and provinces, the specific struggles of different segments of the society; that’s the beauty of studying our history and this is where PUP can contribute significantly,” Dean Sebastian shared in a separate interview.
In his presentation, Dr. Sebastian used historical sources to break common stereotypes for Tondo as a place for brawls, gangs, and conflicts. He emphasized the presence of Tondo-based personalities such as Andres Bonifacio and other unnamed members of Tondo’s working class, proving its powerful place in the country’s history.
“Ang imahe ikinakabit (sa Tondo) ay nag-iiwan ng malaking pitak sa diwa at gunita ng mga taong na kanilang nagiging sandigan sa pagkakakilanlan nito. Ang imaheng nabuo sa kanilang gunita ay nagiging matibay na muog na siyang pinaniniwalaan bilang buong katotohanan. Ito rin ang nagsisilbing reference point ng mga sumunod na henerasyon,” Dr. Sebastian explained in his presentation as he used film portrayals of Tondo in contrast with historical references.
(“Tondo’s image leaves a lasting impact on its current conception. The image built overtime strengthened and was then used as basis for the whole truth of its existence. Such image also serves as a reference point for the next generation.”)
His presentation was under the plenary session on the “Development in the Historiography and Heritage of the Philippine Revolution and the First Philippine Republic.” He was joined by experts from the NHCP, Eufemio Agbayani III discussing “Monuments and Historic Sites of the Philippine Revolution and the First Philippine Republic” and Prof. Michael Charleston Chua on the “Legacy of the 1998 Centennial Celebration of Independence.”
The participation of Dean Sebastian is part of the University’s engagement with its long-time collaborator, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). Equally, the national conference is a commitment of the NHCP to its member-affiliates in the Local Historical Committees Network and local history and heritage practitioners across the country under the 2022-2027 National Action Plan for Local History and Heritage. The conference is also done in solidarity with the National History Month every August.
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