Zamboanga City — Representatives from local government units, agencies, and institutions across the Zamboanga Peninsula and BASULTA regions gathered at the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) Social Hall on November 4 for a three-day training on history and heritage. Organized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the event aims to empower local partners in preserving cultural heritage and promoting historical awareness.
The NHCP-led training, the third of its kind in the Philippines, brings together leaders from the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi (BASULTA) regions. Participants will engage in discussions covering the Philippine Flag and Heraldic Code, protocols for naming and renaming public spaces, procedures for declaring local holidays, conducting community observances, recognizing historic sites and structures, as well as foundational practices for preserving heritage sites and artifacts. Topics on establishing local museums and conducting local history research were also included, all aligning with the NHCP’s mandate to foster heritage preservation nationwide.
NHCP Deputy Executive Director Alvin Alcid highlighted the organization’s commitment to supporting regional efforts in heritage conservation, with the training equipping local participants to carry out history and heritage initiatives effectively.
Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe, represented by CMO Administrative Officer V Raisa Fernandez, expressed optimism for the impact of the event, calling it an opportunity for leaders and advocates to “come together to share knowledge and strengthen our commitment in preserving our local and cultural legacy.” He also invited attendees to explore Zamboanga’s cultural sites, including the historic 117-year-old City Hall and the Fort Pilar Shrine, both vital landmarks in the city’s rich heritage.
WMSU President Dr. Carla Ochotorena, addressing the gathering, praised the event as a convergence of individuals dedicated to heritage preservation. She emphasized the importance of “deepening our understanding of the narratives that have shaped us and rebuilding upon the legacy we will pass on to future generations.”
The NHCP event was held in partnership with the Zamboanga City government, with support from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Department of Tourism, and the Department of Interior and Local Government. The training will run until November 6, leaving local leaders with valuable insights and skills to strengthen cultural heritage efforts across the Zamboanga Peninsula and BASULTA regions.
