HISTORICAL MARKER. National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chairperson Emmanuel Calairo (2nd from left) and Manuel Advincula Cuenca (3rd from left) of Cuenca House that served as 1898 Bacoor Assembly site along with Bacoor City District Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla (left) unveil a historical marker in Bacoor, Cavite on Aug. 1, 2023. The NHCP is set to install 43 more historical markers in 2024 as part of its “Landas ng Pagkabansa” project. (Photo courtesy of NHCP)
MANILA – The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) is set to install at least 43 more historical markers in various provinces in Luzon in 2024 as part of the “Landas ng Pagkabansa” (Path of Nationhood) project.
The project is part of the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood program proclaimed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. through Administrative Order (AO) No. 8, s. 2023.
The NHCP said the historical markers seek to highlight the events and realities that gave birth to the Filipino nation from the proclamation of the Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite up to the end of the First Philippine Republic on March 23, 1901 in Palanan, Isabela.
“The markers will highlight the struggle of Asia's first democratic constitutional republic against colonialism as it fought to survive by moving across the country where it met and was aided by Filipinos of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds,” it said in a statement on Monday.
“It will also serve as a reminder for Filipinos of the contributions of their home provinces, towns, and in some cases, barangays in the story of our independence, reinforcing the belief that the Filipino people are inherently brave and heroic,” it added.
During the Philippine Information Agency media forum on Dec. 1, NHCP chairperson Dr. Emmanuel Calairo said the 43 markers will be installed in Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Mountain Province, and Ifugao next year.
“Dito sa ating narrative na gusto nating i-emphasize sa publiko, kaya natin nilalagyan ng marker ito para ipakita yung heroism, yung sakripisyo ng ating mga bayani kung paano nila ipinaglaban ang ating pamahalaan (In these narratives, we want to emphasize that these markers aim to show the heroism, sacrifices of our heroes and how they fought for our government),” Calairo said.
NHCP Executive Director Carminda Arevalo said the putting up of markers is part of the multi-year commemoration of the Philippine Independence and Nationhood from 2023 to 2026 as provided under AO 8.
“`Yung 125th commemoration po natin ay nagsimula nitong 2023. Sa 2026 po ang last marker na iaunveil natin at ito po ay sa Palanan, Isabela,” (Our 125th commemoration started this 2023. In 2026, we will unveil our last marker in Palanan, Isabela),” she said in the same forum.
The NHCP installed four historical markers this year and is looking to install a total of 74 markers up to 2026. (PNA)
