With the dawn of a new national administration, the Philippine Historical Association (PHA) offers a chance to look back at the history of Philippine Governance, look at some best practices and dig at the cultural and historical roots of corruption in the country to offer some lessons not just for our leaders, but for each stakeholder—the Filipino citizen.
PHA will hold a national gathering of historians, researchers and history/social science educators in Davao for a national conference on the theme “Philippine Governance: Historical Perspectives” on August 18-20, 2016 at Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City. This is in line with the celebration of History Month.
Dr. Emmanuel F. Calairo, president of the association, wrote in his letter of invitation that the conference hopes to produce insights that “may shed alternatives to understand and offer approaches to deal with existing social problems.” Furthermore, he states that “the identification of recurring themes or historical patterns in Philippine governance may lead to further understanding of the nature of our societal structures and explain current and emerging political and cultural issues.”
The conference aims to: 1) serve as platform for reflection, interaction, and discussion of new and emerging researches and perspectives on the history of governance in the Philippines; and 2) enhance the knowledge and skills of history/social studies educators in teaching Philippine government and political history.
On August 18, the registration will begin and will be followed by a tour of Davao City in the afternoon to be facilitated by Prof. Xiao Chua, the association’s Public Relations Officer.
On August 19 would be the day of the plenary sessions. Fr. Albert Alejo SJ of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University will give the Keynote Speech on Filipino Political Psychology. Dr. Zeus A. Salazar, Retired Professor of History at the University of the Philippines Diliman will talk about the topic, “Bakit Walang Katuturan ang Katiwalian sa Sinaunang Lipunan: Ang Kinagisnang Pagbabahagi ng Kaginhawahang Bayan.” Dr. Ma. Carmen V. Penalosa of Miriam College will speak on “The Origins and Rise of Political Corruption in the Philippines: Ang Kasaysayan ng Pagkawala ng Kaginhawahang Bayan, 1588-2016.” Dr. Raul Roland Sebastian, Chair of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines History Department will be shed light on the subject “Pamahalaang Pilipino: Tunggalian ng Kultura at Burukrasya.” Prof. Ayshia F. Kunting of Western Mindanao State University will dwell on the issue of “Arbitrary Autonomy: History of Governance in Muslim Mindanao.” Dr. Ambeth R. Ocampo of the Ateneo de Manila University will look into “Ferdinand Marcos’ Diaries: The View from Within” while Dr. Evelyn Songco of the University of Santo Tomas will give the synthesis and reflection: “History Educators as Advocates of Good Governance”
On August 20, the General Assembly and Election of PHA Board Members will commence, followed by the simultaneous sessions of paper readings from the participants. Abstracts will be accepted until April 25, 2016.
For queries and other information, please visit www.pha1955.blogspot.com or contact Prof. Jonathan C. Balsamo, Secretary of the Association, at jobal_kasaysayan@yahoo.com. The public is invited to join. (Xiao Chua)
The Honor and Professional Association of Filipino Historians
