PHA 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

PHILIPPINE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

Philippine Social Science Council

Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City

www.pha1955.blogspot.com

2013 ANNUAL REPORT

INSTITUTIONAL/ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

Officers and Board of Trustees (2013-2014)

A general assembly was held on January 27, 2013 at the University of Santo Tomas to amend the PHA By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation. An election was also held and the following were elected as members of the Board of Trustees who will serve until August 2014:

Position	Name and Institutional Affiliation
President	Luis Camara Dery, Ph.D. (De La Salle University Manila)
Vice President and Executive Director	Evelyn A. Songco, Ph.D. (University of Santo Tomas)
Secretary	Jonathan C. Balsamo (Museo Valenzuela)
Treasurer	Evelyn A. Miranda, Ph.D.  (retired professor, University of the Philippines Diliman)
Board Member	Celestina P. Boncan, Ph.D. (University of the Philippines Manila)
Board Member	Estrellita T. Muhi, Ph.D. (retired professor, University of the East)
Board Member	Jerome A. Ong, M.A. (University of the Philippines Manila)

The PHA Board approved on July 4, 2014 the appointment of former PHA president Prof. Oscar L. Evangelista (Palawan State University) as PHA representative to the Executive Council of the National Committee on Historical Research of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and former PHA president Dr. Evelyn A. Miranda sa PHA representative to the Philippine Social Science Council.

ACADEMIC & SCHOLARLY ACTIVITIES

The Philippine Historical Association held its 2013 Annual Conference on the theme: “GAT ANDRES BONIFACIO:  HUWARAN NG KATAPANGAN, SANDIGAN NG KABAYANIHAN”. It was held on August 22-24, 2013 at Skylight Hotel, Puerto Princesa City in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

The objectives of the conference are the following:

1.             commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio

2.             define the role of Andres Bonifacio in the founding of the Katipunan

3.             understand the place of the Katipunan in shaping the 1896 Philippine Revolution

4.             develop a critical understanding of the 1896 Philippine Revolution and the creation of a Filipino nation-state in 1898-1899

5.             develop new modes of teaching the 1896 Revolutionary Period

6.             inculcate into the hearts of contemporary Filipinos the Katipunan ideals of good conduct

7.             learn lessons of nationalism from Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan towards strengthening the sense of citizenship of Filipinos in contemporary times

8.             cherish freedom as the legacy of the 1896 Philippine Revolution

The speakers and the titles of their lectures are the following:

Speakers	Lectures
DR. MILAGROS C. GUERRERO (University of the Philippines Diliman)	Si Andres Bonifacio Ba Ang Unang Pangulo ng Pilipinas?
DR. LUIS C. DERY (De La Salle University Manila)	Abril 23 o Mayo 10, 1897?: Ang Kamatayan at Paglilitis kay Andres Bonifacio
DR. AUGUSTO V. DE VIANA (University of Santo Tomas)	Si Manong Andres: Stories about Andres Bonifacio
PROF. JEROME A. ONG (University of the Philippines Manila)	Gamit ang Utak, Pluma at Armas: Isang Pagsusuri sa Buhay at Akda ni Emilio Jacinto
PROF. MARY DOROTHY dL. JOSE (University of the Philippines Manila)	Oryang: Lakambini ng Himagsikan
PROF. JONATHAN C. BALSAMO (Museo Valenzuela)	Si Pio Valenzuela at ang mga Kontrobersyal na Usapin sa Kasaysayan ng Himagsikang 1896
DR. CELESTINA P. BONCAN (University of the Philippines Manila)	Maynila at Kapaligiran noong 1896: Pagmamapa ng Himagsikan
DR.  ESTRELLITA T. MUHI (University of Perpetual Help Las Piñas)	The Ilocos Region and the Philippine Revolution
DR. VICENTE VILLAN (University of the Philippines Diliman)	Ang Hangaway Nga Nasamaran, Nagadugang ang Kaisog: Isang Pag-unawa sa Sikolohiya at Istratehiya ng Pakikidigmang Katipunan sa mga Pulo ng Panay at Sugbu, 1896-1898.
DR. NEIL SANTILLAN (University of the Philippines Diliman)	Ang 1896 Himagsikan sa Mindanao
PROF. OSCAR L. EVANGELISTA (Palawan State University)	Demystifying the Rizal-Bonifacio National Hero Controversy
DR. ARLEIGH D. DELA CRUZ (De La Salle University Manila)	Pana at Palaso, Kamote at Monggo, Anting-Anting, Dasal at Nobena: Mga Katutubong Pamamaraan ng Pakikipaglaban noong Panahon ng Himagsikan 1896-1897
MR. IAN CHRISTOPHER ALFONSO (National Historical Commission of the Philippines)	Ang Mararangal na Sagisag ng Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan
DR. EVELYN A. SONGCO  (University of Santo Tomas)	Konstraktibismo, Transpormasyon at O.B.E.

                                                               

The PHA organized a seminar on “Special Topics in Philippine History and Historiography: Talking Points in History: Jose Rizal, Historical Controversies and the Multi-Disciplinal World” on February 1, 2013 at El Cielito Inn, Baguio City.

The speakers and the titles of their lectures are the following:

Speakers	Lectures
Dr. Celestina P. Boncan(University of the Philippines Manila)	Controversies and Fallacies Resolved by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines
Prof. Mary Dorothy DL Jose (University of the Philippines Manila)	Learning History through Gender Sensitivity
Dr. Estrellita T. Muhi (University of the East)	Teaching Rizal in the Classroom
Dr. Arleigh Ross Dela Cruz (De La Salle University Manila)	Learning History through Primary Documents
Prof. Jerome A. Ong (University of the Philippines Manila)	Learning History through Multi-Disciplinal Approach
Prof. Ferdinand Paggao (Department of Education)	Learning History through Museums and Libraries
Prof. Arnulfo N. Esguerra	Learning History through Culture, Heritage and Art

The PHA joined the City Government of Manila and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in commemorating the 141^th Anniversary of the Gom-Bur-Za Martyrdom on February 17, 2013 by way of a floral offering at the Gom-Bur-Za Execution Site at Rizal Park.The PHA also organized acommemorative symposium to present new researches on Gom-Bur-Za. It was held at the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. It was attended by around 200 participants composed of teachers and history major students from Polytechnic University of the Philippines and Philippine Normal University.

The speakers and the titles of their lectures are the following:

Speakers	Lectures
Dr. Luis C. Dery            (De La Salle University Manila)	GOMBURZA: MgaBagongDatos
Prof. Michael Charleston B. Chua(De La Salle University Manila)	“BAYANG PILIPINO, 1807-1861: Katutubo at BanyagasaMundongGinalawan ng GomBurZa”

The PHA was co-convenor with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office headed by PVAO Administrator Lt. General Ernesto G. Carolina (ret.) in the symposium entitled “Images of Valor and Victory: Guerillas in the Visayas” held at Tejeros Hall, AFP Commissioned Officers Club, Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on March 13, 2013 as part of the observance of the 2013Araw ng Kagitingan and Philippine Veterans Week.

The speakers and the titles of their lectures are the following:

Speakers	Lectures
Gemma Cruz-Araneta	“Ang Beterano: Sigla at Inspirasyon ng Kabataan Tungo sa Tuwid na Daan” (Keynote Speech)
Dr. Ricardo T. Jose (University of the Philippines Diliman)	World War II Liberation in Visayas
Mr. John Ray Ramos	World War II Heroes in Visayas
Capt. Alejandro P. Hontiveros, Sr. (Ret.) RVP Democrito T. Mendoza VET Segura VET Daulo	Memories during the War and Stories of Heroism

The Philippine Historical Association co-sponsored with Museo Valenzuela a seminar on teaching history and heroism held on April 19, 2013 at Museo Valenzuela, Marulas, Valenzuela City.  The seminar commemorated the death anniversaries of Pio Valenzuela, Emilio Jacinto and Andres Bonifacio. It was attended by 200 teachers from public and private schools in Metro Manila.

The speakers and the titles of their lectures are the following:

Speakers	Lectures
Dr. Luis C. Dery            (De La Salle University Manila)	Emilio Jacinto: Ang Utak Ng Himagsikang 1896
Prof. Michael Charleston B. Chua(De La Salle University Manila)	Pagtuturo Ng MgaTuro (Aral) Ng Katipunan
Dr. Evelyn A. Songco (University of Santo Tomas)	Pagtuturo Ng Buhay At Kabayanihan Ni Emilio Jacinto
Prof. Alvin Campomanes (University of Asia and the Pacific)	Exciting, Interesting At Critical: Pagtuturo Ng Kasaysayan At Kabayanihan Sa Mga Kabataan Ngayon

In partnership with the University of Santo Tomas College of Education Student Council and UST Office of Student Affairs, the Philippine Historical Association conducted a symposium with the theme “Kaleidoscope: A Colorful Glimpse of our Timeless Heroes and their Legacy”. It was held on September 27, 2013 at the Albertus Magnus Auditorium, University of Santo Tomas.

The speakers and the titles of their lectures are the following:

Speakers	Lectures
Dr. Luis C. Dery            (De La Salle University Manila)	Mga Kaisipan ng Ating mga Bayani
Prof. Michael Charleston B. Chua (De La Salle University Manila)	ACTUALLY, HALOS LAHAT SILA! Mga Nakalimutang Bayani ng Bansa

Publications

The PHA launched the 2013 issue of its official journal Historical Bulletin on the theme “The Philippines in Asia” at the PHA Annual Conference in Puerto Princesa City. This issue of the Historical Bulletin features the papers presented in the 2012 Annual Conference of PHA held in Iloilo City in September 2012.

Institutional Linkages

The PHA is an affiliate of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). It sits as a member of the Technical Working Committee chaired by the NHCP which prepares activities to celebrate historical events of national importance. It was also accredited as a member of the Local Historical Committees Network (LHCN) organized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

The PHA is a member of the Executive Council of the Committee on Historical Research of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

FINANCIAL STANDING

The PHA is financially stable and is able to support operational expenses of its board meetings which are held quarterly and as the need arises. The revenues of the PHA come principally from registration fees in the annual conference, membership dues and the sale of the Historical Bulletin. The PHA receives financial support from the NCCA and the PSSC for its annual conference. The PHA receives support from Vibal Publishing Inc. for conference kit and other materials. However, the PHA needs to generate funds to support expenses incurred in seminars that it holds for free such as the Pocket Lectures which are for teachers of Araling Panlipunan in the National Capital Region.

POCKET LECTURES: RELIGION AND REVOLUTION, The Philippine Religious Experience and EDSA

PHILIPPINE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

and 

THE GSIS MUSEO NG SINING

Present a pocket lectures symposium on

RELIGION AND REVOLUTION:  

The Philippine Religious Experience and EDSA

In commemoration of the 141^st anniversary of the martyrdom of Fathers Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora, February 17, and the 28^th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on February 22-25.

February 21, 2014, Friday from 1:00 – 5:00 PM, GSIS Museo ng Sining, GSIS Financial Complex, Pasay City

Lectures:

Gomburza:  Events before 1872, New Data                            Dr. Luis C. Dery

The Role of the Virgin Mary and the Struggle for Freedom      Dr. Evelyn A. Miranda

The Catholic Church and the Struggle

Against the Marcos Dictatorship                                            Mr. Michael Charleston B. Chua

Outcome – based Learning                                                   Dr. Evelyn A. Songco

There would also be a possibility that the new book EDSA UNO, A Narrative and Analysis with Notes on Dos & Tres by Angela Stuart Santiago will be sold.  The book is the most comprehensive narrative account of the February Revolution.

A donation of PHP 50.00 will be asked from each participant for the benefit of different projects for the development of the teaching of history.

For reservations, call GSIS Museo ng Sining, 8590395.  Certificates of attendance will be given for those who will be needing them.


A chance also for those who would like to be members of PHA.

2012 Annual Report of the Philippine Historical Association

2012 Annual Report

Institutional/Organizational Development Activities

Officers and Board of Trustees (2012-2013)

President                                             Celestina P. Boncan, Ph.D.

                                                            (University of the Philippines Manila)

Vice President                                     Arleigh D. Dela Cruz, Ph.D.

                                                            (De La Salle University)

Executive Director                              Evelyn A. Songco, Ph.D.

                                                            (University of Santo Tomas)

Secretary                                             Jerome A. Ong, M.A.           

                                                            (University of the Philippines Manila)                       

Treasurer                                             Estrellita T. Muhi, Ph.D.

                                                            (retired professor, University of the East-Manila)     

Auditor                                               Mary Dorothy dL. Jose, M.A.

                                                            (University of the Philippines Manila)

Public Relations Officer                     Jonathan C. Balsamo

                                                            (Museo Valenzuela)

Disciplinal Representative to              Evelyn A. Miranda, Ph.D.

PSSC Board of Trustees                     (retired professor, University of the Philippines Diliman)

Executive Council Member,               Oscar L. Evangelista, M.A.

National Commission for Culture       (Palawan State University)

and the Arts-Committee on

Historical Research

Academic & Scholarly Activities

The 2012 PHA Annual Conference was held on September 20-22, 2012 at the University of Iloilo in Iloilo City on the theme “The Philippines in Asia” and with the following objectives: 1) to discuss patterns of political, economic, social and cultural developments in Asia; 2) to identify the challenges confronting Asian nations; 3) to relate the role of the Philippines in the light of recent developments in Asia; 4) to explore areas of collaboration between the Philippines and Asian nations; and 5) to enrich the teaching of Philippine and Asian History. The speakers and the titles of their lectures are the following:

Speakers                                              Titles of Lectures

Dr. Celestina P. Boncan                      The Philippines in Asia (keynote address)

Dr. Clarita R. Carlos                           Political Trends: Asian Democracies

Dr. Teresa de Guzman                        Women’s Roles in the Southeast Asian Maritime Trade

   and Prof. Mary Louise Bolunia

Dr. Alvin P. Ang                                 Trade and Growth Areas in Asia

Prof. Regalado T. Jose                        Identity and Cultural Tourism: The Case of the Archives of                                                                         the University of Santo Tomas

Dr. Eusebio Z. Dizon                          Recent Archaeological Findings in Asia

Prof. Jeremaiah M. Opiniano              Preserving Filipino Identity in Foreign Lands                                     

Dr. Renato C. de Castro                     The 2012 Scarborough Shoal Stand-off: An Indication of                                                                Conflict Escalation in the South China Sea Dispute?

Prof. Rommel C. Banlaoi                    Terrorism in Asia: An Assessment of Threats and Responses

                                                            11 Years after 9/11

Prof. Teresita Ang See                        The Ties that Bind: Shared History, Shared Destiny

Prof. Arnulfo N. Esguerra                  Hands-on Asia: Lessons in Chinese Art

                                                                                               

The PHA joined the City Government of Manila and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in commemorating the 140^th Anniversary of the Gom-Bur-Za Martyrdom on February 17, 2012 by way of a floral offering at the Gom-Bur-Za Execution Site at Rizal Park.

A Commemorative Lecture was held on May 18, 2012 on the occasion of the 1^st death anniversary of PHA Past President and Executive Director Dean Gloria M. Santos at the Philippine Social Science Council Center. Three lectures gave tribute to Dean Santos as scholar, historian, and civic leader; three other speakers spoke on favorite topics of Dean Santos which are history, women and the Blessed Virgin:

Speakers                                              Titles of Lectures

Dr. Teofista Vivar                               Dean Gloria M. Santos: A Woman of Substance

Prof. Oscar L. Evangelista                  Remembering Dean Gloria M. Santos on Her Birth                                                                           Anniversary

Dr. Estrellita T. Muhi                          Dean Gloria M. Santos: A Mover and an Inspiration

Dr. Luis C. Dery                                 Mutya, Diwata at Dayanghirang: Ang Nawalang Imahe ng                                                              Babaing Pilipina

Dr. Evelyn A. Miranda                       Ang Pagpapatuloy ng Debosyon sa Birheng Maria: Nuestra                                                             Señora de la  Salud at Aparisyon ng Birheng Maria kay                                                                    Emma de Guzman

Dr. Celestina P. Boncan                      Ang Buwan ng Mayo sa Kalendaryo ng Kasaysayan ng                                                                   Pilipinas: Celebrating May in Philippine History

The PHA was co-convenor with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office headed by PVAO Administrator Lt. General Ernesto G. Carolina (ret.) in the symposium entitled “Images of Valor and Victory” held at Tejeros Hall, AFP Commissioned Officers Club, Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on March 21, 2012 as part of the observance of the 2012 Araw ng Kagitingan and Philippine Veterans Week. Keynote speaker in the symposium was Dr. Celestina P. Boncan (“Veterans: Catalysts of Genuine and Continuing Change”); other speakers included Dr. Ricardo T. Jose (“World War II: How It Started”), Dr. Luis C. Dery (“Battle of the Pockets”), and Prof. Marcelino Macapinlac (“Los Baños Raid”).

The PHA Colloquium “Melchora ‘Tandang Sora’ Aquino: Tagapagpalaya ng Bayan, Tagapagpalaya ng Kasarian at Kababaihan” held at the Kalinga-Apayao State College, Tabuk City, Province of Kalinga on June 16, 2012 was one of the activities designated by the 2012 Kalayaan Inter-Agency Task Force chaired by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines for the celebration of the 114^th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. The colloquium commemorated the 200^th birth anniversary of Melchora Aquino, mother of the Katipunan and heroine of the 1896 Revolution. The speakers and the titles of their lectures are the following:

Speakers                                              Titles of Lectures

Prof. Mary Dorothy dL. Jose             Ang Paglalangkap ng Kamalayang Pangkasarian sa   Pagtuturo                                                        ng Araling Panlipunan (Workshop on Gender Sensitivity)

Prof. Jerome A. Ong                           Tandang Sora: Babae, Bayani

Dr. Celestina P. Boncan                      Sino ang Bayani? Iba’t Ibang Kahulugan at Pamantayan ng                                                                         Kabayanihan

Prof. Jonathan C. Balsamo                 Ang Kahalagahan ng Araw ng Kalayaan

Mr. Richard H. Baula                         Republic Act No. 8491: The Flag and Heraldic Code of the                                                                         Philippines

Under the auspices of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines the PHA held a seminar entitled “Places of Significance in Rizal’s Life: Lessons on Nationalism, Civic Consciousness and the Importance of Education” at the University of Saint Louis, Tuguegarao City, Province of Cagayan on December 3, 2012 as part of the celebration of the 116^th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal. The speakers dealt on key features of selected places in the life of Rizal such as “Calamba: Childhood of a Hero” (Dr. Arleigh Dela Cruz), “Manila: Memories of a Student” (Dr. Evelyn Songco), “Europe: Journey to Light” (Dr. Celestina Boncan) and “Dapitan: Triumph of Civic Nationalism” (Dr. Estrellita Muhi).

Publications

The PHA launched the 2012 issue of its official journal Historical Bulletin on the theme “History, Women, Art” at the PHA Annual Conference in Iloilo City. The PHA also launched in the same venue the proceedings of its 2011 Annual Conference entitled “Magkakatuwang na Larangan, Magpapatingkad ng Kabuluhan: Ang Paggamit ng mga Agham Panlipunan sa Pagtuturo ng Kasaysayan (History and Other Social Sciences).”

Institutional Linkages

The PHA is an affiliate of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). It sits as a member of the Technical Working Committee chaired by the NHCP which prepares activities to celebrate historical events of national importance.

The PHA is a member of the Executive Council of the Committee on Historical Research of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Financial Standing

The PHA is financially stable and is able to support operational expenses of its board meetings which are held quarterly and as the need arises. The revenues of the PHA come principally from registration fees in the annual conference, membership dues and the sale of the Historical Bulletin. The PHA receives financial support from the NCCA and the PSSC for its annual conference and the NHCP for the Independence Day Colloquium and the Rizal Day Seminar. The PHA receives support from Vibal Publishing Inc. for conference kit and other materials. However, the PHA needs to generate funds to support expenses incurred in seminars that it holds for free such as the Pocket Lectures which are for teachers of Araling Panlipunan in the National Capital Region.

Lecture on Filipino Heroes at UST on September 27

University of Santo Tomas College of Education Student Council in coordination with the 

Office for Student Affairs and the Philippine Historical Association 

present

Kaleidoscope: A Colorful Glimpse of our Timeless Heroes and their Legacy

Speakers: 

DR. LUIS C. DERY

PROF. MICHAEL CHARLESTON B. CHUA

September 27, 2013

1:00 - 5:00

Albertus Magnus Auditorium

Albertus Magnus Building

No Registration Fee required.

ON RENAMING OF CAMP ELDRIDGE IN LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA TO CAMP GENERAL MACARIO SAKAY

PHILIPPINE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

MANILA

RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 

THE RENAMING OF CAMP ELDRIDGE IN LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA 

TO CAMP GENERAL MACARIO SAKAY

WHEREAS, nearly 106 years after the execution by the American administration in the Philippines of the Revolutionary General and President of the Republika ng Katagalugan, Macario de Leon Sakay on 13 September 1907 at the Old Bilibid in Manila, many Filipinos still subscribe to the American perspective that Macario Sakay was a thief and a bandit despite attempts by some Filipino historians to correct this notion.

WHEREAS, General Macario Sakay was a true patriot.  A hero born of the people in Tondo, Manila in 1870.  He worked as a blacksmith, tailor and a barber.

Macario de Leon Sakay

WHEREAS, General Macario Sakay, like his friend Andres Bonifacio, the Father of the Philippine Revolution, used his artistic gifts as theatre actor in the service of the people, actor in plays such as Prince Baldovino, Doce Pares de Francia, and Amante de la Corona.

WHEREAS, General Macario Sakay, as one of the early members of the Kataastaasang Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan founded by Bonifacio which spearheaded the revolution, led the victories at San Mateo and established his headquarters in Marikina and Montalban.

WHEREAS, General Macario Sakay, despite the murder of the Supremo Andres Bonifacio, continued fighting the Spaniards and the new colonizers, the Americans.  He was jailed for his resistance but was granted an amnesty.

WHEREAS, General Macario Sakay, as a true believer of the legal and democratic processes, became one of the founders of the short-lived old Partido Nacionalista advocating for Philippine Independence.  The implementation of the Sedition Law which made their party an illegal organization forced him to take up arms again in 1902.  Vowing that he and his men will not cut their hair until Inang Bayan had achieved freedom, the length of their hair became an icon of resistance and their unfulfilled hopes and dreams.

WHEREAS, General Macario Sakay, who established the Republika ng Katagalugan after the surrender of President General Emilio Aguinaldo and became its president, wanted to go back to the original principles of the Katipunan—Kapatiran, Kabutihan, Kaginhawaan, tunay na Kalayaan.  With this he created a large following in the Tagalog region with headquarters at Mt. San Cristobal near Mt. Banahaw protected by a millenarian religious sect.  Eventually he transferred his headquarters to the mountains of Morong, a continuation of the “ilihan” ancestral tradition of resistance on the mountains.

WHEREAS, General Macario Sakay was duped by the Americans through an ilustrado that he will be given an amnesty, and that his demand for a legislative assembly and a university for Filipinos will be granted, he and his men went down from the mountains, only to be arrested, charged and detained.

WHEREAS, General Macario Sakay, despite the mass demonstrations and support for him in front the gates of Malacañang Palace and favourable testimonies from fellow revolutionaries like Pio del Pilar, was sentenced to death for banditry, murder, rape and kidnapping.

WHEREAS, General Macario Sakay, firm to end that he did not surrender and he did not commit any crime, uttered his last words in front of the gallows as a declaration of his true intentions for Inang Bayan:  “Death comes to all of us sooner or later, so I will face the Lord Almighty calmly. But I want to tell you that we are not bandits and robbers, as the Americans have accused us, but members of the revolutionary force that defended our mother country, the Philippines! Farewell! Long live the Republic and may our independence be born in the future! Long live the Philippines!”

WHEREAS, General Macario Sakay’s fight which lasted until 1906, was still part of the Philippine-American War, correcting the impression that this struggle was ended with General Aguinaldo’s surrender in 1901, and the American declaration of the end of the war on 4 July 1902.  The Philippine American War started during the first shot fired by the Americans against Filipinos on 4 February 1899 at Sta. Mesa, Manila and ended during the battle between the Americans and the Tausug community on 1913 atop Bud Bagsak in June 1913.  Considered as the first Vietnam-like War, the atrocities and aggression of American volunteers in this war resulted to an estimated 200,000 Filipinos dead.

WHEREAS, General Macario Sakay, despite overwhelming accounts of his love of country and immense contribution to the struggle for freedom—being the general who fought for the longest time in the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American War—had no major streets in the Philippines named after him.  This is an indication of the lack of recognition to the heroism of this great hero.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved, by the PHILIPPINE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION, to respectfully recommend to the Department of National Defense through Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office through Administrator Lt. Gen. Ernesto G. Carolina (ret.), the naming of Camp Eldridge in Los Baños, Laguna as Camp General Macario Sakay not only because of Sakay’s unsung heroism but also because the mountain where he camped—Mt. San Cristobal, falls under the jurisdiction of the provinces of Quezon and Laguna.  Therefore a camp in one of the most active provinces of the Philippine Revolution, Laguna, named after General Macario Sakay, is only but fitting.

BE IT RESOLVED, FURTHER, that the association extends its commendation to LtCol. Ronald Jess S. Alcudia Inf (GSC) PA, for spearheading this advocacy to seek institutional support to rename Camp Eldridge to Camp General Macario Sakay.

BE IT RESOLVED FURTHERMORE, that the association extends its gratitude to Undersecretary Carolina for forwarding the abovementioned advocacy to the association for its opinion.

BE IT RESOLVED FURTHERMORE, that the association humbly recommends that the renaming happen at the soonest possible time within the year to coincide with the year of the 150^th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio, whose Katipunan brotherhood Sakay was an early member.

BE IT RESOLVED FURTHERMORE, that the association proposes a symposium where the association can be invited by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office to talk about General Macario Sakay on the forthcoming 106^th anniversary of his execution on 13 September 2013 at Camp Eldridge itself or at any other date and place that can be agreed upon.

BE IT RESOLVED FINALLY, that the text of this Resolution be uploaded to the official website of the association (pha1955.blogspot.com) and be proliferated through social media for the information of the public and for its wide dissemination.

UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED by the BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE PHILIPPINE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION present during its board meeting and oath taking at the offices of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in the historic Intramuros, City of Manila, Philippines, this Fourth day of July, in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Thirteen.

(Sgd) LUIS CAMARA DERY

President

Attested:

(Sgd) JONATHAN CAPULAS BALSAMO

Secretary

NCCA Executive Director Emelita Almosara officiates the Oath of Office of the Newly Elected Officers of the Philippine Historical Association (PHA) on July 4.  (From left to right) Almosara, Dr. Luis Camara Dery of De La Salle University Manila as PHA President, Dr. Evelyn Songco of the University of Santo Tomas as Vice President; Jonathan Balsamo of Museo Valenzuela as Secretary; and Dr. Evelyn Miranda, retired Professor from University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, as treasurer.  Not in the photo are Board Members:  Dr. Celestina Boncan of UP Manila; Dr. Estrellita Muhi, retired Professor of the University of the East; and Prof. Jerome Ong of UP Manila.  The PHA is a professional association of historians in the Philippines founded in 1955 by a group of prominent historians that include Encarnacion Alzona, Gabriel Fabella, Gregorio Zaide, Nicolas Zafra, Celedonio Resurreccion, Teodoro Agoncillo and Esteban de Ocampo (Photo from The Sunday Times Magazine, July 28, 2013, p. b3).

Ponente:  Xiao Chua, P.R.O. of the Association