23/07/2026
NHCP Officials Visit Iriga Parish, Inspire Local History and Archival Initiatives
Iriga City –
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chair Regalado Trota Jose, together with Francis Kristoffer Pasion and Aljon Concillado, visited St. Anthony of Padua Parish and Shrine in Iriga on July 22, 2026, for a significant engagement focused on preserving and reimagining local heritage.
The Parish warmly welcomed the NHCP delegation, serving lunch to the guests before transitioning into an afternoon of insightful lectures. From 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM, parishioners and other attendees gathered to listen to presentations under the compelling theme: “Reimagining the Local Archive: New Frameworks in Archival Practice and Local History.”
The event was organized by Kristian Cordero and Fr. Eric Bobis, in collaboration with Ryan Cuatrona. It aimed to strengthen community ties to history and encourage proactive steps in documentation and preservation.
Francis Kristoffer Pasion opened the lecture series with a clear overview of the NHCP’s mandate, outlining the commission’s role in promoting and protecting the country’s historical heritage at both national and local levels. Aljon Concillado followed, emphasizing the importance of local history drawn from the everyday experiences of residents, highlighting how ordinary stories and community memories form the foundation of a richer national narrative.
Chair Regalado Trota Jose delivered the final talk, exploring new frameworks in archiving and writing local history. He encouraged innovative approaches to collecting, managing, and interpreting archival materials, urging participants to think creatively about how local records can be made more accessible and relevant.
The program extended beyond the scheduled time due to the high level of interest and engagement from attendees, who actively participated in discussions. Among the notable participants was literary writer and history advocate Frank Peñones, whose contributions added depth to the conversations.
A key highlight of the visit was the Parish’s expressed plan to establish its own museum. This initiative aligns with the broader goals discussed, positioning the parish and the city of Iriga as active stewards of cultural heritage.
Organizers and participants acknowledged that much work remains ahead for the parish and the city. The visit is seen as a promising step toward building stronger archival practices, fostering community pride in local history, and laying the groundwork for future heritage projects in the region.
The successful gathering underscored the growing momentum for local history initiatives in Iriga, with NHCP support expected to play a vital role in upcoming efforts.
