NHCP marks 90th anniversary with Centennial Celebrations launch

MANILA, Philippines — The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) on Monday launched its Centennial Celebrations as it marked its 90th founding anniversary.

The ceremonial launch of NHCP’s Centennial Celeberations for 2023 was held at the Presidential Car Museum in Quezon City with the theme “Patuloy sa Pagtuklas,” which was also the adopted NHCP Centennial Theme. The agency will celebrate its 100th anniversary in October 2033.

The theme "Patuloy sa Pagtuklas," unveiled on Monday, symbolizes the agency’s commitment of service to the nation and history as it is the principal government agency mandated to strengthen Filipinos’ nationalism “through the promotion of our history and protection of our heritage.”

The agency manages, maintains and administers national shrines, monuments, historical sites, edifices, and landmarks of significant historic-cultural value.

 “[It is] a challenge to continue in our mission of discovery in the midst of a rapidly changing world and a reminder to all Filipinos of our capacity to live up to and beyond the dreams and aspirations of those who came before us,” NHCP chair Emmanuel Franco Calairo said about the Centennial Theme.

The program was marked by performances from the Rizal Technological University Alumni Association Chorale and a narration of the history of NHCP by poet-artist and professor Vim Nadera.

NHCP traces its history from the Philippine Historical Research and Markers Committee established in 1933 and the National Historical Institute in 1974.

Meanwhile, as part of its 90th anniversary, the commission is opening its doors to the public on Wednesday for a book sale, guided tours in conservation laboratories, special exhibits, lectures and other activities.

It said that the book sale will offer 10% discount off on all NHCP publication titles.

NHCP invited the public to participate in the "Open House" from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the NHCP Building in T.M, Kalaw Avenue, Ermita, Manila.