Markers installed by the PHRMC, the predecessor of the NHCP (left, installed in 1941) and by the NHCP (right, installed in 2022). Both markers commemorate the first shot of thePhilippine–American War.
TheNational Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and its predecessor agencies installhistorical markers (Filipino:Panandang pangkasaysayan;Spanish:Marcador histórico orPlaca histórica) in the Philippines and overseas to commemorate significant and historic events, persons,[1][2] sites, structures,[3] and institutions.[4] The commemorative plaques are permanent signs installed by the NHCP in publicly visible locations such as buildings, monuments, or other notable sites. The NHCP also allows local municipalities and cities to install markers honoring figures and events of local significance, although these markers are prohibited from using theseal of the Republic of the Philippines.[5]
Among private institutions and other concerned clients, the presence of markers denotes legacy and have stoked 'pride of place', or in cases, of individuals or of institutions.[6]
As of December 2023, the total number of historical markers (designated as Level II) included in the NHCP's registry is 1,381;[7] however, the number of markers from all lists exceeds 1,810, including those that are not yet listed on known official records (despite having the official seal), decommissioned, lost, destroyed, or of unknown location.
Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila, installed in 1934, was one of the first markers.
Examples of memorials and plaques before the Philippine Historical Research and Markers Committee (PHRMC)
Spanish-era (1856) memorial upon theBridge of Isabel II. An American era historical marker by the PHRMC was added in 1939 and was placed below the cross. Another commemorative plaque was added during the term of MayorAyong Maliksi (1988–1998).
Unveiling ceremony ofKabisera ng Republika ng Pilipinas Tarlac, Tarlac (Capital of the Republic of the PhilippinesTarlac,Tarlac) historical marker on July 14, 2014, at theTarlac State University (site of old Casa Real)Where "Ang Kalayaan" was Printed marker of the revolutionary publication of theKatipunan in San Nicolas, Manila was damaged because of the war. The original site was destroyed. Note the damaged part of the marker.
Monuments and plaques have been placed under the Spanish colonial government, marking relevant personages and events, such as the dedicationmonument toFerdinand Magellan, erected in 1866. During the American era, several civic efforts have been initiated to create monuments and to mark historic sites and events, such asCry of Balintawak,José Rizal Monument, and the birthplace ofAndrés Bonifacio. However, many more historical sites have not been recognized or marked.[8]
The earliest predecessor of the NHCP was thePhilippine Historical Research and Markers Committee (PHRMC). Established on October 23, 1933,[8] via Public Act 451 during thegovernorship ofFrank Murphy during theAmerican colonial era, one of its tasks was to mark cultural and historical antiquities in Manila, which was later expanded to cover the rest of the Philippines.[9] The first committee was composed of eight members; namely, Walter Robb as Chairman; Miguel Selga,Conrado Benitez, Edward Hyde,H. Otley Beyer,Jaime C. de Veyra, andEulogio Rodriguez as members. Richard Ely served as secretary.[10]
The first markers were installed in 1934, including ones forChurch of San Agustin,Fort Santiago,Plaza McKinley,Roman Catholic Cathedral of Manila,San Sebastian Church,Concordia College,Manila Railroad Company,Dr. Lorenzo Negrao,Church of Nuestra Señora de Guia, andUniversity of Santo Tomas (Intramuros site). These markers contained the name of the committee, the Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth Government, a historical narrative written in English, and the year of the marker's installation.[9] In 1941, the first dedication marker was installed inside theMabini Shrine commemoratingApolinario Mabini.[9] Issuance of markers generally stopped during theSecond World War except for the markerAng Unang Limbagan sa Pilipinas (The First Publishing House in the Philippines) which is dated 1943. The said marker was the first one inTagalog language, probably in compliance with promoting Philippine languages, alongside Japanese, against the usage of English.[9] Some of these pre-war markers were either lost or destroyed during the war and new markers were installed as replacements for San Agustin Church and Manila Cathedral. Throughout the years, some markers have also been reportedly missing as they were stolen and sold as scrap metal.[11] The installation of markers was continued by the successors of the PHRMC: thePhilippines Historical Committee (PHC, January 23, 1937),National Historical Commission (NHCP, June 19, 1965; May 12, 2010), and theNational Historical Institute (NHI, September 24, 1972). The standard style of markers has changed throughout the years.
After the war, in 1946, the language of the markers reverted to English with a new portrait-oriented rectangular design akin to the contemporary ones. The seal featured the coat of arms of the Third Philippine Republic, as well as the year of installation. 1955 markers have differently-colored bolts and accented border. Markers from 1963 featured Italicized texts until in 1966 when the markers also started to bore the new name of the agency, NHC. Markers bearing the new name of NHI started in 1974. During this decade, the usage of Tagalog has become more consistent, with a plain design and the coat of arms entirely within the body of the plaque. By 1977, the markers went back to its previous shape, although using a thinner metal instead of cast iron. Some 1980 markers had the coat of arms incorporated into the body of the plaque. Markers for artists in 1982 were designed in an oval-shape with an ornated border[9] similar to theegg-and-dart motiff. 1981 markers reverted to a similar style from the early 1970s. By 1983, marker design was again changed back similarly to post-war forms with changes on the coats of arms throughout changes in governments. By the 1990s, there are now markers with shorter texts with unique designs[9]
Significant design changes
The language of contemporary markers are mostly and primarily inFilipino, with markers also in English, Spanish, and regional languages. The first marker to contain a regional language was installed to commemorate theCebu Provincial Capitol in Cebu City. The markers, both inCebuano and Filipino, were installed in 2008. The first marker inIlocano was installed to commemorateMansion House in Baguio in 2009. The first marker inKapampangan was installed to commemorate the Holy Rosary Parish Church in Angeles in 2017.Historical markers outside of the Philippines may also be written in the local language of the country where the marker is installed such as German in Berlin, Germany[12] and French in Ghent, Belgium[13] (both markers commemorateJosé Rizal). Two of the first markers outside of the Philippines were installed inGhent,Belgium, commemorating the residence of José Rizal when theEl Filibusterismo was published, and inDezhou,China, commemoratingPaduka Batara, aKing of Sulu who paid tribute to theYongle Emperor and died there. Both were installed in 1959.
Markers related to Rizal number the most for any historical item, and Filipino historianTeodoro A. Agoncillo revealed that during his time (he served the NHCP from 1963 to 1985), their efforts in the board were mostly spent on approving, discussing, and rewriting the marker texts. With the number of marker requests relating to Rizal, he joked "Aba! Pati ba naman eskinitang inihian ni Rizal ibig lagyan ng marker!" (What, they even want us to mark obscure side streets where Rizal relieved himself!).[11]
In 2002, during the unveiling ceremony of the marker National Federation of Women's Clubs in the Philippines inManila Hotel, former presidentFidel Ramos joked that the curtain raising reminded him ofstriptease, and everybody laughed. It was the last time that the curtains were pulled upward, and from then, the unveiling involves curtain pulling instead.[14]
In 2011, the NHCP stated it will pursue more markers for Visayas and Mindanao for their further inclusion in national history, citing the concentration of markers in Luzon.[15]
The Kudan, the Philippine embassy building in Tokyo, has been declared a national historical landmark by the NHCP and was granted a historical marker on March 3, 2014. It is the first overseas site to be granted such status.[16] During the unveiling of the marker, Ambassador Manuel Lopez called the building asthe crown jewel of Philippine foreign service.[17]
On June 3, 2016, the NHCP, for the first time, installed a marker for a nameless personality. A marker was installed inMacabebe, commemorating theleader of theBattle of Bangkusay Channel, the "first native to give up his life for independence".[18]
The markers collectively depict select events of theMagellan-Elcano voyage in the Philippine archipelago. Each marker consists of a pedestal with a globe motif on top as afinial. The tiltation of the globe element was also certified by thePhilippine Space Agency. On one side of the pedestal is the commemoration plaque and on another side is a dust marblerelief which has a design dependent on the specific site of the marker. The reliefs are made by sculptors Jonas Roces and Francis Apiles and are based on sketches by muralist Derrick Macutay. The NHCP described the designs as a deviation from typical "orientalist" depictions by foreigners of pre-colonial Filipinos as savages. The markers are an attempt to depict events of the expedition from a Filipino point of view.[20]
In 2023, the NHCP launched a marker seriesLandas ng Pagkabansang Pilipino (Philippine Nationhood Trail), commemorating the 125th anniversary of thePhilippine declaration of independence in 1898 including the subsequent struggles of theFirst Philippine Republic leading to GeneralEmilio Aguinaldo's capture in 1901. The commission said, "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."[23] The marker locations follow the sites of the movement of thecapitals of the Philippines during the revolutionary period. Many markers depict locations where Aguinaldo and his men passed through.
The markers series track events that gave birth to the Philippine nation, starting fromKawit, Cavite (proclamation of Independence) toPalanan,Isabela (site ofEmilio Aguinaldo's capture by the Americans). Three markers were revealed in 2023, 43 will be revealed in 2024, and the total markers released by 2026 will be 74. The series is expected to yield 100 markers with a standard memorial marker and pedestal.
A certificate of transfer and acceptance for a marker
The following are the policies issued by the NHCP on the installation of markers:[24]
Markers shall be installed for Filipino heroes, historic events and places involving historical acts and patriotic endeavors to dramatize the need to focus to the national consciousness the history of our country from the Filipino viewpoint and to evoke pride in our national heritage and identity.
Installation of historical markers that honor Filipino heroes shall be undertaken after proper and thorough study.
Historical markers shall only be installed in places with great historical value as determined by the NHI Board.
Historical markers for religious personalities maybe installed in recognition of social or historical value.
Historical marker shall not be installed to honor persons deceased less than fifty years, unless they are considered outstanding figures.
Request for historical markers may be granted during the centenary year of deserving persons, places or structures.
Historical markers shall not be installed in honor of persons who are still living.
Historical markers may be installed in honor of foreigners, only in exceptional cases.
Markers of local significance shall be allowed upon approved application to the NHI provided they are installed and financed by the agency, person or organization making the request and in such cases, the seal of the Republic of the Philippines shall not be allowed to be used.
In consonance with the national policy, all texts of historical markers shall be in the National Language.
The historical marker shall have a uniform design, size and materials. The NHI shall exercise the exclusive right (patent) over its use and production.
The historical markers are government property. Any act to destroy or remove the said markers without the written authority from the NHI Board shall be charged criminally in accordance with existing laws. The NHI shall conceptualize the standard design, size and materials of the pedestals for the historical marker.
To ensure the protection, upkeep and maintenance of the historical markers, the NHI and the client (i.e. local executives, descendant of the hero, etc.) shall both officially agree and sign the Certificate of Transfer.
Historical marker attached to the façade of a structure
There have been various sentiments on historical curiosities awaiting official recognition. One book from the late '50s, published by theDepartment of Education, pondered how there have only been three markers back then that commemorate pre-colonial conquest items (Ifugao Rice Terraces,Code of Kalantiaw (now considered a hoax), andLapulapu). Cited was the gravity of pre-colonial history destroyed under Spanish conquest, parallel on the experience ofMesoamericans. The book also pointed how colonial resistance figures such asApolinario dela Cruz,Andrés Malong, andGumapos, as well as culture heroes such as Fr.Modesto de Castro, author ofUrbana at Feliza, did not have markers back then. Historical erasures and scant documentation were lamented.[10] Other concerns include the vast concentration of markers in and around Metro Manila, language of markers, and even blatant political motivations.
Baguio City Hall façade, with the historical marker on one of its columns
Some historical markers have also caused issues and controversies due to different reasons:
Baguio City Hall – Markers have also been used to justify the historicity of the place and help preserve the area, like in the issue of developing theCity Hall site inBaguio. Despite the lack of resolutions or consultations, former NHCP ChairpersonMaria Serena Diokno affirmed the historical significance of the area against alterations on the historical site under theNational Cultural Heritage Act.[25]
Blood Contact Between Sikatuna and Legaspi – The site of the historical marker of theSandugo, or the blood compact betweenSikatuna andLegazpi became an issue because of the NHCP board resolution that the event site was located off the waters ofLoay and notTagbilaran. Despite the resolution, the marker remains in its original place.[26]
The Code of Kalantiaw – This historical marker inBatan, installed on December 8, 1956,[27] remained in place even afterWilliam Henry Scott in 1968 proved thatThe Code of Kalantiaw andDatu Kalantiaw to be hoaxes and even after a resolution was issued by the NHI in 2004.
Ferdinand Marcos 1917–1989 – A historical marker commemorating the centennial birth anniversary of PresidentFerdinand Marcos in Batac, Ilocos Norte unveiled on September 11, 2017, became controversial and became a case forhistorical revisionism, following thecontroversial burial of the late dictator.[28] Baybayin, anAteneo de Manila student organization, issued an alternative marker online containing atrocities under the Marcos regime, as well as his burial as a statement against historical revisionism.[29]
The First Congress of the Republic of the Philippines 1946 ~ 1949 – The marker concerning thefirst congress is the biggest marker made, measuring 52x72 inches. The 1946 marker was replaced on January 27, 2010, when governorCarlos Padilla ofNueva Vizcaya asked why his father,Constancio Padilla was missing from the list of the legislators.Luis Taruc,Jesus Lava, andAmado Yuson of theDemocratic Alliance were not in the marker even though they appeared in the Congressional Records, whileLuis Clarin,Carlos Fortich, andNarciso Ramos were in the 1946 marker but not in the present Congressional Records. The Lava brothers and Yuzon were dismissed from Congress, although the latter moved to theNacionalista Party. Fortich died before completing his term and was replaced by his widow,Remedios Ozamiz Fortich. Ramos won as the congressman for the 5th district of Pangasinan, but was appointed soon after to theUnited Nations, and was replaced byCipriano Allas.[14]
Francisco "Soc" Rodrigo 1914–1998 – There is the case of a possible relocation of a historical marker dedicated toFrancisco "Soc" Rodrigo inBulakan over ownership issues of the heritage house.[30]
Jose Rizal1861–1896 Tarlak, Tarlak – The historical marker for José Rizal inTarlac City was reported to be in a state of rot in 2011.[31] The marker was relocated and put in a better position in front of the city plaza after 58 years of neglect.[32]
Labanan sa Karagatan ng SibuyanBattle of Sibuyan Sea – Related to the discovered shipwrecks (Japanese shipMusashi) in Sibuyan Island, Romblon, a group has been pushing the transfer of the marker to the said island from the town ofAlcantara.[33]
La Ignaciana – The historical marker (installed in 1939) of the Jesuit institutionLa Ignaciana inSanta Ana, Manila was stolen. A replacement marker was planned to be installed by the end of 2014,[34] but it never took place.
Macapagal-Macaraeg Ancestral House – The marker for the mid-century Macapagal-Macaraeg house inIligan, issued in 2002, became an issue because PresidentDiosdado Macapagal never lived in the said house, although it became a home for his daughter PresidentGloria Macapagal Arroyo.[35]
Memorare – Days before theBonifacio Day of 2017, reports surface the demolition of theBonifacio centennial monument in Makati, along with its historical marker. It was done by theDepartment of Public Works and Highways to build a bridge connectingOrtigas andBonifacio Global City business districts without informing and seeking the approval of the NHCP. DPWH, however, stated that it informed the local government unit and temporarily removed the statue to protect it from the construction. The department also said that it has allotted ₱39 million for the restoration of the park after the project has been completed in 2020.[36][37][38]
Memorare – A statue and marker, namedFilipina Comfort Women Statue, remembering thecomfort women of World War II, installed on December 8, 2017, along Baywalk, Roxas Boulevard, Malate, Manila, caught the attention from the officials from theDepartment of Foreign Affairs and the Japanese Embassy in Manila.[39] In response,Teresita Ang-See, said that the memorial should not become an insult versus Japan.[40] On April 27, 2018, the DPWH removed the memorial for a drainage improvement project along the Baywalk. Many individuals and groups, includingGabriela Women's Party condemned the removal, stating historical revisionism and submission to Japanese policy. They also stated that this has been an unlawful removal, since theheritage act protects markers and memorials by the NHCP.[41][42]President Duterte remarked that the memorial can be placed in a private property, since the state would not want to "antagonize" other countries.[43]
Patricio Mariano (1877–1935) – The historical marker dedicated toPatricio Mariano inEscolta, Binondo, Manila received social media attention regarding its then derelict state. On January 28, 2015, on the occasion of Mariano's 80th death anniversary, the Escolta Revival Movement wrote to the NHCP regarding the situation of the marker. The NHCP renovated the marker the day after.[44] Local residents were unable to notice the marker had the reporters have not pointed it out.[45]
Pisamban Maragul (Pisamban ning Angeles) andMansyong PamintuanThe Large Church (Church of Angeles) andPamintuan Mansion –The case ofAngeles City markers ofSanto Rosario Church and thePamintuan Mansion became example of markers replaced by new ones bearing rectified information. The latter markers indicate that the anniversary of thePhilippine independence was celebrated there in 1899; however, the former venue was discovered to have been the real place of the commemoration.[46]
Pook Kung Saan Sinulat ang "Filipinas", Liriko ng Pambansang Awit Bautista, PangasinanSite Where "Filipinas", Lyrics to the National Anthem, was Written Bautista, Pangasinan – Delayed negotiations with the family that owns Casa Hacienda prompted the local government ofBautista to install the marker whereFilipinas/Lupang Hinirang was composed to the town's plaza instead.[47]
Pook Na Kinamatayan ni Doña Aurora Aragon QuezonDeath place of Aurora Aragon Quezon – A marker was rededicated on the site on April 28, 2013, after the original marker dated February 13, 1991, went missing. The marker inBongabon stands on the site whereAurora Aragon Quezon was assassinated.[48]Some markers are not installed as they may have been lost, stolen, worn-out, or replaced by an updated marker. In some cases, like these markers currently at the storage of the NHCP, they have been decommissioned because of various reasons and may be displayed, restored, and/or reinstalled in the future.
Unang Putok sa Digmaang Filipino-Amerikano andTulay ng San JuanFirst Shot in the Filipino-American War andSan Juan Bridge – Following the move to relocate the marker of the first shot of theFilipino-American War fromSan Juan Bridge to the corner of Sociego and Silencio, Santa Mesa, Manila, former NHI ChairpersonAmbeth Ocampo was declaredpersona non grata inSan Juan. The NHI then issued a replacement marker on the bridge, indicating it as a boundary between Filipino and American soldiers during the war, instead of it being the site of the first shot.[49] Later, a 2023 study done by Ronnie Miravite Casalmir placed the correct location of the first shot of the Philippine-American War at the corner of Sociego St. and Tomas Arguelles St.,[50] not at Sociego-Silencio where they erroneously have the marker.[51]
In 2004, the NHCP approved a marker for theAlberto House,Biñan for its historicity in relation toTeodora Alonso, José Rizal, and the city. However, the marker did not push through because the owner refused to follow preservation requests.[52]
Some markers have been worn out or have faded texts because of natural reasons. There have also been some markers that have been refused to be read by other Filipinos because the language was not in a local one.[11]
^abHistorical Markers Placed by the Philippine Historical Committee. Manila: Bureau of Printing. 1958.
^abcdefNational Historical Commission of the Philippines (2024). Alcid, Alvin; Vargas, Jericho Lester (eds.).NHCP Annual Report 2023. National Historical Commission of the Philippines.ISSN2345-8003.
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