Recognizing that local history shapes national identity, Partido State University (ParSU), through the College of Arts and Humanities, partnered with the Philippine Historical Association (PHA) and hosted the 2026 PHA Independence Day Colloquium with the theme "Pag-akda ng Kasaysayang Bikolano" on June 29, 2026.ย
Conducted in a hybrid format, the event brought together historians, researchers, educators, students, and heritage advocates from across the country to deepen public understanding of Bikol's contribution to the nation's history.
Held in celebration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day, the colloquium served as a platform for presenting historical research, promoting evidence-based scholarship, and encouraging critical conversations on how regional narratives enrich the country's collective memory, highlighting the region's significant yet often underrepresented role in the Philippine Revolution and the continuing pursuit of nation-building.
In his message, ParSU President Dr. Arnel B. Zarcedo underscored that Philippine independence is best understood through the stories of national heroes, the experiences of ordinary Filipinos, and the communities that contributed to the country's struggle for freedom. He reaffirmed the University's commitment to supporting research that preserves local heritage and brings greater attention to regional histories. "By preserving and studying regional history, we contribute to a fuller, more inclusive, and more democratic understanding of the Filipino nation," he said.
The academic forum featured renowned historians and scholars who shared fresh perspectives on Bikolano history and its connections to the broader Philippine narrative. Dr. Michael Charleston "Xiao" B. Chua of De La Salle University discussed Sorsogon's participation in the Revolution. Dr. Danilo M. Gerona of ParSU examined the story of the 15 Martyrs of Bicol and the Spanish fiction of a Revolution. Atoy M. Navarro of the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila reflected on the scholarly legacy of Dr. Luis Camara Dery in documenting Bikol history, while Dr. Ian Christopher B. Alfonso of UP Diliman explored the historical ties between the Bikolano and Kapampangan peoples.
Capping the colloquium, Jonathan C. Balsamo, Museum Curator of Museo Valenzuela and Secretary General of the PHA, tackled the importance of sustained collaboration among historians, academic institutions, and local communities to preserve regional histories and ensure that these narratives continue to enrich the country's collective memory. His message reflected the colloquium's central goal of deepening public appreciation of Bikol's contributions to the nation's history.
The success of the event reflects ParSU's continuing commitment to advancing research, preserving cultural heritage, and providing platforms for meaningful academic discourse that strengthens historical consciousness and nation-building. By connecting scholarship with public engagement, ParSU helps cultivate informed citizens who value truth, historical integrity, and the diverse stories that shape the Filipino nation.
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