ScSc 12n – Readings in Philippine History

Department of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences

Visayas State University

Lesson 4.1: History Alive!

Lesson Summary
This lesson will expose you to ways how to make history alive through
making it easily accessible and interesting to other people. Here, you will be
learning how to do basic local historical research, basic evaluation of public
historical sites, museums, and shrines, and basic local historical project. You
will then be tasked to chose one activity for your final project.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:
1. Create either local historical research, or an evaluation of public
historical sites, museums, and shrines, or a local historical project.

Motivation Question
Have you seen Lourd de Veyra and Xiao
Chua babbling historical facts on
television?
Does it raise your interest in how they
present history so much different from
how you read them in textbooks?
These television personalities are making
history alive.

Discussion
This chapter in the course Readings in Philippine History is the
culminating activity for you to showcase the skills you have developed while
doing all those tasks in the previous chapters. Skills in processing historical
sources and articulating an analysis of information are essential to historical
research. It is expected that at this time, you have at least the basics for this
task. Aside from creating historical research, you will also be exposing yourself
to public history activities, i.e. evaluating shrines, museums, and historical
markers, and proposing a local historical project.
 ScSc 12n – Readings in Philippine History
Department of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences
Visayas State University

Local History

Local history is a relatively young trend of history as a discipline. In the

Philippine setting, history has always been coupled with grand events that are
seen relevant to a national scope. It was not a long ago that the study of history
in the Philippines shifted towards local events through the use of local written
and material sources, as well as the oral source. Local historical writings may
include family histories, microscale histories (like barangay histories), and
cultural mapping. At times, these local historical findings are placed
concerning what has been happening on the national scene. For example, while
talking to your 95-year old grandfather about your family history, he may talk
about his experiences during World War II or even during the time of Marcos’
Martial law and narrate about how those events have affected your family as a
whole. Another example, a place might have been named after a certain event
has taken place there.
Example Format for Local Historical Research
Title
- The title should not exceed 14 words.
- The title should specify the location and the time frame the study
covers since it is historical research.

Abstract
- This section described the general content of the whole research
paper. It contains 200 words maximum with the following
discussions: the general problem of the study justifying why this
research was made, design and methods, most significant findings
or results, conclusion, and recommendation.
- After the abstract, you can include keywords. Keywords are words
used in searching your article online. Please provide at least 6
keywords describing your paper. You can get keywords from your
title, area of your study, the research approach, design, the scientific
process, etc.

Introduction
- A present comprehensive discussion about the context of your
research. Support it with literature talking about your research, this
means, that what other researchers say about your research. The
last paragraph should present the importance and the “why” did you
conduct this research. A good ending should present a clear
connection to the next area of the research, some call this section
as the clincher statement.
- At the end of the introduction, the research problem should be
stated.

Methodology
- This part should contain the research design and research
methodology.
 ScSc 12n – Readings in Philippine History
Department of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences
Visayas State University

- The research design should present the design you use and support
it with literature(s) justifying why it is the most appropriate design
in your study.
- The research methodology should discuss the process of your
study including the data gathering techniques, instruments, number
of respondents, and others. Kindly justify why it is the most
appropriate gathering technique and instrument you use in your
study.

Results and Discussion

- This presents the detailed findings of the data gathered and the
results of the analysis. The presentation should follow the
following: presentation of the results, discussion about the result,
implication of the result, and literature support at least 3 of them to
every claim that the research will find out.

Conclusion and Recommendation

- This is not a repetition of your findings in the previous section, but
rather it is the scientific understanding of the researcher on what
transpired in the previous section. The recommendation follows
based on the findings.

References
- It is a must to use APA style 6th edition. An example to get some
article on the internet is: go to scholar.google.com, then type the
term or words you want to search, then click and read the article, if
you get an idea and use it in your article then you must cite in in-text
citation and writing the whole source in the references, to do this: in
the scholar.google.com below the link of the article you read, you’ll
find out a link called “cite”, click it then select the APA and copy-
paste it in your references.

Public History

In simple terms, public history can be defined as history for public

consumption. In this branch of history, a historian employs methods outside of
the academic practice of history. It is in this discipline that the historian shares
historical information to the public through media, museums, archives, and
historic preservations (e.g. shrines, and markers).
For this course, I will show you sample public history projects.

Example of Evaluation of a Museum: Museu Sugbu

 ScSc 12n – Readings in Philippine History
Department of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences
Visayas State University

Figure 1. Photos of Museu Sugbu, Cebu City.

Entry
The museum’s façade and entrance are really visible to the museum hunters
and even passers-by. Tarpaulins and signposts are present outside of the
museum which helps enticing visitors. I’ve seen several cars at the back are of
the museum and I’m presuming that it is a parking area for visitors and the
likes.
Reception
Outside of the museum’s main building is a booth that collects a certain
amount if you want to have a tour. After you’ve paid the fee, you will be given a
guide brochure for the tours in the museum. When you enter the main building,
the guard directs you to the rooms in the museum.
Appeal
There were several rooms (especially the pre-Hispanic and Hispanic exhibits)
which were lighted dimly to fit the historical theme of the museum.
Message and Relevance
The message of the museum, as a whole, is the awareness of Philippine history
and Cebuano history in particular. The museum, in itself, is a historical site.
The museum had several rooms with different exhibits. Each of these is a very
much relevant piece of knowledge if you are a Philippine history enthusiast. To
cite, its first room contains facts about the pre-Hispanic Philippines (esp. Cebu)
like things about Southeast Asian relations, the balangay, and archeological
discoveries. Some rooms showcased several popular Cebuano historical
 ScSc 12n – Readings in Philippine History
Department of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences
Visayas State University

figures like Sergio Osmeña Sr., Jovito, and Gregorio Abellana. All in all, the
rooms showcased the almost complete history of the Philippines.
Accessibility
The exhibits are quite accessible to visitors. They are allowed to take pictures
inside the museum. The glass cases are just of the right height for students or
even children in their intermediate years. Of course, I would not advise bringing
smaller and younger kids because the museum has lots of breakables.
Ease of Movement and Closure
The museum is quite spacious. There were lots of rooms containing different
themes. There was also a quadrangle wherein people could assemble –
especially the ones who are having a school tour. I think the museum could
even hold 1000 visitors or more at a time.
As for my visit, there was a clear suggestion outlined in the brochure as to
where the visitor should go last.
Gift/Book Shop
There was a room selling several books and gift items.
Rating Scale (1-5 with 5 as the highest) and Comments
5 – I think that this museum is the best in Cebu. Aside from having informative
exhibits, it is well advertised and is quite known to locals when you ask for
information about its location.
Would you recommend to a friend?
Yes, I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Example of Evaluation of a Historical Marker: Cebu Heritage Marker (in Parian)

Figure 2. Photos of Cebu Heritage Marker in Parian, Cebu City.

Theme and Effectiveness of Representation

The historical marker’s theme is all about Cebu’s culture, heritage, and
history. The structures effectively represent Cebu’s culture, heritage, and
history, particularly during the Spanish period.
 ScSc 12n – Readings in Philippine History
Department of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences
Visayas State University

Accessibility
The monument can be passed by when you are riding jeeps which has Colon
part of their route. It is located in the Parian area.
Integration into the Landscape
Even though the marker stands out, it is unquestionably spoiled by the other
structures around the landscape.
Appeal
The historic site is grand that even if the landscape is not that good, it oozes
with much appeal and it is very noticeable by passers-by and tourist-alike.
When I explored the site, I even came about several foreigners (Westerners)
taking pictures of the historic site.
Rating Scale (1-5 with 5 as the highest) and Comments
4 -The local government (or any concerned agency) should invest or budget
funds for the maintenance of the monument. These should also include a bit
of security work to prevent thieves and vandals from damaging the historical
site. An example of damage I saw on the site was vandalistic writing on the
historic site’s marker.

Example of a Historical Project Proposal

(Note: This is just an example)
Title: Baybayanon History and Heritage Museum
I. Rationale

In my many years living in Baybay city(Leyte), I wasn’t conscious of its basic

pieces of information and history up until I reached the early years of my
graduate studies when I was encouraged to read about local histories. While
reading about a brief history of our town, it came to me that I might not be alone
in this dilemma of not knowing the hometown’s history. When I asked several
younger friends of mine if they know about our town’s history, they could never
really utter many things. What about the “a-bit older” individuals? When I was
asking around middle-aged people (about 20s-40s), their answers are quite
similar to the younger ones – few and vague. Of course, they can’t answer it in
great detail. The question is “Why?”
One possible reason is that local history is still not a thing in the curricula of
elementary and high school in our hometown. How do I know these things?
First, during my elementary and high school years, I never recalled my social
science teachers talking about our local history. Second, I spent two semesters
of my college years (sometime in 2008-09) observing elementary schools, and
still, I haven’t noticed local history in the social science lessons. Third, when I
was taking up the mandatory Philippine History in college, the teacher only
lectures about the things in the history books which are just grounded on the
general national level history. And finally, when I was still taking up my teacher
education degree, a major subject containing Philippine history matters were
only focused on the National level.
 ScSc 12n – Readings in Philippine History
Department of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences
Visayas State University

As for the older persons, they have a better knowledge of Baybayanon history.
When I asked my father, aunts, and uncles (who are locals of Baybay) about the
history of Baybay, they can narrate several significant events in Baybayanon
history. This is of course regarding their parents’ or great grandparents’ stories.
But only a few of these old ones share stories with the younger ones, this is
especially because they believe that the history of today is getting boring and
irrelevant. No young one would dare ask the old one's things about the past
because they are much focused on the present and the future – and Facebook.
Now, the challenge is how do we start or increase the historical consciousness
of Baybayanons, especially the younger ones, about the city’s local history.
How could the Baybayanons answer to this challenge? The answer is a local
history and heritage museum. We need not abruptly disruptDepEd’s or CHEd’s
schedules. We just need to create a venue where knowledge about our city’s
history and heritage is available for reaping anytime. It is much more exciting
and interesting than boring lectures in the classroom.

II. Objectives

The project: “Baybayanon History and Heritage Museum” mainly aims to

educate and increase the consciousness of the Baybayanons (especially the
younger ones) about the city’s local history. It specifically aims to:
• List biographies of historical personalities that contributors to
Baybayanon history.
• Enumerate and detail events that are significant in the formation of the
present-day Baybay.
• Showcase artifacts and relics from Baybay which are historical.
• Help tourism efforts and empower the other sectors (e.g. business and
transportation) through the showcase of Baybayanon heritage.

III. Stages of the Project

A. Project Proposal and Team Formation

The first step in the project is to form a team responsible for managing the
whole project. This team should consist of 4-5 people. The team leader
should be a manager who is also knowledgeable about History (esp.
Baybayanon or Philippine History). He would play as the consultant of the
other team members. Other members would include another two history
enthusiasts to assist the leader and to lead the research aspect of the
project; a business manager or accountant for the business aspect of the
project; an architect or engineer for the design aspect and infrastructure
development of the museum.
The first task of the team is to create a good project proposal to build a
Baybayanon History and Heritage Museum. This proposal should reflect
the ideal location of the museum, target fund to raise, and possible
contents of the museum. It is then submitted to the different agencies and
other establishments in Baybay (private and government). This is to entice
agencies to invest in the project – to start it, and keep it running.

B. Solicitation, Budget, and Fund Allocations

 ScSc 12n – Readings in Philippine History
Department of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences
Visayas State University

The proposal would be submitted to these target agencies and

establishments: (1) City Government of Baybay; (2) Franciscan College of
Immaculate Conception; (3) Visayas State University; (4) Baybay Parish
Church; and (5) business establishments of Baybay.
When the funds are collected and secured, the team member in charge of
the budget would hold a consultation meeting with the other members
regarding the budgeting of the money into several areas of the project, i.e.
(1) research, (2) items and artifacts collection, (3) infrastructures
development, (4) staff hiring, and (5) other expenditures.

C. Research, Information, Items and Artifacts Collection

With funds at hand, the history majors of the team would work on finding
the good and relevant displays for the museum. They would also be
responsible for gathering or producing the texts of the displays. These
displays would possibly include (1) photos and documents about the old
Baybay Parish church; (2) photos and documents Punta church – the oldest
church in Baybay; (3) replica of the bell Punta church; (4) biographies of
different historical personalities of Baybay; (4) old maps of Baybay; (5)
photos and stories of old buildings of Baybay; (6) testimonials of the great
flood of Baybay; (7) paintings which picture Baybay of the past; and (8)
other relevant items.
As to the sources of these possible items, they should be tapping into the
Baybay Parish church documents, Baybay City government records, diaries
of locals who already passed away, and the oldest locals of Baybay for
testimonials.
It is of course important that this research aspect be led by a history major,
or at least a Baybayanon history expert.
D. Infrastructure Development and Display Designing
As soon as the fund is available, the architecture/engineering expert would
be working on the museum's structure. He would of course consult the
other members’ opinions on the grand design. The ideal location would
preferably be a place in the city proper for the reason that it is the center for
transportation, food, and security. The ideal structure of the museum
should be made of concrete materials. But of course, if the funds won’t
allow the creation of a new building, the team might be able to buy off a
Baybayanon heritage house – several of which are located in the road
leading to the church.
When the building is available, the lightings should be checked. It should
not be too bright and must have a dim yellowish light to have a historical
feel in the atmosphere. Of course, the building should be well ventilated or
better be air-conditioned.
With regards to design, the displays should be arranged chronologically
without cramping the spaces in between displays. This would allow visitors and
tourists to move freely from one exhibit to another.
Also, the museum should have an extra room (apart from regular exhibit
rooms) for other special exhibits, function events, or seminars.
E. Security, Maintenance, and Operations
When the museum is all set, the team should hire professional museum
maintenance personnel. Their main role is to secure and maintain the displays
and exhibits. Also, they would function as curators and museum guides.
 ScSc 12n – Readings in Philippine History
Department of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences
Visayas State University

The museum would be operating Monday-Saturday, even on Holidays, except

for special cases when the museum should close.

IV. List of Stakeholders/Experts/Skills

A. Stakeholders
• City government
• Baybay parish church
• Schools (e.g. Visayas State University, Franciscan College of Immaculate
Conception, Baybay National Highschool, etc.)
• Food sector (Jollibee, MangInasal, Andok’s)
• Business sector (Supermarkets and Minimarts)
• Supply and Publishing companies – for books and brochures
• Transport sector (Bus, Multicabs, Pedicabs, etc.)

B. Experts/Skills
• Baybayanon historians (curators)
• Museum maintenance managers
• Art experts
• Advertising experts

C. Other Employees
• Security officers
• Maintenance personnel/Utility men
• Receptionists
• Design personnel

V. Budgetary Requirements

The project would ideally require more or less 10 million pesos to start the
museum running. It would be budgeted as follows: (1) 40% of this budget would
be for the infrastructure development; (2) 20% for salary and wages of the
employees for at least a year of operations; and (3) 35% for funding of the
research and also securing the collection of the necessary items for display.

VI. Marketing Strategies

Marketing strategies would include: (1) posters and tarpaulins would be posted
in strategic areas in Baybay, especially near school establishments; (2) the
team could also make an advertisement in the local cable station; (3)
webpages would be created to feature the museum; (4) formation of an
agreement with the schools of Baybay and other parts of Leyte as to regular
field trips for those having History or Social science-related subjects.
The museum would charge a certain pocket-friendly amount to the visitors and
tourists for the museum to continue operations. The ideal charge should be 10
pesos for children aging 5 below, students (provided they present an ID) and
disabled, and 30 pesos for regular people.
The team could also make and publish books about Baybayanon History or
History in general. These books would be sold in the gift items and books
 ScSc 12n – Readings in Philippine History
Department of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences
Visayas State University

section of the museum. The museum should receive 15% of the revenue of the
books and other gift items.

VII. Time Frame

The museum project could start running 1 year after acquiring the necessary
funds. With this 1 year, the building could have already been developed and the
researchers would have found good items for display in the museum.