BERN, Switzerland (MindaNews / 20 Dec) – “History is not a fair weather subject. It is all-weather!

”
Fernando Almeda Jr., the well-known Surigao local historian, author and advocate for the Mamanwa
indigenous group in the province, is prone to repeat to whoever cares to listen about history.

Thus, on a rainy December day, inside an apartment built in the 1970s that was renovated to become a
private library and workspace of modern-day function, was born the Surigao Historical Society.

The rains were heavy enough to deter the uninitiated newcomer or tourist from stepping out, but the
Surigaonon locals soon came in trickles, led by local historian Jun Almeda; Dr. Lucy Letim-Teves as
representative of the Saint Paul University-Surigao, which is the current repository of the Surigao
Heritage Center; and a smattering of Surigaonons interested in preserving local culture and tradition.
Another group was also present online, led by lawyer Charlo Paredes, co-founder of the “Manunuyat”
group that writes in Surigaonon; Maripaz Felicio Magno of the DepEd-Caraga; this writer and similar
advocates.