GUIDELINES ON THE ORGANIZATION OF THE LOCAL HISTORICAL

COMMITTEES NETWORK (LHCN)

Adopted by during the 9th General Assembly of the LHCN, 4 August 2022, Cebu City

WHEREAS the Local Historical Committees Network was formally established by Republic Act
No. 10086 or the Strengthening People's Nationalism Through History Act to monitor, coordinate,
support, and affiliate local history organizations and bodies engaged in the collection,
documentation, popularization, research, restoration, and preservation of extant historical
materials across the country.

WHEREAS the National Historical Commission of the Philippines established the LHCN
Secretariat to serve as the primary unit to execute and coordinate with the LHCN member-affiliates
for the purposes enumerated under Republic Act No. 10086.

WHEREAS the LHCN and the NHCP reorganized the structure of the LHCN under the 2018-2022
National Action Plan, otherwise known as the Baler Agenda, and created five sub-committees
focusing on the five thrusts of the NHCP, namely: Research, Preservation and Conservation,
Documentation, Publication, and Promotions and Popularization.

WHEREAS the Baler Agenda's effectivity has lapsed in June 2022 and a new National Action
Plan was developed for the years 2023-2027.

WHEREAS the LHCN identified the need to reorganize the structure of the Network in accordance
with the practices and lessons learned from the experience under the Baler Agenda.

WHEREAS the NHCP and the LHCN jointly agree to create and abide by a formal set of
guidelines that shall govern the functions and relationship between the two bodies in order to foster
a collaborative and harmonious co-existence.

NOW THEREFORE, IN FULL COMMITMENT DO ALL PARTIES HEREIN ASSEMBLED

RESOLVE TO ADOPT THE GUIDELINES AS FOLLOWS:

CHAPTER 1: MEMBER-AFFILIATES

Section 1 | Membership in the Local Historical Committees Network

The Local Historical Committees Network shall be composed of the following kinds of
organizations:

1. Local/Regional Non-Government History Organizations and Societies;

2. Units of Local Governments engaged in any of the thrusts of the LHCN;
3. Units and Departments of Higher Education Institutions engaged in any of the thrusts of
the LHCN;
4. Local and Regional Studies Centers, whether they are part of or independent from Higher
Education Institutions, Local Government Units, or National Government Agencies;
 5. Professional and Non-Government Organizations engaged in the practice of History and
Heritage at a national level;
6. Coordinating Organizations for regional or local historical bodies;
7. Accredited Student Organizations primarily engaged any of the thrusts of the LHCN; and
8. Other such organizations, as may be approved by the Board of Commissioners of the
NHCP.

Organizations shall submit to the LHCN Secretariat the following documents upon initiation of
their application process:

1. Letter of Intent addressed to the NHCP Chairperson

2. Organizational Profile and Chart
3. List/Roll of Members and Officers
4. Summary of Activities for the immediately preceding year if any
5. Any of the following supporting documents:
a. SEC Registration or Endorsement from their respective Local Government
Unit/LHCN Member-Affiliate in good standing for Non-Government
Organizations/Independent Studies Centers
b. Certification from the University for HEI based Units, Studies Centers, and Student
Organizations
c. Local Ordinance/Resolution/Executive Order on the establishment of LGU units;
or
d. Republic Act/Executive Order/Batas Pambansa establishing qualified national
level organizations.

Upon receipt of the submitted documents by the LHCN Secretariat, a complete staff work will be
prepared and submitted to the NHCP Management Committee for comments and the NHCP Chair
for approval. Upon approval of the NHCP Chair, the applicant shall be informed of their status
through an official letter and the LHCN Secretariat will coordinate with them for the schedule of
their oathtaking. Membership of the LHCN shall be for a period of five (5) years subject to renewal
upon the end of the period.

Section 2 | Types of Membership in the LHCN

Organizations that qualify for membership to the LHCN shall enjoy all rights and privileges
accorded thereto, including those which are entered into by the NHCP with third parties for the
benefit of LHCN member-affiliates. Furthermore, they shall have the right to include in their
organizational profiles the term: “Accredited with the Local Historical Committees Network.” Full
members shall have the right to attend the Assemblies and Meetings of the LHCN, participate in
its debates and discussions, and signify their vote on matters pertaining of the LHCN.

Organizations that qualify for membership but lack supporting documents or who are not qualified
to become members by virtue of their scope or standing, shall be recognized as observer-
organizations. As observers, they shall be recognized as partners of the NHCP and the LHCN and
may enter into agreements with either party for their mutual benefit. They shall also be notified of
LHCN assemblies and meetings as may be determined by the LHCN and the NHCP. They may
participate in discussions on matters pertaining to the LHCN but shall have no right to vote on the
same.

Observers that are qualified to membership except for lack of supporting documents are given one
hundred eighty (180) days from the date of their observer status to submit the required documents.
Failure to comply shall result in the loss of their observer status at the end of the period given.
Organizations may re-apply for membership thereafter.

Section 3 | Duties and Responsibilities of LHCN Member-Affiliates

LHCN Member-Affiliates are bound to the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Share in the common goal of promoting local history and heritage;

2. Actively involve itself in programs and projects towards our shared advocacy;
3. Collaborate with other institutions on the achievement of common goals;
4. Act as local advocates and agents of the NHCP when specifically designated to assist the
Commission in the conduct of its core functions;
5. Attend and participate in Assemblies and Meetings of the LHCN;
6. Submit annual accomplishment reports to the LHCN for monitoring and data collection;
7. And other such duties in relation to those specified.

In line with these responsibilities, LHCN member-affiliates are accorded benefits and privileges
exclusive to affiliates with third parties as may be entered into by the NHCP.

1. Technical Assistance from the NHCP

2. Access to NHCP Resources for Operations (Use of Facilities, Equipment, etc.)
3. Provision for Complimentary Copies of NHCP Publications and Honoraria for Select
Programs
4. Twenty (20%) Discount for NHCP Publications when purchased by LHCN Member-
Affiliates and their designates/agents
5. Regular Access to NHCP Programs and Projects including Trainings, Materials, and
Commemorative Programs.
6. Other such benefits as may be provided and approved by the NHCP.

CHAPTER 2: REGIONAL CLUSTERS

Section 1 | Definition

For fostering engagement and cooperation between member-affiliates and cognizant of the realities
of geography and purpose of each member-affiliate, the body shall be divided into Regional and
Thematic Clusters which shall serve as the primary structure for grouping members. These clusters
shall be determined by the LHCN Secretariat at the beginning of the effectiveness of these
guidelines and shall remain in force for five (5) years thereafter, whereupon they shall be
reassessed for effectiveness and applicability.
Each cluster may be defined by geography or organizational characteristics. For the initial
application, seven (7) clusters are hereby defined:

1. North-Central Luzon – All members whose focus are primarily contained within Regions
I, II, and III
2. Metro Manila-Rizal – All members whose focus are primarily contained with the National
Capital Region and the Province of Rizal
3. Southern & Island Luzon – All members whose focus are primarily contained within
Regions IV-A, IV-B, and V
4. Visayas – All members whose focus are primarily contained within Regions VI, VII, and
VIII
5. Mindanao – All members whose focus are primarily contained within Regions IX, X, XI,
XII, and BARMM
6. National Organizations – Members whose scope encompasses the whole Philippines
regardless of region or engaged in programs and projects across various regions
7. Student Organizations – Members classified as Student History Organizations

Section 2 | Structure

To foster a cooperative and collaborative environment towards the development of local history in
the country, each Cluster will meet at least once every three-month period for a cluster meeting to
address the following:

1. Networking and Building Collaborative Engagements

2. Updating Projects and Programs
3. Extending Opportunities for Development and Support
4. Planning and Crafting Local Short-Term Roadmaps and Targets
5. Collecting and Assessing concerns and challenges in their respective areas

To facilitate these meetings, each cluster shall elect from their members one Representative to act
as the Chair for official meetings, cast tie-breaking votes, and endorse communications from
members of the Cluster to the NHCP. They shall also elect one Secretary to serve as the official
keeper of minutes of meetings, communication point person between the NHCP and the cluster
members, and other related tasks. During meetings, members of the LHCN Secretariat, as well as
officials and personnel of the NHCP shall be present to serve as observers and resource persons to
directly address any questions or suggestions from the cluster.

Section 3 | Cluster Reports

At the end of every three-month period, each cluster shall submit to the LHCN Secretariat a
summary of their activities and projects for recording and planning purposes. These shall be in the
form of an official document to be provided by the NHCP through the LHCN that must be attested
to by both the Cluster Representative and Secretary. The said report shall be the basis of the NHCP
for planning projects and programs in the cluster for the next three-month period to guide its
distribution of its limited resources. Cluster Reports shall be consolidated by the LHCN Secretariat
into a Quarterly Report on Local History Development that will be disseminated to all LHCN
Member-Affiliates and to the public by publication online in the NHCP Website and LHCN social
media accounts. They shall be available for all as sources of local history planning thereafter.

Section 4 | Other Matters

Apart from the quarterly meeting, each Cluster may call for a special meeting at any time provided
that a quorum of a simple majority of its members and the presence of a member of the LHCN
Secretariat be met to be considered as an official meeting. Meetings that fail of meet this quorum
requirement shall be considered as comments by select members of the Cluster for consideration
of the LHCN.

Each member of any cluster has the right to request a meeting with the LHCN Secretariat provided
there is 24-hour notice for this purpose. Each member may, motu propio, submit official
correspondence to the NHCP through the LHCN Secretariat on any matter relating of the official
thrusts adopted by the LHCN and the NHCP for its current National Action Plan. The NHCP,
through the LHCN Secretariat, may request a meeting with any member provided 24-hour notice
on the same grounds. The NHCP may officially designate any member to act on its behalf for
specific purposes within a specific period.

CHAPTER 3: TECHNICAL ADVISORY BOARDS

Section 1 | Definition and Structure

In view of the wide scope and degree of specialization in the practice of local history and heritage,
the NHCP and the LHCN recognize the need for dedicated bodies to serve as conduits between
local practitioners and national policy makers. With the understanding of the highly technical
nature of these specialized bodies, their membership shall be composed of eminent personalities
who are knowledgeable and/or affiliated with their respective fields. These bodies shall be known
as the Technical Advisory Boards that will cover the following specialized topics/fields:

1. Research and Publication

2. Documentation and Preservation
3. Promotions and Public History
4. Heritage Development and Protection

Each Technical Advisory Board shall be composed of at least three (3) and up to seven (7)
members for a term of two (2) years. The members shall be elected from the LHCN Body as a
whole and must be known to practice and/or engage in the Board to which they are elected. They
shall represent their organizations in the Board and such representatives cannot be elected as
Cluster Representatives or Secretaries for the duration of their term. Organizations shall officially
designate their Board Representative upon their election and said representative shall be
considered as their permanent and regular representative on the Board. Organizations must notify
the LHCN Secretariat of any change in their representation within three (3) days of yshc change.
They shall be elected during every odd numbered General Assembly and shall hold their position
until the next election. Each Technical Advisory Board shall also have NHCP Officials
representing the respective divisions involved in their field/topic as ex-officio members as well as
a member of the LHCN Secretariat to serve a support function. They shall meet at least once every
three-month period at the discretion of the NHCP or its members.

Section 2 | Functions and Benefits

Each Technical Advisory Board shall serve as a body of experts that will provide an advisory role
to the LHCN member-affiliates and to the NHCP on matters within their purview. The NHCP may
also address concerns relating to their specific topics/fields for action and dissemination to the
appropriate LHCN member. LHCN members may direct their concerns and communications to
the Technical Advisory Boards for endorsement to the NHCP. For this purpose, the endorsement
of a Board constitutes an official communication and recommendation for action or response by
the NHCP. To ensure the effectiveness and in view of the time and dedication required from its
members, elected members of the Technical Advisory Board shall be provided with a modest
honorarium for each official regular meeting and may be provided the same for special meetings
subject to government rules and regulations.

CHAPTER 4: TRANSITORY PROVISIONS AND FUTURE AMENDMENTS

1. These Guidelines shall become effective upon approval by a simple majority of all LHCN
Member-Affiliates and confirmation by the NHCP.
2. These Guidelines shall be published in each edition of the LHCN Handbook during their
effectiveness and in the NHCP Website accessible to all.
3. Any change or amendment to these guidelines must be submitted to the LHCN Secretariat
for dissemination to the whole LHCN and the NHCP. After seven (7) days, a special
assembly shall be called to vote on the proposed amendment through simple majority and
assent by the NHCP. Upon approval, the amendment shall take effect after seven (7) days
and shall thereafter be in full effect.

CHAPTER 5: SEPARABILITY AND REPEALING PROVISIONS

1. Any portion of these guidelines that runs against Republic Act No. 10086 or any other
Philippine Law shall be considered ineffective without effect to any other aspect of these
guidelines.
2. Any issuance or guidelines issued and in effect prior to the effectiveness of these guidelines
that run counter to the same shall be considered repealed. All other issuances shall remain
in effect.

SIGNED BY: