President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared 2023 to 2033 as the “Dekada ng Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas” (Decade of Philippine History) as the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) celebrates its centennial anniversary in October 2033.

“The Filipino nation joins the NHCP in celebrating this milestone in Philippine bureaucracy and in highlighting the role of history in nation-building,” Proclamation 386, inked by Marcos on Nov. 7, read.

Under the proclamation, the NHCP is directed to lead, coordinate, and supervise the observance of the Dekada ng Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, as well as identify the programs, projects, and activities for its celebration.

Proclamation 396 enjoins all other national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and state universities and colleges, to provide support to the NHCP and participate in the observance of the Dekada ng Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas.

All local government units, non-government organizations, and the private sector are encouraged to assist the NHCP for the celebration of the Dekada ng Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas.

“The Filipino nation greatly values the almost a century of contributions of the dedicated individuals who make up the NHCP, including historians, researchers, curators, architects, engineers, chemists, conservators, artists, planners, managers, and many others, who all work tirelessly to advance historical research, promote the legacy of esteemed Filipino figures through commemorative events, safeguard and restore historic sites, structures, objects, and properties, show reverence for national symbols, and educate the public about their rich history and heritage,” the proclamation said.

Executive Order 451 issued on Oct. 23, 1933 created the Philippine Historical Research and Markers Committee (PHRMC), a body in charge of identifying, designating, and marking cultural and historical antiquities in the Philippines and preserving them for posterity.

Various presidential issuances were promulgated over the years in response to the need for a historical body with broader functions.

Under Republic Act (RA) 10086, signed into law in 2010, the NHCP became an independent government agency responsible for the restoration, conservation, and protection of the country’s historical objects, as well as the determination of all factual matters relating to official Philippine history.

The NHCP will celebrate its centennial anniversary on Oct. 23, 2033, marking 100 years since the establishment of its predecessor, the PHRMC. (PNA)