Pasay, Philippines — ICOMOS Philippines was proud to participate in the 2nd GSIS Historians’ Fair, held from August 7 to 9 at the GSIS Gymnasium in Pasay City, as a part of the nationwide celebration of History Month. Through exhibits, interactive booths, and lectures from various historians, historical institutions, and organizations in both the public and private sectors, they shared a singular objective, which is to celebrate the history and cultural heritage of the Filipinos.
As visitors entered the venue, they were welcomed by a vibrant atmosphere brimming with engaging displays and lively music coming from different exhibitors. The ICOMOS Philippines booth attracted visitors, students, researchers, and history enthusiasts eager to explore the organization’s efforts in preserving the nation’s material and cultural heritage. During the fair, ICOMOS Philippines expressed its commitment through a booth display in safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations while also showcasing a selection of the organization’s projects from past years.
The ICOMOS PH exhibition offers an interactive map that enables visitors to conveniently scan the embedded QR code to explore the latest projects by ICOMOS Philippines. Provided also are pamphlets to offer further context about the organization. Furthermore, ICOMOS Philippines displayed five framed photographs of churches in Cavite, taken by Mr. Phillip Medina, which enhance the informative aspect of the overall booth.
In addition to the booths, the fair also features a special lecture by Prof. Ambeth Ocampo titled “Zooming in History: God is in the Details” on August 8. There is also a panel discussion on “Trajectories of Public History in the Philippines: Efforts of Professionals, Enthusiasts, and Advocates,” led by Prof. Lars Ubaldo, PhD, Prof. Ian Alfonso, PhD, and Mr. Stephen Pamorada. On Day 3 of the fair, August 9, Prof. Jose Victor Torres, PhD, presents “Knowing Aguinaldo: A Look into an Unknown Side of an Unknown Past.” The event concludes with a lecture by Ms. Mona Magno-Veluz, also known as Mighty Magulang, who addresses “How the Catálogo Alfabético de Apellidos Shaped Filipino Identity.”
Throughout the three-day event, the booth became a meeting place for ideas, where curious minds asked about the protection of historic sites, the importance of cultural conservation, and the role of communities in keeping the heritage alive. Beyond information, the booth offered an experience. Visitors were encouraged to reflect on the theme “Diwa ng Kasaysayan, Kabilin sa Kabataan”; it inspired the visitors to think about history not just as the record of what happened but as a living spirit passed down to future generations as a legacy. Young people who participated in the fair connected with this message, and many of them felt empowered to continue being involved in sustaining and preserving their local heritage after leaving the fair.
The 2nd GSIS Historians’ Fair 2025 transcended a mere exhibition of remembrance; it served as a vibrant celebration of our collective memory and shared identity. This event provided ICOMOS Philippines with an opportunity to engage actively with the community and foster awareness about heritage conservation. Additionally, it served as a reminder that the responsibility of protecting history lies with each of us.