Rovic John F. Eslao, the Chairperson of the Department of Social Sciences and Physical Education of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Senior High School, made a significant contribution to the field of history by presenting his paper at the 2024 Annual Conference of the Philippine Historical Association (PHA). The event took place from September 19-21, 2024, at the University of the Philippines (UP) Los Baños, celebrating the 69th founding anniversary of the PHA under the theme “Kasaysayan ng Kasaysayan: Mga Historiograpiya ng Kasaysayang Pilipino mula 1955.”
The conference gathered a diverse group of historians, educators, and researchers from across the Philippines, aiming to explore trends in Philippine historiography and honor those who have significantly contributed to writing Philippine history. Historiography, which is the study of how history is written, was a focal point as delegates presented their research on various historical topics relevant to the Philippines.
During the first day, attendees were treated to plenary lectures from esteemed speakers including Dr. Ma. Luisa T. Camagay (Immediate Past President of PHA), Dr. Emmanuel F. Calairo (former Chairperson of the National Historical Commission), Dr. Bernardita R. Churchill (current President of the Philippine National Historical Society), Dr. Roderick C. Javar, and Dr. Michael Charleston “Xiao” Chua, a well-known public historian and TV personality.
On the second day, Mr. Eslao presented his paper titled “Buscando la Republica de Zamboanga: Examining the Historiography of the Philippine Revolution in Zamboanga” during a panel focused on Islamic Studies and Mindanao History. His research delves into various historiographical perspectives regarding the “Republic of Zamboanga,” a notable entity during the Philippine Revolution from 1896 to 1902. This paper is an extension of his master’s thesis, marking him as the first graduate of Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s Master of Arts in History program.
The final day of the conference included a tour of both the UP Los Baños campus and the Paciano Rizal Shrine, providing participants with an opportunity to engage with historical sites.
The PHA serves as a national professional organization for historians, history educators, and researchers in the Philippines, collaborating with various institutions such as the Philippine Social Science Council and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
This conference not only highlighted significant contributions to Philippine historiography but also reinforced the importance of academic discourse in understanding and preserving historical narratives in the country.
