By: Fatma Shaheen Hadjirul, The Oculus Publications Correspondent
In line with the celebration of the Philippine Independence Month, the Social Sciences and Physical Education Department with the Humanities and Social Sciences Academic Organization (HAO) conducted the first historical forum, El Tiempo del Recuerdos: Stories of Yesteryears — Independence Day held in the FWS Multi-Purpose Hall on July 1, 2019.
With Filipino historian Michael Charleston “Xiao” Chua from De La Salle University – Manila as the guest speaker for the event, the four-hour long forum dove deep into Philippine history, including its prehistoric culture, revolutionary acts by Filipino heroes that led to independence, and current events and issues in the Philippines. He brought history to life as he tackled more on ancient Filipino beliefs and shared the life of the national heroes Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio through primary sources.
He emphasized on culture being the key to unity, as shown by pre-colonial Filipinos which should be followed-through by the current generation of Filipinos. “We use culture as a basis for our unity”, Chua quoted, discussing how the spread of Filipino ancestral traditions and beliefs begun with boats and expanded through bodies of water considering the archipelagic structure of the Philippines.
Moreover, the attendees were given the chance to participate in the forum by inquiring Professor Chua about his stands on historical and current events. Some faculty members also shared some insights on his lecture.
The forum was participated and attended by AdZU-SHS Grade 11 and 12 students from the Humanities and Social Sciences strand, faculties from AdZU Grade School, AdZU Junior High School, Western Mindanao State University, and others.
The activity is also in collaboration with the Social Awareness and Community Service Involvement (SACSI) and the City Government of Zamboanga.
