Baguio Historical Research Council pushed

A proposal to create a historical research council in the city passed the first reading during the city council’s regular session last Monday.

Proposed by Councilor Vladimir Cayabas, the creation of a historical research council shall establish a firm backbone for proper accounting of Baguio City’s rich history, chronicling significant events in the city to be used as a basis for the prime movers’ future actions and decisions.

The historical research council shall also strive to promote clear understanding and genuine appreciation of the history of Baguio to further strengthen sense of pride and unity among its locals amidst adversities.

Furthermore, the council shall be tasked to lead in officially supervising the conduct of historical researches and to assess and review the existing historical records for their recommendation to the city council for adoption.

All the reviewed historical researches shall be consolidated by the historical research council, the ordinance stated.

According to the ordinance, the historical research council shall also empower all concerned stakeholders in the field of historical research in the city by providing them capacity building programs.

The ordinance emphasized the importance of the collaboration between the city’s historical research team and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines for alignment of purposes and programs. 

The historical research council shall consist of the city mayor as the chairperson, the city planning and development coordinator as the vice-chairperson, with the chairperson of the Sanggunian’s Committee on Education, Culture, and Historical Research, the city budget officer, the city librarian, representatives of the academe preferably distinguished historians, and selected IP Council of Elders, as members.

An amount of P500,00.00 shall be appropriated each year for the purpose.

The proposed ordinance has been referred to the Sanggunian’s Committee on Education, Culture, and Historical Research for review. –Jordan G. Habbiling