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Our country's history is as diverse as the people who live in it. Each place in the country is
multifaceted, sharing more intimate stories than we could hope for. Sometimes, all we really
need to do is to just live in it. To fully appreciate the various histories, customs, traditions, and
heritage sites in the country, let us define what these things are.

Local and Oral History

Local history refers to the study of past events in a specific locality or community. It focuses on
understanding the stories, experiences, and development of a place and its people, often beyond
what is recorded in national history. By exploring local history, we learn more about the
contributions of smaller communities to the broader history of a country.

Examples:

• The Battle of Mactan in Cebu (1521) is a significant local event where Lapu-Lapu and
his warriors fought against Spanish invaders. In Cebu, this event is celebrated yearly as
Kadaugan sa Mactan, blending local history and tradition.
• The Battle of Balangiga (1901). A significant local event in Eastern Samar where
Filipinos launched a surprise attack on American forces during the Philippine-American
War.
• The Cavite Mutiny (1872). A revolt of Filipino workers and soldiers in Cavite against
Spanish colonial authorities, which had lasting effects on the nationalist movement.
• The Zamboanga Siege (2013). A more recent event where local forces clashed with rebels,
demonstrating local resilience in defending the city.
• The Taal Volcano Eruption (2020). The eruption in Batangas that affected the
surrounding communities and drew attention to the local response to natural disasters.
• The Cry of Pugad Lawin (1896). The first recorded event of the Philippine Revolution,
where Andres Bonifacio and his men tore their cedulas (residence certificates) as a sign of
defiance against Spanish rule.

Oral history is the collection and preservation of historical information through interviews and
verbal accounts from people who experienced or witnessed significant events. Unlike written
records, oral history is passed down by word of mouth, often in the form of stories, songs, or
traditions.

Examples:

• In the Cordillera Region, many historical accounts are passed down orally through chants,
songs, and epics, such as the Hudhud Chants of the Ifugao, which narrate the customs
and way of life of the Ifugao people.
• Darangen Epic of the Maranao. This is a pre-Islamic Maranao epic that tells of their
people's historical and cultural experiences, transmitted orally.
• Tales of Mount Banahaw. These are stories shared by locals about Mount Banahaw's
spiritual significance, passed orally through generations.

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• Stories of the Cagsawa Ruins. These are the oral accounts from locals in Albay detailing
the eruption of Mount Mayon in 1814 that buried the town of Cagsawa.
• Oral Stories of the Ibaloi People in Benguet. These tales describe the indigenous rituals,
farming practices, and local traditions of the Ibaloi people.

Customs and Traditions

Customs refer to the habitual practices of a group of people, while traditions are beliefs or
behaviors passed down within a society or community, often over generations. Customs and
traditions reflect the identity, values, and beliefs of a community and are vital in maintaining
cultural heritage.

Examples:

• Fiestas. Celebrations that reflect a community's history, faith, and culture.

o Ati-Atihan Festival: A vibrant festival in Kalibo, Aklan, where participants paint
themselves in black and celebrate to honor the Santo Niño.
o Panagbenga Festival: The annual flower festival in Baguio City, celebrating the
rich culture and the flourishing flower industry of the region.
o Kadayawan Festival: Celebrated in Davao, this festival gives thanks for a
bountiful harvest and pays tribute to indigenous peoples.
o Santacruzan: A religious-historical festival held in May that commemorates
Queen Helena’s search for the Holy Cross.
o Pintados Festival: In Leyte, this festival features dancers with tattoos, representing
the body art of native warriors and celebrating their culture.
• Pagmamano. This is a gesture of respect where younger Filipinos touch the back of an
elder's hand to their forehead.
• Bayanihan. This is a tradition of communal unity and cooperation, such as neighbors
helping to move a house in rural areas.
• Pabasa ng Pasyon, the chanting of the Passion of Christ during Holy Week, is a tradition
passed down orally and reflects the deeply rooted Christian faith in the Philippines.
• Harana. A courtship tradition where a man serenades a woman outside her house, a
practice rooted in respect and Filipino romantic customs.
• Pamalaye. The Cebuano custom of formalizing marriage proposals, where families meet
and discuss the terms of the union.
• Simbang Gabi. The tradition of attending a series of early morning Masses leading up to
Christmas, observed by many Filipinos.
• Araw ng Patay (Undas). The Filipino practice of visiting cemeteries to honor the dead
during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, with families gathering and spending time
together.

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Heritage Sites

Heritage sites are places of historical, cultural, or natural significance that are preserved for their
outstanding value to humanity. These sites contribute to the cultural identity of a nation and are
often recognized as landmarks of historical significance.

Examples of Heritage Sites in the Philippines:

• Intramuros, Manila. This walled city was built during the Spanish colonial period, it
remains a testament to the country's colonial history and architecture.
• Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras. Located in Ifugao, these terraces represent
the ingenuity of ancient Filipinos in creating an agricultural landscape in mountainous
terrain.
• Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. Known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial and Asian
architecture, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site that reflects the cultural fusion that
occurred during the Spanish colonial period.
• Baroque Churches of the Philippines. A collection of four churches, including San
Agustin Church in Manila, known for their unique fusion of European and local
architectural styles.
• Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. This UNESCO natural heritage site protects marine
biodiversity and is one of the best diving spots in the world.

Why is it Important to Appreciate Local and Oral History, Customs, Traditions, and
Heritage Sites?

• Cultural Identity: Understanding local and oral histories, along with customs and
traditions, allows us to connect with our cultural roots, fostering a deeper sense of
national pride and identity.
• Preservation of History: Oral histories, customs, and heritage sites preserve the
memories of past generations and ensure that important cultural and historical knowledge
is passed on.
• Tourism and Economy: Heritage sites attract both local and international visitors,
boosting tourism and the local economy.
• Cultural Diversity: Appreciating the variety of customs, traditions, and histories across
different regions of the Philippines encourages respect for diversity and fosters unity.

Understanding and appreciating local and oral history, customs, traditions, and heritage sites
helps preserve the unique cultural identity of the Philippines. These elements are not just relics of
the past; they are alive in the way communities celebrate, remember, and continue to evolve. By
valuing these aspects of our culture, we contribute to their preservation for future generations.

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