Philippine Historical Association hosts conference on the impact of Gomburza’s martyrdom

Philippine Historical Association (PHA) President Dr. Ma. Luisa Camagay and the board of trustees invite historians, researchers, history/social science educators and the interested public to the 2022 PHA Annual Conference with the theme “DALITA AT PAG-ASA, 1872: Historical Controversies, National Oblations, and Enduring Filipinism” on September 22–24, 2022. This PHA conference commemorates the 150th anniversary of the martyrdom of the priests Mariano Gomes, José Burgos and Jacinto Zamora.

For this event, the PHA partnered with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC), the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, Vibal Group, and Carmen’s Best Ice Cream.  The conference is also a commitment to the Local Historical Committees Network.  This is the third PHA Conference that will be held completely online for the interest of the larger public.

According to PHA Vice President Dr. Wensley Reyes, the Conference Convenor, “This year’s conference [aims] to contextualize the miseries and aspirations of the generation of 1872. The GOMBURZA martyrdom, which was linked to the Cavite Mutiny of 1872, was marred with issues and controversies. These events which were covered in silence and allegations are regarded as turning points in the narrative of the nation. Thus, a never-ending inquiry on historical controversies resurfaces within every generation, particularly those involving martyrs and heroes.” 

Furthermore, he adds, “the conference aims to discuss beyond the context of the events of 1872 to interrogate causes of events, its effects, and legacies on Filipinism or Philippine Nationalism. Heroism and martyrdom, which are sacred and sentimental to the idea of the nation, are questioned, criticized, and renewed. Controversies and martyrdoms have contributed both to Filipino nationalism.”

The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Reynaldo C. Ileto of the Australian National University on the topic “Gomburza" 1872: Contending Narratives of Martyrdom and Nationhood.”  Among the plenary speakers will be Dr. Celestina Boncan of the University of the Philippines Manila to talk about “On Common Ground: The 1872 Cavite Mutiny and 19th Century Uprisings,” Dr. Vicente L. Rafael of the University of Washington on the “How revolutionary was the Philippine Revolution?” and Prof. Ambeth Ocampo of the Ateneo de Manila University speaking about “The Incredible Fr. Burgos.”

In between there will be parallel sessions on various themes from seasoned and budding historians and history educators.

Once again, since we are still in this time of the pandemic, the PHA and its partners decided to open this three-day conference free to the public as a form of service to our nation via Facebook Live at the Philippine Historical Association (PHA), National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), Local Historical Committees Network (LHCN) Facebook pages.

But those who will be needing certificates will have to register to attend the zoom meetings.  PHA members can attend for free while non-members will pay PHP 700.00, inclusive of an annual PHA membership. *

For more information on how to register, please look at the Philippine Historical Association Facebook page. 

To register in the conference, please fill out this form: https://bit.ly/3RdAcyX

*Active PHA Members are entitled to participate in discussions via Zoom and to receive e-certificates upon registration. For Non-PHA members, a P700.00 fee is required, inclusive of a 1-year membership. If you prefer a lifetime membership, the cost is P3,000.00. The last day of payment is September 20, 2022.

Payment Options:

BDO Account Name: PHILIPPINE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION INC, Account Number: 004550003718.
Please send a copy of the deposit slip/proof of payment to PHA Treasurer, Arlene D. Calara, Ph.D. through conference.pha@gmail.com.

Press release from the Philippine Historical Association