Newly-formed Dr. Pio Valenzuela Historical Society (DPVHS), in cooperation with the City Government of Valenzuela and the Division of City Schools - Valenzuela held its first History Conference at the Museo Valenzuela, Fatima Avenue on Bonifacio Day, November 30.

The Dr. Pio Valenzuela Historical Society is a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registered organization founded in 2019 which aims to promote the local history, heritage, and culture of Valenzuela City through research, programs, and advocacies. 

The first local history conference of the DPVHS titled “Mga Pamanang Lokal: Salamin ng Ating Nakaraan at Diwa ng Bayan” talked about several relevant historical facts about Dr. Pio Valenzuela and the city itself such as stories about: The Parochial Church of San Diego De Alcala, Church of San Roque, Balintawak Beer Brewery during the Japanese Occupation, and the Shrine and Devotion of Our Lady of Fatima. 

One of the Keynote Speakers, Public Relations Officer of the Philippine Historical Association, Professor Michael Charleston “Xiao” Chua discussed the importance of “kasaysayang pampook” or the localized history of a certain place that discusses things with culture and with a specific context, and how it is necessary for a more comprehensive perspective of history. He also shared his insights on the significance of the now mandatory city tourism officer post in every local government unit in the preservation of history and heritage towards its contribution to the tourism and economic industry of every locality.

“In my experience with some tourism officers, they see tourism only as beaches, scenic spots, festivals, food and beauty pageants. They have no inkling that they can also be experts in the local history, culture and heritage of their place. They do not realize that they can generate sustainable income generating activities for the LGUs by utilizing the narratives of the past and the heritage of their ancestors. We have heard horror stories of how some heritage sites are neglected, especially in the provinces. Old municipios, heritage houses, and Gabaldon school buildings were being demolished without consultation, basically because no government office in the local government is in charge of these kinds of issues.” He added

Other contributing speakers during the conference were DPVHS President Mr. Danilo Lumabas, DPVHS Secretary Mr. Robby Dela Vega, DPVHS Auditor Mr. Jose Wenceslao Panganiban, and DPVHS Vice President Mr. Laurence Allan Bukas.

During the closing remarks, Valenzuela City Cultural Affairs and Tourism Development Office head Mr. Jonathan Balsamo said “Hindi mabubuo ang local history kung walang pananaliksik dahil hindi ito basta basta lang kwento-kwento. Kailangang may ebidensiya at konteksto ang mga kwento-kwentong ito para maging isang history. Kailangan masaliksik at matanggap ng tao ang mga bagay na ito para maging isang kasaysayan. Gusto kong buhayin ang inyong interes sa lokal na kasaysayan.” [These local histories cannot be created if there is no intensive research about it, because these are not just stories. These stories must have evidences, contexts, be researched and must be accepted by the people to become part of history. I want to awaken your interest with our local history.]

Also present during the conference were Valenzuela City Council Committee on Arts, Culture, and Tourism Chairwoman Councilor Chiqui Carreon, and Valenzuela City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Meliton Zurbano

With this event, the Dr. Pio Valenzuela Historical Society envisions to create more opportunities and platforms to promote historical and cultural events for the historical awakening of the Valenzuelano youth. 

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