MANILA, Philippines (June 2026) — Philippine independence was not won through battles in Luzon alone. Historians gathered in Manila are urging Filipinos to look beyond the country’s traditional historical narrative and recognize the decisive roles played by communities across the Visayas and Mindanao.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines, together with Ayala Foundation and Ayala Museum, concluded the three-year commemoration of the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood through the conference “Panagriing, A Nation Still Rising.”
Named after the Ilocano word for “arising,” the conference brought together more than 20 scholars who presented research highlighting regional stories that helped shape the nation’s struggle for freedom.
The South’s role takes center stage
Many of the discussions focused on how revolutionary movements in the Visayas and Mindanao continued the fight for independence during and after the Philippine Revolution.
Dr. Rolando O. Borrinaga of the University of the Philippines Manila examined the fierce resistance mounted in Leyte and Samar during the Philippine-American War from 1899 to 1902.
In Cebu, Atty. Bryner L. Diaz of the Cebu City Cultural and Historical Affairs Office explored the province’s own revolutionary movement through his presentation, “Kagubot: Sugboanong Pakigbisog alang sa Kaugalingnan ug Kagawasan.”
Meanwhile, Asst. Prof. Kyle Philip M. Ravena of UP Visayas revisited the significance of Santa Barbara and Iloilo’s liberation in the broader story of Philippine nationhood.
Mindanao’s story goes beyond resistance
The conference also examined Mindanao’s unique place in Philippine history.
Asst. Prof. Rey Luis A. Montesclaros of Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology discussed how the Maranao resistance against Spanish forces influenced events beyond the island.
Rene Michael D. Baños of the Northern Mindanao Heritage Network presented research on the Philippine-American War in Northern Mindanao, while Dr. Neil Martial D. Santillan of UP Diliman discussed the historical importance of the first official raising of the Philippine flag on Mindanao soil.
Expanding the discussion beyond armed struggle, Dr. Ariel C. Lopez of UP Diliman explored how leaders in Mindanao and Sulu practiced diplomacy with foreign powers between 1830 and 1930. His research showed that Southern leaders were already navigating international relations long before the establishment of the Philippine Republic.
A more complete picture of independence
While much of the conference highlighted Southern history, the discussions also connected these events with revolutionary movements across Luzon.
Presentations revisited the continued resistance led by Generals Miguel Malvar and Vito Belarmino after the capture of Emilio Aguinaldo in 1901, as well as the activities of the Hong Kong Junta, which supported the revolutionary government from overseas.
By bringing together research from different regions, the conference offered a broader understanding of how independence was pursued across the Philippine archipelago.
Organizers said the event also reinforces the importance of historical research in preserving factual accounts of the nation’s past. The studies presented during Panagriing contribute to a richer and more inclusive understanding of Philippine history by recognizing the sacrifices, diplomacy and resistance that took place well beyond the country’s traditional historical centers.
