Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Central Mindanao University (CMU), through the History Program of the Department of Social Sciences, and in partnership with the Asosasyon ng mga Dalubhasa, May-Hilig, at Interes sa Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas (ADHIKA ng Pilipinas Inc.), successfully hosted the Ika-36 Pambansang Kumperensiya sa Kasaysayan at Kalinganang Pilipinas. The three-day event was held at the College of Arts and Sciences Auditorium on November 28-30, 2025.
This year’s timely and critical theme, “Tultulanen: Pagtunton sa mga Naratibo ng mga Mindanawon sa Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas,” placed the historical narratives of Mindanao at the forefront of national historical discourse. Tultulanen, a Binukid word, was adopted to reflect the urgent need to include the perspectives and experiences of marginalized communities.
ADHIKA President Dr. Kristoffer R. Esquejo noted that the conference recognizes that history is not static and is constantly being shaped by different perspectives, research, and conversations.
“Kung kaya layon natin sa kumperensiyang ito na makapag-ambag, na punan ang malaking puwang na ito sa histograpiyang Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng pagtampok ng mga piling papel na tumatalakay sa diskursong nakapaligid sa mga naratibong ito,” Dr. Esquejo said.
(Our aim in this conference is to contribute to filling this large gap in Philippine historiography by highlighting selected papers that discuss the discourse surrounding these narratives.)
Dr. Esquejo also added that Bukidnon served as the fitting venue, especially since it is recognized as a leading center for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the country. He commended the initiatives and collaborations of the local government and academic institutions like CMU in showcasing the indigenous culture and customs.
Meanwhile, the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) Executive Director Dr. Eric B. Zerrudo described the theme as a meaningful step towards a more inclusive understanding of our country’s history and identity.
“Sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay pansin sa mga kuwento at karanasang Mindanawon higit nating pinapayaman ang ating pagka-Pilipino, isang pagkakilanlang binubuo ng samu’t saring tinig, pananaw, at kultura. Tunay ngang mahalaga na mabigyang boses at espasyo ang mga naratibo mula sa katimugang bahagi ng bansa upang maipakita ang ganap na kabuuan ng ating kasaysayan at pagkatao bilang isang bansa,” Dr. Zerrudo said.
(By paying attention to the stories and experiences of Mindanao, we further enrich our Filipino identity, an identity made up of diverse voices, perspectives, and cultures. It is truly important to give voice and space to narratives from the southern part of the country to reflect the fullness of our history and identity as a nation.)
The conference featured Dr. Oona Paredes, a professor from the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures of the University of California, Los Angeles, as the keynote speaker. Dr. Paredes shared the process and challenges her team faced in codifying the Panud, a significant collection of Higaonon oral tradition. She recounted the crucial role the community played in preserving these traditions and passing them down to the younger generations.
The event also included parallel sessions where 26 presenters shared their studies on a wide array of topics, collectively forming an alternative historiography rooted in the South. These included papers on colonial interventions by Spain and America, Lumad, Moro, and Christian relations, regional history and economics that form an alternative historiography, an examination of ethnicization and Filipinization, Indigenous People’s experience of disaster and colonization, the role of women and faith, and educational and cultural exhibits.
Another highlight of the event was the special talk on forumZFD, a German non-governmental organization, and the Mindanao Histories and Studies, which provided a non-academic perspective on peace and development. The conference also included the commemoration of Andres Bonifacio and an educational tour in Malaybalay City. ADHIKA officers for the term 2026-2028 were also elected and took their oath during the event’s closing program.
On behalf of the university, CMU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jose S. Valmorida expressed gratitude for being trusted as the conference host.
“Bilang kasalukuyang host ng ADHIKA 2025, isang malaking karangalang para sa Pamantasan ng Central Mindanao ang maging tahanan ng makabuluhan at masiglang pagtitipong ito. Pasasalamat sa ADHIKA para sa pagtitiwala at pagkakataong maging puno abala ng kumperensiyang ito,” Dr. Valmorida shared.
(As the current host of ADHIKA 2025, it is a great honor for the Central Mindanao University to be the home of this meaningful and vibrant gathering. Thank you to ADHIKA for the trust and opportunity to be the host of this conference.)
Dr. Valmorida also noted that the event demonstrated the power of collective talent through excellent presentations, lively exchanges of ideas, meaningful discussions, and networking that fostered new connections and friendships.
“Ang lahat ng ito ay nagpatibay sa ating kolektibong hangarin na palawakin ang kamalayan at pagpapahalaga sa kasaysayn at kulturang Pilipino. Hindi lamang tayo nagbahagi ng kaalaman. nagbahagi rin tayong karanasan, mga inspirasiyon, panibagong pananaw, at mga kuwento ng patuloy na pagsusuri at pagtuklas,” Dr. Valmorida concluded.
(All of this has strengthened our collective desire to expand awareness and appreciation of Filipino history and culture. We have not only shared knowledge. We have also shared experiences, inspirations, new perspectives, and stories of continuous analysis and discovery.) [Johnica Chantal G. Montero]
