History that makes us one
Famous for being the official residence and principal workplace of the president of the Philippines that lies along Pasig River, Malacañang Palace has a long history as a seat of colonial and national power.
Photographs by Yummie Dingding for DAILY TRIBUNE
The Philippines' rich and often turbulent past continues to shape who we are today.
This August, the nation marks National History Month 2026 with the theme, “Hinubog ng Bayan, Dinuyan ng Alon," in line with the Year of Philippine Diplomatic History and Diaspora.
Observed under Proclamation 339, s. 2012, National History Month invites Filipinos to reflect on the milestones, sacrifices and stories that forged the nation. It also encourages communities and schools to rediscover local histories, helping strengthen national identity and inspire younger generations to value freedom, civic responsibility and cultural resilience.
Among the month's highlights is HistoEx 2026, the flagship public history exposition of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in partnership with Book Nook, which opened last week at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
Rizal Monument is a memorial in Rizal Park, Manila, built to commemorate the executed National Hero Jose Rizal during Spanish occupation.
Fort Santiago is the historic stone citadel in Intramuros where Philippine national Hero Jose Rizal was imprisoned before his execution, and served as a military headquarters for Spanish, British, American and Japanese regimes.
Mt. Samat National Shrine, or the Dambana ng Kagitingan in Bataan, is a symbol of the fierce 1942 Battle of Bataan and the largest surrender of US and Filipino forces to the Japanese army during World War II.
San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known to be the oldest stone church in the country.
The Baluarte de San Diego in Intramuros, Manila, built to defend the southern and southwestern bayside boundaries of the walled city of Intramuros against enemy attacks and invasions.
Camiguin Sunken Cemetery sank below the sea during a violent volcanic eruption from Mount Vulcan in May 1871, which caused severe earthquakes and land subsidence that dropped the old town of Catarman and its graveyard about 20 feet under the water.
Magellan’s Cross, Cebu’s historical landmark.
Attendees of the HistoEx 2026 at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay examine the renovated historical edifices of Malacañang Palace, including the Bahay Ugnayan and the Goldenberg Mansion.
The novels of National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal are showcased at the HistoEx 2026.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SM MALL OF ASIA
The handcrafted cloth and traditional dresses of Mindanao are featured at HistoEx 2026.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF KOMISYON NG WIKANG FILIPINO
As part of the NHCP's Dekada ng Kasaysayan, this year's focus on Philippine diplomatic history and the Filipino diaspora celebrates the country's long-standing engagement with the world and recognizes overseas Filipinos whose journeys have enriched both national identity and the nation's global presence.
Carrying the theme "Across Borders and Currents," HistoEx 2026 features an exhibit inspired by the United Nations General Assembly, blending the imagery of diplomacy with maritime motifs that symbolize migration, connection and resilience.