On July 12, 2024, the Philippines commemorated the 8th anniversary of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Arbitral Award, a landmark decision of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea favoring the country’s claims over China in the territorial dispute. To mark the occasion, Good News Pilipinas features our exclusive interview with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Deputy Executive Director for Programs and Projects Alvin Alcid to discuss his reflections on Filipino nationalism and community spirit.
Good News Pilipinas interviewed the NHCP official on June 12, Philippine Independence Day, after the national program at the Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite. The interview highlighted Alcid’s deep connection to the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine and his enduring commitment to Filipino heritage.
LEARN MORE Expand your knowledge of the West Philippine Sea with this free online resource
A Return to History
Alcid, who served as curator at the Aguinaldo Shrine from 2004 to 2007, shared his enduring commitment to the site even after 20 years. “Palagi naman ako nandito (I’m always here),” he emphasized.
His role evolved to an administrator task at the national office, monitoring 28 historical museums, and yet the Aguinaldo Shrine remains a cherished place for him. “On Independence Day, I always choose to be here. Kasi ito yung isa sa paborito kong museums (Because this is one of my favorite museums),” Alcid declared.
SEE snapshots of Alvin Alcid with The GNP Team:
A Community’s Heartbeat
Reflecting on his return to the museum he once led, Alcid highlighted the unique community spirit of Kawit. “Na miss ko yung samahan. Within the town of Kawit hindi lang yung staff mo ang kaibigan mo. Kaibigan mo din ang mga tao, yung mga kapitbahay mo dito, mga tagarito. (I missed the community where you become friends with everyone, not just your staff,” he said.
He fondly recalled how the townspeople voluntarily helped in events of the museum and even decorated the house for the June 12 celebration, continuing a tradition from Emilio Aguinaldo’s time even before the date became an official holiday. “Dito sa Cavite may tinatawag na kumbira system. Hindi mo kailangang bayaran. Nagbo-volunteer sila para tumulong sa iyo (Here in Cavite, there is something called the kumbira system. People help you and you don’t need to pay them. They volunteer to do it for you).”
Passion for Guiding Tours
Alcid expressed joy in resuming tour guide duties, even temporarily as he guided media through the house last June 12. “I started as a museum student guide before I became an administrator. I missed that frontline job. I love interacting with people,” he shared, reminiscing about his early career days.
READ MORE: Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit: Unfolding Philippine History
Favorite Spot: The Iconic Balcony
When asked about his favorite spot in the shrine, Alcid pointed to the balcony, a symbol of Philippine independence. He noted, “It was not really a balcony at the time when our declaration was proclaimed here. Because it was built afterward. But once you look at the balcony, it’s not only iconic. It’s also a symbol. If you look at the official seal of Cavite, you’ll find the house balcony. It’s the symbol of Cavite. The symbol of the Philippines.”
Take a peek at the Aguinaldo Shrine hall leading to the Independence Balcony:
Heightened Nationalism
This year’s Independence Day celebration was particularly grand with more people participating either onsite or online, notes Alcid. “Coming from the pandemic, people are excited. I would also say that there’s heightened nationalism this year, in the last few years,” Alcid observed.
He noticed a resurgence in patriotic fervor. “Nararamdaman ko yan hindi lang dito sa [June 12] event (I feel that not just at this event). In other commemorative events we organized, most of the time, the speeches are focusing more on nationalism. On the love of country. And protecting our sovereignty. And territory.”
Alcid observes that the renewed fervor is driven by current geopolitical tensions. “That’s probably the reason mas mahalaga sa atin ngayon ang Independence. Mas mahalaga sa atin ang bandila ng Pilipinas (Our Independence is more important to us now. Our national flag is very important to us now). ”
The NHCP commemorated the 8th anniversary of the West Philippine Sea Arbitral Award with an exhibit and forums.
Looking Forward
Alcid looks forward to the continuing national fervor for Independence Day celebrations. “I hope it will continue,” he said, reflecting on past celebrations, particularly the people’s participation in the Centennial anniversary of 1998. “I feel it’s coming back.”
The NHCP official also noted the role of social media in engaging the public. “Minsan kahit di mo nakikita rito but they are viewing online. Later mo mame-measure makikita mo ang dami palang viewer. I’m happy.”
(“Sometimes you cannot see them there physically, but they are viewing you online. Later, when you measure it, you realize there were a lot of people witnessing the event. And I’m happy with that.”)
He emphasized the importance of celebrating independence and national pride, regardless of external pressures.
“Sana magtuloy-tuloy. I hope na hindi lang dahil may pressure o may nangyayari outside of the country, kung bakit tayo nagse-celebrate, kung bakit minamahal natin ang bansa. I hope kahit wala naman talagang problema, we continue to celebrate our independence. We fight for the betterment of everyone.
(“I hope it will continue. And I hope that the reason we celebrate and show love for our country is not only because there’s a lot of pressure, or something happening outside of the country. I hope we keep celebrating our Independence even if we don’t have a problem. We can fight for the betterment of everyone.”)
WATCH the full interview on Good News Pilipinas TV:
GNP Team Event Coverage Interview by Atom Pornel, videographer JC Santos, audio recording by Margo Quadra, write-up by Angie Quadra-Balibay.
READ MORE: Philippines Marks 126th Independence Day at Historic Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit
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