On August 09, 2021, the National Archives of the Philippines (NAP) joined the entire nation in celebrating the 2021 History Month celebration with the theme, “Celebrating #VictoryAndHumanity.” Through an online seminar, NAP invited Mr. Eufemio O. Agbayani, Historic Sites and Development Officer II of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NAP) to discuss this month-long activity which coincides with the celebration of National Language Month.

In Mr. Agbayani’s lecture, titled “Buwan ng Kasaysayan 2021: Isang Pagpapakilala,” he said that August is considered as one of the most significant in Philippine history because most of the historical events that helped shape the country’s identity occurred in this month. The Philippines also honors its heroes during National Heroes’ Day which is held annually every last Monday of August.

Likewise, Mr. Agbayani said that celebrating and understanding history is a form of discipline that can be achieved through systematic investigation on how history shaped Filipino identities through time. This year’s theme for History Month is also the theme for the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines, which honor the 500 anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the world.