BONTOC, Mtn. Province – The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the agency mandated to undertake the restoration, preservation and conservation of the historical heritages of the country, has unveiled several commemorative markers along the trails traversed by the fleeing first president of the republic of the Philippines.
This is a part of the commemoration of the 125th anniversary of Philippine freedom, tracing the trails of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and his troops while defending the freedom and nationhood of Filipinos in the hands of the Americans in December 1899.
The first marker was unveiled in Kayan West and Poblacion, Tadian on May 3, 2025 and Sagada the following day. The marker in Bagnen was not unveiled as the pedestal instruction has not been installed properly.
On May 5, a Monday, the marker was unveiled in the municipal capitol grounds to showcase the historical contribution of Bontoc in the historic journey of Aguinaldo and troops. Tracing still the path, another marker was unveiled in Doddo, Talubin in the afternoon.
The following day saw the team from NHCP unveil markers in Bayyo and Mount Polis which was the exit of Gen. Aguinaldo and troops to Ifugao. It was learned that said troops returned to the place three times due to the presence of enemies in Banaue before exiting out of the province.
During the unveiling ceremonies, the municipal and barangay officials were invited to grace the events. Due to the election campaigns, most barangay officials were present.
However, Mayor Jerome ”Chagsen” Tudlong was present during the town’s sortie and inked a Certificate of Transfer with Regalado Trota Jose, Chairperson of the NHCP for the safety and maintenance of the marker by the Local Government Unit (LGU).
During the short program, Chair Jose, in his message, paid tribute to the people of the town saying “we remember and recognize your invaluable role in our nation’s struggle for freedom. May we be guided by their examples as we struggle against our present and future challenges”.
The team paid a courtesy call to the governor as represented by John Likigan, the Provincial Administrator, who expressed appreciation for the efforts in instilling historical values to the province.
The chair and the Provincial Administrator delved into the intricacies of the presently untouched half of the provincial capitol which is until now is not issued any order to lift the Cease and Desist Order (CDO) of the NHCP. No details were available as of press time.
The team also visited other historical sites in the province such as the old churches and buildings with historical values and impacts, including “atos”, the Bontoc Museum, and school structures.
Certificates were also signed in the various sites of the installed markers either by authorized representatives or the local executive like Mayor Felicito Dula of Sagada.
There were seven markers unveiled with the exception of Bagnen marker which is still to be scheduled in the next leg of the activities.
Meanwhile, a proposal was forwarded by the provincial tourism office for the NHCP to cause the conduct of a historical journey trek in the province to trace the trail traversed by Aguinaldo and his troops.**Roger Sacyaten
