Center for West Visayan Studies - UP Visayas

05/09/2026

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines joins the nation in mourning the passing of National Artist for Literature and esteemed historian Dr. Resil B. Mojares earlier today, 5 September 2026.

He is a pioneer in Philippine Local Studies who served as the founding director of the University of San Carlos Cebuano Studies Center in 1975, one of the first regional studies centers in the country. His expansive academic work includes six titles that won the National Book Award such as The War Against the Americans: Resistance and Collaboration in Cebu Province, House of Memory: Essays, and Vicente Sotto, The Maverick Senator. He also wrote extensively on Philippine cultural history and literature. As a leading local historian, he contributed to the Cebu Town History Project where he wrote the history of the Province of Cebu.

In 2018, he was bestowed with the Order of the National Artist of the Philippines for Literature in recognition of his immense contributions to scholarly and literary development. From 2018 to 2021, Dr. Mojares served as the Chair of a Panel of Experts convened by the NHCP to assess claims on the site of the First Easter Sunday Mass in the Philippines which was colloquially referred to as the Mojares Panel. They submitted their report and recommendation that reaffirms Limasawa as the site of the First Easter Sunday Mass in 1521. The NHCP has also had the honor of working with Dr. Mojares as a resource speaker and author of articles and books published by the Commission.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, colleagues, and the whole Filipino people in his passing. A true titan of local history has left us.

05/09/2026

🎂💐 Happy Birthday, Ma’am Jon! 💐🎂

The CWVS family warmly wishes our Acting Director, Ma’am Jonevee, a wonderful birthday filled with joy, good health, and countless blessings!

May the year ahead be filled with beautiful moments and meaningful accomplishments.

02/09/2026

CWVS participates in NHCP – LHCN General Assembly and the National Conference on Local History and Heritage

The Center for West Visayan Studies (CWVS), through its University Research Associate, Sashah B. Dioso, participated in the 13th General Assembly of the Local Historical Committees Network (LHCN) and the 2026 National Conference on Local History and Heritage, held on 25–27 August 2026 at the Sentrong Pangkultura ng Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna, organized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in partnership with the City Government of Biñan through its Biñan City Culture, History, Arts and Tourism Office.

The General Assembly was held on 25 August, with discussions focusing on membership, new publications of the NHCP, accomplishment reports from each cluster, and other significant matters. During the assembly, the new affiliate members also took their oath before NHCP Chair Dr. Regalado Trota Jose. The assembly likewise agreed on the theme for next year’s History Month Celebration. It was also announced that the next General Assembly will be held in Dapitan City.

The two-day National Conference on Local History and Heritage, themed “Kasaysayan at Pakikipagkapwa: Ang Diwang Transendental ng Diplomasiyang Pilipino,” held on 26-27 August, gathered scholars, historians, cultural workers, educators, and heritage advocates. It explored Philippine history and local heritage through the lens of diplomacy, transnational relations, indigenous concepts, and cultural exchange. Its program featured keynote and plenary presentations, including discussions on indigenous diplomacy, revisiting Philippine history, cultural diplomacy, and the role of historical narratives in understanding Philippine identity and international relations.

The LHCN was established pursuant to Republic Act No. 10086, otherwise known as the “Strengthening Peoples’ Nationalism Through Philippine History Act.” It serves as a network that connects and supports local historical organizations and institutions engaged in the preservation, documentation, and promotion of Philippine history and heritage. The CWVS is a member-affiliate of the LHCN, contributing to the network’s efforts to document, preserve, and promote the history and cultural heritage of Western Visayas.

01/09/2026

We warmly welcome Sir Trizer Dale and Ma’am Ma. Kresna Mansueto of UP Cebu during their visit and access to the CWVS Library resources.

01/09/2026

The CWVS Library welcomed students from the Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning program for a special Saturday research session last August 29, 2026, giving working professionals access to local and archival resources. Their research explored historical planning materials to support studies on local development in Leganes, Oton, San Joaquin, and Iloilo City.

31/08/2026

The Philippines, with its rich historical and cultural heritage, has commemorated National Heroes Day for nearly a century. While we honor prominent Filipinos who helped shape the nation, we also remember the countless patriots whose names are unknown but whose sacrifices advanced the cause of nationhood and freedom from foreign powers.

Heroes do not emerge only in times of war or crisis. The pursuit of peace founded on justice and inclusive development calls on every generation to rise above individual circumstances and serve the common good. As long as the spirit of bayanihan and patriotism lives in Filipinos, new generations of heroes will continue to answer the call of their times.

This National Heroes Day, the University of the Philippines invites everyone to reflect on the lives and examples of Filipinos who, from diverse backgrounds, carry forward the meaning and legacy of heroism and inspire us to build a better future together.

27/08/2026

The Center for West Visayan Studies (CWVS) mourns the passing of Dr. Dionisia Rola, the first Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Visayas

Dr. Rola played a significant role in the establishment of the CWVS. In the early 1970s, while serving as Dean of the UP College Iloilo, she advocated for the creation of a center dedicated to the study of the Visayas. Responding to the need for a coordinated effort to preserve, promote, and disseminate the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region, the UP Board of Regents approved the establishment of the Visayan Studies Program on June 26, 1975.

Her vision and advocacy laid an important foundation for what would eventually become the Center for West Visayan Studies - a continuing home for the preservation, documentation, research, and promotion of the history and cultural heritage of Western Visayas.

Madamo gid nga salamat, Dr. Dionisia Rola.

Your legacy lives on in the work of the Center and in the generations of scholars, researchers, and communities who continue to value the rich Western Visayan heritage.

Rest in peace, Chancellor Rola.

26/08/2026

In celebration of Buwan ng Kasaysayan 2026, the UPV community and the general public are invited to the this month's installment of the History Cluster Lecture Series.

Mr. Rad Xavier Sumagaysay of the History and Philosophy Cluster will deliver his lecture entitled "Eating in their Image: Constructing the "Native" and "Oriental" Diet in Japanese Occupation Periodicals in the Philippines (1942-1945).

Come visit us and learn about the construction of a "Filipino" food identity on September 4, 2026, 1:00 PM at the Miagao Interactive Learning Center (MILC), Tomas Fonacier Hall (CAS Building).

See you there!

ABSTRACT:
This paper explores the construction of a “Filipino” dietary identity in the Japanese-controlled periodicals The Tribune and Shin-Seiki (Bagong Araw-New Era) (1942-1945). It first examines how food and food-related practices introduced and popularized during Spanish and American colonial rule were criticized as incompatible with Filipino physiology, climate, and culture. Instead, the periodicals called for a reassessment of the Filipino diet, emphasizing a closer relationship with Philippine ecologies and foodways. Moreover, an idealized Japanese diet was presented as a model to follow, linking wartime dietary practices to notions of Japanese and “Oriental” health, nutrition, and austerity. Ultimately, these attempts to define a Filipino diet were complicated and unsettled by both the hybrid and historically layered nature of Philippine cuisine, as well as the transimperial nature of the Japanese Occupation.

26/08/2026

21/08/2026

The rich culinary heritage of Ilonggo’s La Paz Batchoy took center stage for Beyond the Bowl: Bringing Heritage, Innovation, and the Future of La Paz Batchoy on August 19, 2026, at the Events Center of SM City Iloilo.

Organized by the UP Visayas College of Management Student Council in partnership with SM City Iloilo, the lecture forum was held as part of the celebrations for Iloilo City’s Charter Day and Batchoy Festival. The event brought together students from various universities and members of the local community to deepen their appreciation of La Paz Batchoy as a significant part of Ilonggo culinary heritage.

Serving as guest speaker was Darlene Joy D. Calsado, University Research Associate of the Center for West Visayan Studies, and Research Fellow for the project “Namit Gid!: A Multistakeholders Collaboration for Ilonggo’s Batchoy” under the Panay Weaving and Culinary Heritage Program.

Calsado highlighted La Paz Batchoy not only as a beloved local delicacy but also as an important expression of Ilonggo identity, history, and cultural heritage. She emphasized the importance of documenting and preserving the dish’s traditional ingredients, preparation practices, and cultural narratives while encouraging younger generations to take an active role in sustaining this culinary tradition.

The forum also underscored the need to balance heritage preservation with responsible innovation as La Paz Batchoy continues to evolve and gain wider recognition. Discussions encouraged the youth and other stakeholders to appreciate the cultural significance of the dish while supporting local batchoy makers and establishments.

Ms. Leny Ledesma, Focal Person for Iloilo City’s UNESCO Creative Cities Network Gastronomy, delivered an inspirational message that called on the audience to help protect Iloilo’s local food industry while embracing innovations that respect and strengthen the city’s culinary traditions.

The event concluded with an interactive open forum, providing participants an opportunity to engage with the speakers and reflect on the future of La Paz Batchoy. The forum reflects continuing efforts to engage the youth and broader community in conversations on the protection and promotion of Ilonggo culinary heritage. Through initiatives such as Namit Gid!, UP Visayas and its partners continue to support collaborative approaches toward safeguarding La Paz Batchoy and strengthening its place in Iloilo’s cultural identity.

More than a cherished local dish, La Paz Batchoy carries stories of community, tradition, and Ilonggo pride. As Iloilo looks toward the future, preserving its heritage while fostering meaningful innovation remains essential to ensuring that the familiar bowl of batchoy continues to be shared and celebrated by generations to come.

Written and photos by: Aprille Danilly A. Guintibano