The University of San Carlos' Cebuano Studies Center (CSC) is set to celebrate a significant milestone—its 50th anniversary—with a national roundtable that will convene leaders of local studies centers from across the Philippines. The event is scheduled for November 26-27, 2025, at the USC Talamban campus in Cebu City.
Revisiting Local Studies in the Philippines
Titled "Revisiting Local Studies: A Roundtable on History, Networks and Futures," this two-day gathering will critically examine the current state of local studies in the country. Participants will address pressing challenges including digital preservation, regional collaboration, and maintaining research programs despite limited resources.
Founded in 1975, the CSC holds the distinction of being the Philippines' pioneering local studies center. For five decades, it has served as a vital repository for Cebuano literature, history, and cultural heritage. Organizers emphasize that this anniversary event aims to strengthen networks among institutions dedicated to preserving regional archives and advancing cultural research.
Distinguished Speakers and Program Highlights
The event will commence with an opening by USC president Fr. Francisco Antonio Estepa. Dr. Regalado Trota José Jr., chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, will serve as guest of honor. A keynote address will be delivered by National Artist for Literature and CSC founding director Dr. Resil Mojares, who will reflect on the evolution of local studies in the Philippines.
On the second day, Dr. Patricio Abinales from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa will present a lecture positioning Philippine local studies within wider regional and global contexts.
Discussions throughout the roundtable will focus on crucial themes such as archival preservation, digitization, community engagement, and fostering collaboration among regional institutions. Representatives from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will share successful institutional models and strategies for broadening public access to cultural materials while ensuring the sustainability of research initiatives.
Building a National Network for Cultural Preservation
Dr. Hope Sabanpan-Yu, the current CSC director, will provide updates on the center's ongoing archival projects, publications, and partnerships designed to expand the reach of Cebuano cultural materials.
A primary objective of this landmark gathering is to develop a comprehensive national directory of local studies centers. This initiative seeks to lay the foundation for a coordinated national network that will support future research and strengthen cultural preservation efforts across the archipelago, ensuring that the rich tapestry of local histories and traditions is safeguarded for generations to come.
