What is a Historical Marker and Why We Should Care

The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu is now a part of history with its newly-installed marker.

You’ve probably heard the good news – our humble shrine already has a Historical Marker placed in the parish grounds! Let us know more about Historical Markers, and why they are important.

What is a Historical Marker?

Upon visiting tourist destinations, you’ll sometimes notice metallic plaques hanging outside building exteriors, near statues, and even in special locations. These are called Historical Markers.

Installed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), places with Historical Markers are deemed as significant places where significant past happenings have occurred. These signs can be found on locations visible to the public eye. They usually contain information and dates about the place or the monument.

Taken from the official Facebook page of the NHCP, here are the policies on the installation of historical markers.

1. Markers shall be installed for Filipino heroes, historic events and places involving historical acts and patriotic endeavors to dramatize the need to focus to the national consciousness the history of our country from the Filipino viewpoint and to evoke pride in our national heritage and identity.

2. Installation of historical markers that honor Filipino heroes shall be undertaken after proper and thorough study.

3. Historical markers shall only be installed in places with great historical value as determined by the NHI Board.

4. Historical markers for religious personalities maybe installed in recognition of social or historical value.

5. Historical marker shall not be installed to honor persons deceased less than fifty years, unless they are considered outstanding figures.

6. Request for historical markers may be granted during the centenary year of deserving persons, places or structures.

7. Historical markers shall not be installed in honor of persons who are still living.

8. Historical markers may be installed in honor of foreigners, only in exceptional cases.

9. Markers of local significance shall be allowed upon approved application to the NHI provided they are installed and financed by the agency, person or organization making the request and in such cases, the seal of the Republic of the Philippines shall not be allowed to be used.

10. In consonance with the national policy, all texts of historical markers shall be in the National Language.

11. The historical marker shall have a uniform design, size and materials. The NHI shall exercise the exclusive right (patent) over its use and production.

12. The historical markers are government property. Any act to destroy or remove the said markers without the written authority from the NHI Board shall be charged criminally in accordance with existing laws.The NHI shall conceptualize the standard design, size and materials of the pedestals for the historical marker.

13. To ensure the protection, upkeep and maintenance of the historical markers, the NHI and the client (i.e. local executives, descendant of the hero, etc.) shall both officially agree and sign the Certificate of Transfer.

The Do’s and Don’ts upon seeing a Historical Marker

Since Historical Markers are government property, people are not allowed to destroy or remove these markers. Anyone who violates shall be charged criminally in accordance with the laws.

Vandalism and/or stealing will also not be tolerated.

We strongly advise to keep Historical Markers neat and clean by not sticking or hanging anything on top of it.

According to NHCP President, Rene R. Escalante, establishments with Historical Marker can still be renovated as long as it is approved by the NCHP and the renovation won’t change the entire structure of the establishment.