Mong Palatino

How to best describe the islands that compose the Philippines? Through tourism slogans? Cultural festivals which have degenerated into commercialized spectacles?

Perhaps a town seal can provide a succinct introduction of our local histories. Reduced into political units, the islands are now more than 80 provinces, 1500 cities and municipalities, and 40000 barangays (villages). Interestingly, each LGU unit has a seal which explains its history, geography, economic profile, and even its vision.

Through town seals, we can acquire instant knowledge, and hopefully better appreciation, of our communities. They were made during the founding of our towns which represent not only the stories and even myths about our past but also the collective aspirations of our people.

Seals are produced and reproduced so that succeeding generations will continue to remember the sacrifice of our ancestors, and more importantly, remind every citizen to take pride in the never-ending duty of community-building and nation-building process.

At a time when depoliticized town rebranding is the trend and when LGU leaders want superficial recognition as advocates of globalism, we need to revisit and re-learn the underappreciated and sometimes forgotten stories and histories of our towns.

In the name of tourism and foreign investments, create global cities. But the transformation of towns should never lead to the abandonment of history, culture, and heritage.

Through this page, I will feature the seals of Philippine towns which I have visited. My aim is to create more interest in our local histories. Enjoy a fascinating ride across the magical and exotic islands of history and time….