Participants listen intently in the forum held earlier today. Photo by Camaela Mijares

The Political Science and History Department of Ateneo de Davao University, in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines held a forum entitled “Enriching the Present by Understanding the Past: The Philippines-Spain Connection” on the third floor of the Ateneo de Davao University Community Tower earlier today.

The Spanish colonization of the Philippines was heavily discussed, concentrating on early settlements in Mindanao.

“A similarity among the researches show that most of the historical documents were from the Spanish Jesuits, reflecting their responsibility with regards to storing information,” said Political Science and History professor Ramon Beleno III.

University President Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ opened the forum with a few introductory remarks, followed by the discussion proper by Dr. Maria Bernadette Abrera.

After the talk, the panel members presented their papers. The first presentation was by Dr. Heldi K. Gloria of Ateneo de Davao University. The second presentation was by Ms. Ma. Cecilia B. Tanglan of Mindanao State University.

An open forum followed, moderated by Beleno.

The forum ended with Dr. Christine S. Diaz, Political Science and History Department chairperson, and Dr. Efren John Sabado, Social Sciences Cluster Assistant Dean, giving their closing messages.