History gives everyone the chance to look back and acknowledge past occurrences that have shaped people’s sense of identity and culture.
The Order of Augustinian Recollects (OAR), which has been contributing to Cebuanos since 1601—particularly in the mission of evangelization and education—celebrated its 402nd anniversary on April 29, 2023 at the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Main Campus.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling and turnover of the National Historical Marker in the University, granted by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). The marker recognizes the contributions of the OAR since its arrival in 1606.
According to USJ-R vice president for administration, Fr. Antonio S. Limchaypo, OAR, they’ve patiently waited for two years for this moment.
“Four hundred years is not a small thing. We have been here continuously for the past 400 years, and we’re already part of the history of Cebu City, Cebu Province, and generally, the Cebu Island,” said Fr. Limchaypo.
“From building and managing churches, we now manage schools that serve as institutions where our young people are taught the knowledge they can use to become good citizens. Along with what we teach is the appreciation of our history,” he said.
NHCP chairman, doctor Emmanuel Franco Calairo, and Fr. Bernard C. Amparado, OAR, prior provincial, led the unveiling of the national marker.
Marc John Rivera, an alumni of USJ-R and now one of the institution’s staff members, said that the marker represents him as a Josenian. Rivera said it’s “a privilege, pride, and an honor to witness the unveiling of the National Marker” as it also constitutes the presence of the OAR here in Cebu.
Undersecretary of the Department of Tourism, lawyer Mae Elaine T. Bathan, who gave a speech during the event, touched on the challenges Filipinos must face as a nation. She also stressed the importance of giving value and appreciating historical events.
“We at the Department of Tourism believe that tourism is vital for shaping our economy, and events like this enrich our identity as Filipinos not only in the art of religion but also in our history, in our culture, in our language, and our understanding of how we became a Filipino. That way, not only can we be proud of our country, we can be proud that we are Filipinos.”
As Undersecretary Bathan underscored the indispensability of the historical event in strengthening the economy, she also wanted to extend the support of the NHCP to the Recoleto, and made reassurances that the Agustino Recoleto still has many things to offer and present in the future.
“The Agustino Recoleto has many more contributions to our country. May we help them so that we can spread culture and religion throughout the country, and be proud of the beauty of the Philippines. Appreciating our history is about the past and our future,” Bathan added.
On May 12, USJ-R will take part in Gabii sa Kabilin for the first time, which happens to be the Order’s 417th year since the first Recollect friars arrived in the country.