Morong Historical Society (LIKAS-Morong)

For further info, emal: moronghistory07@gmail.com

Introduction
The rich history and culture of the town of Morong (in Rizal Province) are integral to the identity of its people. Morong’s local artistry, indigenous customs and traditions, unique Tagalog dialect, and social capital are constantly being threatened by modernization and demographic change. In order to promote the study and understanding of local history and culture, it is essential that a local organization open to all Morongueños and others who have keen interest in Morong, be established--thus the Lipunang Pangkasaysayan ng Morong (LIKAS-Morong).
Vision
LIKAS-Morong will be the recognized multisectoral organization and advocate of local historical education and research. It will be a nonpolitical and nonpartisan group composed of teachers, students, professionals, retirees, community leaders, local residents, balikbayans, and volunteers. It will be seen nationally as the principal independent organization committed to the further understanding of Morong history through community-based research, training, and education.
Mission
LIKAS-Morong seeks to raise popular awareness regarding the importance of the study and understanding of local history and culture by:
-Ensuring the preservation of local historical artifacts and state-of-the-art research in local history
-Supporting current local historians by providing resources for the continuation and dissemination of their work
-Encouraging the development of young local historians, cultural workers and linguists
-Advocating for the integration of local history materials in curricula in schools and colleges
-Cultivating working relationships with local schools, other cultural, civic, and community organizations

LIKAS-Morong also aims to reclaim for Morong its rightful place in national history. Achieving this mission requires:
-Networking with provincial, regional, national and international organizations that espouse the study of local history and culture
-Engaging the national media by continuing the initiatives of Col. Francisco T. San Miguel in writing to newspaper editors about recognizing Morong as one of the rays of the sun in the Philippine flag

Goals
1. To build and sustain a cohesive membership body of citizens who have keen interest in local history and culture;
2. To collect important documents, history records, books, brochures, and other printed materials currently in the hands of various collectors around the country;
3. To create a central repository of local historical and cultural artifacts;
4. To initiate fora for discussion of historical events and issues;
5. To establish community-based programs, in cooperation with schools and other community organizations, geared toward popular appreciation of Morong history and culture. Such programs may include, but are not limited to, local history writing (oral history, archival research, etc.), museology, archeology, linguistic analysis, etc.
6. To represent Morong in regional/national/international historical conferences

Specific Activities
In order to create community settings that foster and sustain interest in local history and culture, the following activities MAY be initiated:
-Local History Fora
-Morong History Library and Museum
-History Writing Workshops
-History, Arts and Culture Festival
-Scholarship program for those who want to major in history (or other relevant programs in college such as linguistics, humanities, or art studies)
-Listserv/Discussion Board

Organization
Membership will be open to all Morongueños (resident or abroad) and others who have keen interest in Morong history and culture. A board of directors who will run the organization for a term of two-years will be elected from among the members. There will be a president, president-elect, secretary, and treasurer. Other positions will depend on the constitution and by-laws that have yet to be created. Honorary position may be allotted for the Mayor of Morong (?), and special position (advisers?) created for presidents/director of URS and TCMC.

It is important that the organization recruit members who have interest in archival research, and museology (and those who have computer skills for online research and possible development of website). Volunteers for library development and services should also be encouraged to join (retired teachers, students during summer, etc.). Consultants from universities and historical agencies may also be tapped.

Budget/Funding/Membership Fee
The membership fee will be P_________, and annual fee is P_________. Other members may sponsor those who may be in need of support. Fund-raising activities will be initiated as necessary. The organization may also apply for grants from national agencies such as the National Historical Institute (NHI) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).