ILOILO CITY – Iloilo’s longest-running newspaper in the Hiligaynon language pre-World War II became the fourth documentary heritage inscribed in the country’s Memory of the World (MoW) under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-Philippine National Commission.

A recent ceremony presented the MoW inclusion for Makinaugalingon newspaper, founded in 1913 by Rosendo Madrazo Mejica, who was also its first editor.

The newspaper produced 30 volumes or 2,972 issues from 1931 to 1941, a brief revival in 1946, and a special issue in 1952.

“(It became) one of the most comprehensive records of early 20th century Iloilo and the Philippines during the American period,” the UNESCO-Philippine National Commission led by Secretary General Ivan Henares said.

“More than a newspaper, it was a voice for Ilonggos – a platform where ideas were exchanged and histories were written. It bore witness to a defining period in our history, upholding the dignity of the Hiligaynon language,” added the UNESCO-Philippine National Commission.

Rosendo’s granddaughter Pilar Mejica- Martinez considered the Makinaugalingon

inclusion as a fitting tribute to the legacy of grandfather who was known as the “Dean of Visayan Journalists.”

Martinez said it was her grandfather’s goal to make Ilonggos socially aware of local, national, and international events of the time.

Makinaugalingon was published in the Hiligaynon language to make the newspaper understandable to the masses who were not generally well-versed with English or Spanish.

At its peak, Makinaugalingon had subscribers abroad as evidenced by postal cards sent to Hawaii.

Filmmaker and historian Nick Deocampo broached the idea of including Makinaugalingon as national chairman of the MoW Committee.

A native of Iloilo, Deocampo is familiar with the Makinaugalingon when he was still a student.

The Makinaugalingon for MoW research team includes Prof. Rene Trance, Associate Prof. Stephen Alayon, research assistant Bryle Felix Javier, librarian Stephanie Paredes, and Martinez.

The Makinaugalingon included in the MoW are copies found at the Rosendo Mejica Historical Landmark, a house-turned-museum in Molo, Iloilo City managed by Martinez.

Henares said UNESCO-Philippine National Commission is preparing for the inclusion of Makinaugalingon to the MoW Asia-Pacific level by 2027.