Iloilo city: Makinaugalingon, the oldest and longest-running vernacular newspaper from pre-World War II in Iloilo, has been officially added to the National Register of the UNESCO Philippines Memory of the World. The announcement was made during a ceremony in Iloilo City on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Makinaugalingon was founded, managed, and edited by the late Don Rosendo Madrazo Mejica. It consists of 2,972 issues spanning from 1913 to 1941, and 1946, comprising 30 volumes, along with a special issue from 1952. Pilar Martinez, the owner and heir of Mejica, highlighted in her acceptance speech that the newspaper serves as a comprehensive repository of early 20th-century accounts of Iloilo and the Philippines. It provided a platform for Ilonggos to express their ideas and opinions during the American period.

Mayor Raisa Tre±as, through a message delivered by Executive Assistant Jay Tre±as, noted that the recognition aligns with Iloilo City's designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. She emphasized the paper's role in telling the story of the Ilonggo people through words and ideas, complementing the culinary heritage that narrates their story through flavors and traditions.

The paper's inclusion in the Memory of the World National Register signifies its importance not only to Iloilo City and the region but also to the nation. The mayor stressed that Makinaugalingon will be preserved for future generations.

UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Secretary General Ivan Henares remarked that Makinaugalingon is a significant archival document, especially for those studying the Hiligaynon language. He emphasized its role in preserving knowledge about the era in which it was published.

UNACOM Memory of the World Committee President Prof. Nick Deocampo noted that this is the second time Iloilo has received such an honor, with the first being the inclusion of the Hinilawud Epic Chants in the Asia and Pacific Register. Deocampo expressed optimism about elevating Iloilo's recognitions to an international level.

Currently, the National Register includes items such as the film "Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon," the Fernando Poe Jr. Archives, and documents on the peace accord in Mindanao. Makinaugalingon joins these as a significant record of journalism, identity, and language.