BIÑAN, Laguna — The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) today unveiled and formally transferred the historical marker dedicated to Encarnacion Alzona at the Sentrong Pangkultura ng Biñan, located in Plaza Rizal, as part of efforts to preserve and promote the legacy of one of the country’s pioneering scholars and women’s rights advocates.
The ceremony, held on March 21, 2026, was led by NHCP Chair Regalado Trota Jose Jr., together with Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo. The historical marker was officially turned over to the Biñan City Government, represented by Mayor Angelo B. Alonte.
Also present during the event were Vice Mayor Jonalina R. Reyes, who delivered the welcome remarks, and Dr. Bryan Jayson T. Borja, head of the city’s Culture, History, Arts, and Tourism Office. Messages honoring Alzona’s contributions were likewise delivered by NHCP Commissioner Francis M. Navarro and Philippine Commission on Women Commissioner Ma. Luisa T. Camagay.
Alzona, born on March 23, 1895, in Biñan, Laguna, is widely recognized as a distinguished historian, academic, feminist, and suffragist. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of the Philippines before pursuing further studies abroad. As a government pensionado, she obtained a second master’s degree from Harvard University in 1920 and later made history as the first Filipina to earn a doctorate in history from Columbia University in 1922.
Throughout her career, Alzona served as a professor of history at the University of the Philippines from 1922 to 1945 and later as a university regent. During World War II, she became involved in the guerrilla movement led by Manuel L. Quezon.
She also broke new ground as the Philippines’ first representative to the UNESCO, serving in 1946–1947 and again in 1949. Among her many contributions, Alzona co-founded the Philippine Historical Association in 1955, translated the works of Jose Rizal, and became the first woman to chair the NHCP from 1966 to 1967.
In recognition of her lifelong contributions to scholarship and nation-building, she was proclaimed a National Scientist in 1985. Alzona passed away on March 13, 2001.
The unveiling and relocation of the historical marker underscore NHCP’s continuing mission to safeguard the country’s historical heritage and to honor individuals whose work has shaped Philippine history.
