Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10086)
Republic Act No. 10086 shall be known as the "Strengthening Peoples' Nationalism Through Philippine History Act."
The primary policy of the State is to conserve, promote and popularize the nation's historical and cultural heritage and resources, strengthening people’s nationalism through Philippine history.
'Built heritage' refers to architectural and engineering structures such as bridges, government buildings, houses of ancestry and worship, traditional dwellings, technological and industrial complexes and their settings, and landscapes with notable historical and cultural significance.
The National Historical Institute (NHI) was renamed and reconstituted as the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
The NHCP is the primary government agency responsible for history and has the authority to determine all factual matters relating to official Philippine history, including conducting research, developing educational materials, restoring and conserving historical objects, managing national shrines and monuments, and resolving historical controversies.
The Board is composed of nine members: five distinguished historians appointed by the President who serve as regular voting members, and four ex officio members — the Directors of the National Library, National Museum, National Archives, and the Executive Director of the NHCP.
Regular members must be natural-born Filipino citizens, at least 35 years old, possess good moral character, have distinguished themselves in Philippine history, and have published works recognized by scholars and the public.
The Board conducts and encourages historical research, acquires historical documents and properties, manages preservation of historical sites, approves declarations of historic structures, promotes popularization of history, resolves historical issues, enforces the Flag Law, secures donations, imposes fees, conducts investigations, approves budgets, and appoints Deputy Executive Directors among other functions.
Regular members serve a term of four years and may serve no more than two consecutive terms. The Chairman serves a three-year term, also limited to two consecutive terms.
The NHCP may generate funds from government or private sources, collect fees for entrance to shrines or use of resources, and maintains a revolving fund from income up to One million pesos, with any excess remitted to the National Treasury.
The NHCP is exempt from all taxes on its income. Donations to the NHCP are exempt from donor's tax and deductible from the donor's gross income. Scientific, historical, and cultural books and materials imported for NHCP use are exempt from customs duties.