350th Death Anniversary of  “Father of Bisayan History” Takes Spotlight in Valencia

Philippine Consul General in Barcelona Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro (2nd from left), highlighting Father Francisco Ignacio Alzina's legacy in fostering understanding between the Philippines and Spain through his works on the Visayan region. Joining the panel from right are organizers Philippine Honorary Consul in Valencia Atty. Manuel Carrion Sanchez and Professor Santiago Celestino Pérez Jiménez of the Universidad Cardenal Herrera (CEU) in Valencia. Leading the talk is Professor Eduardo Descalzo Yuste of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (rightmost). (Photo by Barcelona PCG)

VALENCIA 05 December 2024 – Dubbed as the “Father of Bisayan History” is Father Francisco Ignacio Alzina whose 350th death anniversary this year was commemorated with the talk “Influencia del Padre Francisco Ignacio Alzina en las Bisayas” (The Influence of Father Francisco Ignacio Alzina in the Visayas) at the Universidad Cardenal Herrera (CEU) in Valencia, on 26 November 2024.

Father Alzina, 17th-century Jesuit missionary and chronicler born in Valencia, Spain, is most renowned for his contributions to documenting the culture, history, and natural environment of the Visayan Islands in the Philippines. His comprehensive work, Historia de las Islas e Indios de Bisayas, completed in 1668, remains a vital source for understanding Visayan society, its ecology, and the complex dynamics of colonialism.

Jointly hosted by the Philippine Honorary Consul in Valencia and CEU, the talk attracted a diverse audience that included members of the Consular Corps of Valencia, the academe, the Filipino community, and the general public.

“This Talk serves as a reminder of Father Alzina’s invaluable role in documenting Visayan history and culture. It underscores his lasting impact on the relationship between Spain and the Philippines, particularly in strengthening cultural ties,” said Philippine Honorary Consul in Valencia Atty. Manuel Carrion Sanchez.

Professor Eduardo Descalzo Yuste from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (AUB) led the talk, through his research work, which included extensive studies of Father Alzina’s contributions, as well as invaluable insight into the indigenous cultures of the Visayas region and the early history of Spanish colonization. Professor Descalzo also featured discussions on Alzina’s naturalist perspective, his deep affection for the Visayan language, and his views on Visayan poetry.

“One interesting information is Alzina’s high regard for the Visayan language, which he believed surpassed Greek, Latin, and Spanish in richness and expressiveness,” said Prof. Descalzo. Father Alzina is said to be a linguist who saw the Visayan language as not only complex but superior in its depth of vocabulary and metaphorical use. His writings also touched on the nuances of Visayan poetry, which he claimed was difficult for Europeans to fully understand due to its highly metaphorical nature.

Co-presenting the forum is the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona. "A son of Valencia, and at the same time an adopted son of the Philippines," described Philippine Consul General in Barcelona Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro, highlighting Father Alzina's legacy in fostering understanding between the Philippines and Spain. “We are doing this as a way to show our gratitude to Valencia and to Spain, in general, for giving us Father Alzina”.  END.

Co-organizing the event is Philippine Honorary Consul in Valencia Atty. Manuel Carrion (leftmost) and Philippine Consul General to Barcelona Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro (2nd from left) with Professor Santiago Celestino Perez Jimenez of the Universidad Cardenal Herrera (CEU) in Valencia (middle). Leading the talk is Professor Eduardo Descalzo Yuste of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (2nd from right). Vice Consul Lee Gano (rightmost) joins the event. (Photo by Barcelona PCG)

“The connection between Valencia and the Philippines is fascinating. It’s interesting how Valencian missionaries such as Father Alzina made a lasting impact centuries ago,” said Professor Eduardo Descalzo Yuste who presented his focused analysis of Father Francisco Ignacio Alzina life and works in the Visayas region. (Photo by Barcelona PCG)

For more information, visit https://barcelonapcg.dfa.gov.ph/ or https://www.facebook.com/PHinBarcelona/.