Maragtas brings Philippine history to life in Miagao classroom

MIAGAO, Iloilo — A classroom at Miagao National High School has been transformed into a museum-inspired learning space where students can explore Philippine history and culture through historical artifacts, books, artwork and interactive activities.

The initiative, called “Maragtas: Museum-in-a-Classroom,” was launched Oct. 12, 2026, in Room 304 at the school’s Senior High School site as part of the observance of Museums and Galleries Month.

October is celebrated as Museums and Galleries Month under Proclamation No. 798, series of 1991, signed by former President Corazon Aquino.

The annual observance aims to promote national awareness and appreciation of the Philippines’ cultural heritage, artistic traditions and national identity.

The Maragtas initiative was developed by Ericson Nudgara, a senior high school teacher who handles the subject Pag-aaral ng Kasaysayan at Lipunang Pilipino.

The project is anchored on the belief that learning history goes beyond memorizing dates, names and events.

Instead, it encourages students to investigate historical accounts, ask questions, discover connections and reflect on the relevance of the past to contemporary society.

To support this approach, Nudgara converted part of his classroom into a museum-like space featuring objects associated with Philippine history, local culture and community heritage.

The displays include replicas and realia, or authentic objects used as instructional materials, allowing students to examine historical and cultural items more closely.

The learning space also encourages hands-on activities, including playing sungka, strumming a guitar, watching historical films and reading books.

These activities are intended to make history lessons more engaging by connecting classroom discussions with tangible objects and cultural practices.

Among the notable materials on display is a rare original copy of History of Miagao, a book written by Elias Failagao and published in 1979.

The book provides students with an opportunity to explore the history of their municipality and appreciate the importance of preserving local historical records.

The Maragtas learning space also features acrylic paintings created by Nudgara on cardboard repurposed from a television box.

The artwork demonstrates how readily available and recycled materials can be used to create educational displays without requiring elaborate museum facilities.

Through the initiative, Nudgara hopes to encourage greater enthusiasm for Philippine history while providing students with a dedicated space for exploration, discovery and reflection.

The project also highlights how teachers can develop creative learning environments by combining historical materials, visual arts and interactive activities within an ordinary classroom.

During the official launch, Nudgara expressed gratitude to school administrators, fellow teachers, friends and supporters who helped bring the initiative to life.

“As the lead proponent of this initiative, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the support of our school administrators, fellow teachers, friends, and everyone else who patronizes and joins in the spirit of this project. May our collective efforts and bayanihan continue to grow to further elevate the quality of education that our most important clients—our students—truly deserve. To our students, continue to feast on the knowledge and wisdom prepared for you. Stay motivated and devoted to your studies. May this humble table and space nourish your minds, hearts, and spirits with the stories and significance of the past. Believe it: ‘you are the hope of the nation.'”

Nudgara’s message emphasized the importance of collective support in creating learning experiences that inspire students to value history and cultural identity.

The Maragtas Museum-in-a-Classroom initiative offers an example of how schools can make cultural heritage more accessible to young learners without requiring visits to conventional museums.

By bringing historical materials and interactive experiences into the classroom, the project seeks to strengthen students’ understanding of Philippine history while fostering pride in Miagao’s local heritage.

The initiative also demonstrates how creativity, resourcefulness and collaboration can turn a modest classroom space into an engaging venue for historical learning.