Memory of the World (MoW) – Philippines

Philippine Paleographs (Hanunuo and Buid in Mindoro; and Tagbanua and Pala’wan)

In recognition of their cultural significance, these ancient scripts were inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 1999. Dating back to at least the 10th century AD, these scripts represent not merely graphics but articulate sounds, reflecting a rich linguistic heritage.

The Radio Broadcast of the Philippine People Power Revolution

The collection of sound recordings of 44 audiocassette tapes and 1 minidisc document the actual, unedited day-to-day radio broadcast of Radio Veritas, DZRJ/DZRB, Radio Bandido, DZRH, and Voice of the Philippines. The collection was inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World programme in 2003.

Jose Macede Collection

Inscribed in 2002, the collection reflects the traditional music of the Philippines, covering sixty-eight ethnolinguistic groups and South East Asians.

Presidential Papers of Manuel L. Quezon

The Quezon papers document the events and politics involved in the long history of the Philippine independence movement conducted both in the Philippines and in the United States, and consequently constitute a major source of information not only for the history of the Philippines, but also in the context of its history within and of the region. Inscribed in the International Register in 2011 as well as in Regional Register in 2010.

Culion Leprosy Archives

Inscribed in 2018, the archive houses, preserves and protects numerous rare volumes of journals, text book, and other reference materials of the struggles of patients from different races, cultures, and religions on leprosy.

Doctrina Christiana

One of the most recent inscriptions, which was in 2024. It is  the earliest printed book in Tagalog and among the first books printed and published in the Philippines. Includes translations of Christian catechism and hymns from Spanish to Old Tagalog and Baybayin.

The Hinilawod Recordings contain the epics of Panay, recorded by anthropologist Dr. Felipe Landa Jocano and Panay Bukidnon epic chanters “Ulang Udig” from Lambunao, Iloilo and Narcisa “Hungan-an” Lingaya of Tapaz, Capiz, from 1956-1957. The recordings were inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World programme in 2024.

Presidential Papers of Manuel L. Quezon

Inscribed in 2010, the papers documents the events and politics involved in the long history of the Philippine independence movement as it transpired in the Philippines as well as the United States.

Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?

The film uniquely captures the essence of Filipino identity, resilience and heritage. The film doesn’t just tell a story, it also embodies a legacy, a piece of history, and a powerful statement about Filipino culture and spirit. The film was inscribed in 2015.

The Fernando Poe Jr. Film Collection

Inscribed in 2023, the archives not only preserve the legacy of FPJ and his contributions to the film industry but also serve as a cultural and historical resource that reflects the broader socio-political landscape of the Philippines.