Having passed the screening made by De La Salle University-Dasmariñas for would- be holders of the professorial chair in history, Dr. Emmanuel F. Calairo, Cavite Studies Center and University Faculty Research Office director, was granted the Geronimo Berenguer de los Reyes Jr. Distinguished Professorial Chair in Cavite and Philippine History in a ceremony conducted on July 28 at the Tanghalang Julian Felipe, DLSU-D.
The grant was a realization of the Memorandum of Agreement made between DLSU-D and the GBR Foundation, Inc. on February 25 at the de los Reyes’ Makati residence. It was also in line with the GBR Foundation’s objective of promoting research in Philippine history and culture and to commemorate the heroic deeds of Crisanto de los Reyes y Mendoza, one of the heroes of the Cavite Mutiny.
DLSU-D Executive Vice President Dr. Estrellita Gruenberg and GBR Foundation, Inc. president Mr. Jaime Hidalgo awarded the plaque of recognition to Dr. Calairo. Dean Mark Edwin Aspra of the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) gave the message of circumstance.
Immediately following the awarding ceremony, Dr. Calairo delivered his first inaugural lecture with the topic “Ang Kabite sa Digmaang Pilipino – Amerikano”. Deviating from the usual historical presentations done by history writers which usually commence on the seats of activity like Manila, Dr. Calairo emphasized the participation of Cavite and its towns in the annals of Filipino-American war. He gave an overview of the topic of his research and discussed the methodology to be used in the presentation of his research. He even recounted some instances in the participation of Caviteños in the war.
In attendance at the inaugural lecture were CLA Associate Dean Teresita Unabia, Social Sciences Chair Roland Lorenzo Ruben, College of Business Administration Dean Epifania Anfone, College of Science Dean Cristina Salibay and some Social Sciences Department faculty and history students. Mrs. Amelia Viniegra, a descendant of Wenceslao Viniegra, a prominent figure in the town history of Gen. Trias, was also present during the said event.

To discuss plans for a joint conference, the Cavite Studies Center (CSC) and the Center for Kapampangan Studies (CKS) personnel convened at the Francisco Osorio Board Room of the Aklatang Emilio Aguinaldo (AEA), June 24.
Representatives from both centers, headed by CSC Director Emmanuel Calairo and CKS Director Robbie Tantingco, talked about the details of the proposed conference to be held at the Holy Angel University, Angeles City on January 24-25.
The conference is aimed at generating research on the cultural similarities and differences and the overlapping historical experiences between the provinces of Cavite and Pampanga. It is also designed to highlight the contributions of the two provinces to nation-building through the exploration of the provinces’ local history and culture.
Hon. Cesar Virata and Hon. Estelito Mendoza are the expected keynote speakers for the said event.
The directors and the repre-sentatives from both centers pledged on the tasks and responsibilities that each of them will contribute.