Digos City, Philippines — Cor Jesu College, in partnership with the Digos History and Heritage Council and Davao of the Past, hosted a forum titled “Voices of Tomorrow: Bridging History to the Youth” on September 19, 2025 at the CJC Training Center, 2F Sacro Cuore Hotel, Cor Jesu College. The event highlighted the importance of preserving local history while inspiring the younger generation to take part in sustaining cultural heritage.
The program was organized by Hon. Johari G. Baña, Vice Mayor of Digos City, who has been a strong advocate for initiatives that promote local history and heritage.Opening the program was Dr. Kirt Anthony R. Diaz, Vice President for Academic Affairs of Cor Jesu College, who represented Bro. Ellakim P. Sosmeña, SC, Ph.D., the College President. Vice Mayor Baña then delivered his message on behalf of Hon. Josef F. Cagas, City Mayor and Chair of the Digos Historical and Heritage Council. Both underscored the role of history in shaping identity and strengthening community values.
Two keynote talks were delivered:
Jovanie Kief M. Putong, LPT, MAPS, local historian and faculty member of Davao del Sur State College, discussed “Transformation of Digos as Frontier Barrio to the Gateway of the South.”
Antonio V. Figueroa, journalist-historian and consultant for the Institute of Davao Studies, presented “Digos of the Past Through Archives.”
The forum also featured a panel discussion with Lorenzo I. Balili, MAEd (Cor Jesu College), Dr. Rogelio Bayod (North Valley College), Perla May D. Griffin (Tourism Officer, Digos City LGU), and Windle B. Tanio, a BS Psychology student from Cor Jesu College. Students from Davao del Sur State College and the University of Mindanao – Digos also joined the session, actively participating in the Q&A segment and sharing their perspectives as youth representatives. Their engagement highlighted the relevance of history not just for academics and leaders, but for the broader student community as well.
Certificates of appreciation were awarded by Dr. Diaz, Vice Mayor Baña, and Neil Teves of Davao of the Past. The event concluded with Vice Mayor Baña delivering the closing message, reiterating the city government’s support in initiatives that preserve and promote history and heritage.
“Voices of Tomorrow” served not only as a venue for academic discussion but also as a call to action for the youth to engage actively in safeguarding the stories, struggles, and successes that define Digos City.
