19/10/2026
As part of a program in Manila exploring the historical and cultural connections and contemporary exchanges between Taiwan and the Philippines, the production team of Taiwan’s Public Television Service (PTS) visited the University of Santo Tomas (UST) to film two significant historical collections: the Dictionario Hispanico Sinicum (DHS) in the Archives and the Libro de Bautismos y Entierros del Parian de Manila in the Antonio Vivencio del Rosario Heritage Library. The visit showcased UST’s continuing commitment to preserving and promoting the country’s valuable documentary heritage.
The production team also interviewed Chairman Regalado Trota Jose of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and Rev. Fr. Gaspar R. Sigaya, O.P., Archivist. Also present was Prof. Fabio Yuchung Lee, an Associate Professor at the Institute of History, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan.
In addition, the team documented the restoration process at the Heritage Library and viewed the completed restoration work. The filming highlighted the importance of conserving these rare historical manuscripts for future generations and advancing research into the Philippines’ rich historical and cultural connections with the wider region.
They were warmly received by the UST Archives Staff and Heritage Library staff together with Ms. Maria Cecilia Lobo, the Chief Librarian, and Rev. Fr. Ivan Paul N. Obando, O.P., SThD, Assistant Archivist.
