The Division of Humanities of the College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, together with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), hosted the book launch of Prof. Marie Joy R. Sumagaysay’s, “Ig-Ampo Niño Cami: An Art History of Iloilo Spanish Colonial Cemeteries” at the Museum of Art and Cultural Heritage (MACH) Performing Arts Hall, Main Building, UP Visayas Iloilo City campus, on October 6.
“Ig-Ampo Niño Cami” explores the art history of eight surviving Spanish colonial stone cemeteries in Iloilo – Cabatuan, Dingle, Janiuay, Miagao, Oton, Pototan, San Joaquin, and Santa Barbara. Prof. Sumagaysay’s book is a valuable contribution to the Philippine history and cultural heritage, particularly that of Iloilo.
In her review of Prof. Sumagaysay’s book, Ms. Rona Repancol, a faculty member of the Department of History, University of Santo Tomas, mentioned that the book was originally a master’s thesis completed in 1995.
Reflecting on her experience, Prof. Sumagaysay mentioned that a lack of confidence and grit, coupled with the responsibilities of motherhood and academic responsibilities, led her to shelve the book.
Three decades later, it was revived and published as a book with the serendipitous invitation of NHCP in the later part of 2025.
“‘Ig-Ampo Niño Cami,’ the book’s title is actually the engraving on a stone tablet – a memento mori from the cemetery of Sta. Barbara,” Prof. Sumagaysay said.
The NHCP was represented by Hon. Regalado Trota Jose Jr. and Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo. Copies of the book were presented to the UPV Center for West Visayan Studies, University of San Agustin, Central Philippine University, National Museum of the Philippines – Iloilo, West Visayas State University, and Iloilo Science and Technology University.
Prof. Marie Joy R. Sumagaysay is an assistant professor 7 of the Division of Humanities. She finished her Master of Art History in UP Diliman. She has keen interest in local heritage and food.
Written by Mary Arvic Dolendo, IPO
Photos by Alven Polido, IPO
#UniversityofthePhilippinesVisayas
