REVITALIZING THE PAST: HISTORICAL ORIGIN OF MUNICIPALITIES IN RINCONADA AREA CAMARINES SUR

Abstract: This paper discusses the historical background of the municipalities that comprise the Rinconada Area of the Camarines Sur in the Philippines, with the view of rejuvenating and preserving their excellent cultural and historical heritage. The study explores the history and evolution of chosen municipalities, their origins back to the early indigenous communities up to the time when they were founded during the Spanish colonial period and their administrative transformation. The study uses historical documents, local records, and oral accounts by the elderly people in the community to reconstruct historical processes that influenced the identity and development of these municipalities.The results indicate that the geography, migration, religious missions, and colonial rule had major roles in the foundation anddevelopment of the towns in the Rinconada Area. Several contributions to the establishment of many municipalities were the spread of Christianity, the establishment of parishes, and the systematic structure of local government under the Spanish rule. Besides, the historical experiences of the people in the area are still present in cultural traditions, local legends, and practices used by the community.The paper also helps in the conservation of the local history by capturing these historical origins and understanding of the sociocultural identity of the Rinconada communities. In conclusion, the study provides insight on the need to protect historical accounts as local heritage that seeks to promote additional research and community-based programs to safeguard and revitalize historical accounts of municipalities in Camarines Sur.