ANTIQUE Rep. Loren Legarda sought the establishment of local studies centers in state colleges and universities nationwide.

Legarda filed House Bill 10552 or the proposed Local Studies Center Act.

Under the bill, local studies centers shall serve as research institutions in the grassroots level with the aim of identifying, recognizing, documenting, conserving, preserving, and promoting local history, folklore, language, and other aspects of cultural heritage through academic, scientific, and scholastic approaches.

Legarda said that by learning and appreciating local culture and history, the country will be able to better enrich its national identity.

“The past 50 years has witnessed the rise of interest among Filipinos on the local history, culture, and heritage of their provinces and cultural communities,” the senator said in her explanatory note.

The lawmaker said that giving attention to local cultures will help Filipinos better understand their identity.