Philippine E-Journals

Some Problems Confronting Place Name Research in the Philippines

Isagani R. Medina

Discipline: History, Philippine History

 

Abstract:

 

What is the relevance of research on toponyms to Philippine History?

 

Place names studies can help us truly identify the former role of ancient place names such as Malacbalac (now Pio Duran), Tigbi (Tiwi), Goyang (Tigaon), Salog (Goa), Sawangan (Legaspi City), Cabasi (Lgao), Tambobong (Malabon, Metro Manila), Pineda (Pasay City) or San Felipe Ncri (Mandaluyong). This is one of the most interesting aspects of local history which is quite difficult to do.

 

Besides stressing the importance of place toponyms in research, the author also mentions different important sources in tracing the early meanings of place names in Kabikolan which include the present provinces of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon and Masbate. In addition, he mentioned different scholars (both foreign and local) who contributed a great deal to the study of place names in the Philippines. He also categorized problems in place name studies in the Philippines can be categorized into external and internal. Problems confronting place name research in the Philippines concerning internal and external factors are further discussed in the paper.