Archives collection, to be preserved, digitized for public use

by Precie Catherine C. CuartoQUEZON CITY, October 13 (PIA) -- Researchers, historians and students may soon conveniently access records, documents, manuscripts and records artifacts from the National Archives of the Philippines as the agency migrates its priceless collection into digitalized formats and copies as a strategic move for archival preservation.
According to National Archives executive director Victorino Mapa Manalo, the office’ archival preservation division is entrusted to “prolong the life” of some 13 million Spanish paper documents saved from the 16th century, and approximately 40 to 50 million files from the First Philippine Republic to the present.
Manalo said the archival preservation division has several techniques learned from various trainings and observations in foreign countries.
“The Kingdom of Spain has extended much help to teach (us) new techniques in archival preservation. We have multiple machines used for preserving paper documents,” said Manalo.
The Archivo de Indias in Seville, Spain, has maintained a controlled process of transferring documents using a special tunnel to protect papers against harsh environmental elements.
According to Manalo, our National Archives uses a special case and lock which only the receiver and the dispatcher can access.
“Since we are not yet thoroughly done with digitization program, we sometimes give permission to researchers (to access the actual document), but under “very strict” supervision,” said Manalo.
Manalo said graduate and undergraduate students may take advantage of the resources at the National Archives. They may get in touch with Archives Section chief Dr. Teresita Ignacio to arrange special visits.
Manalo was guest in today's edition of Talking Points radio program aired over Radyo ng Bayan and People's Television Channel 4. (PND/PCC PIA-GHQ)
http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=59036