Heritage Under Pressure: Oral Histories, Memories, and Urban Expansion in Tala, Caloocan City

Jhunessa L. Ignacio1*, Rian Karl Q. Garrido1, and Louie Jay L. Bacalla2

Central Luzon Sanitarium, or more commonly known as Tala Leprosarium, was an 808-hectare leper colony established in 1940 to cater for the growing number of Hansen’s Disease patients in Luzon. Due to the intense stigma associated with Hansen’s Disease during those times, movement in and out of the colony was severely restricted. The patients and the employees formed a community organically over time, building a nursery, a school, churches and other essential facilities to meet their social and spiritual needs. At present, the original land area has been redistributed as part of the social housing projects of the government. In spite of the changes that the area underwent, the descendants of the patients and employees still commemorate the history of their community. They safeguard their heritage and preserve their collective memory by actively recounting their rich history to the younger generations and continuing their traditions. However, due to land redistribution, the Tala community is currently facing threats of eviction and demolition of significant cultural properties. This study aims to document and assess the role of oral history and community-led initiatives in the preservation and protection of the history and heritage of the Tala Community.