The National Historical Institute, as an arm in the culture and development agenda of the government, envisions:

              " A Filipino society with citizens informed of their history, who love their country and proud of their  cultural heritage."

Its mission is the promotion of Philippine history and cultural heritage through research, dissemination, conservation, sites management and heraldry works.  It aims to inculcate awareness and appreciation of the noble deeds and ideals of our heroes and other illustrious Filipinos, to instill pride in the Filipino race and to rekindle the Filipino spirit through the lessons of history.

The NHI is mandated to undertake research and publication of Philippine historical works; educational activities on historical events and personages; restoration, preservation and conservation of movable and immovable objects of historical value and implementation of the National Historic Act of the Philippines (PD 260 and PD 1505); administration of historic sites, structures and memorabilia of national heroes; and blazoning of government symbols and implementation of Republic Act 8491 or  “The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.”