MANILA – Towns and cities in the country should build their own museums, Senator Loren Legarda said, as she credited the municipality of Oslob in Cebu for preserving tangible cultural properties and showcasing the same to the world.

Legarda, who recently attended the culmination program of the Oslob Heritage Week held at the town's Cuartel Park, also praised the unveiling of heritage markers for Calle Aragones, the Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church, and the Church Walls and Gates.

"The people of this town have given due importance to their history as they immortalized it through the museum and heritage markers that were unveiled. They have also given proper recognition to individuals who have shaped their history, like Fr. Joaquin Bermejo, known for being a faithful servant of God and a remarkable military commander," she said.

Aside from historical sites, Oslob rose into national prominence for its whale sharks, which are found in very few coastal sites in the country such as Donsol in Sorsogon.

An awareness caravan will soon be conducted by the Department of Tourism so that local officials and fishermen learn about best practices in handling whale shark interaction and community organization. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)