THE opening of the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) - Cebu has been hailed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who said that museums are essential to the country in documenting its history, adding that they also help boost tourism.
“Museums are considered valuable cultural assets to a nation as they build a sense of community, document history, inspire creativity, promote tourism, and unite people through a shared heritage,” Marcos said.
The President and First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos graced the inauguration of the NMP-Cebu, which is housed in the old Bureau of Customs (BOC) building which later became the Malacañan sa Sugbo near Plaza Independencia, on Friday, July 28, 2023.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said the national museum is long overdue for Cebuanos, adding that it will be an additional tourism attraction.
NMP-Cebu, he said, should be included in school tours to allow children to see the exhibits.
The mayor also pledged Cebu City’s support in providing whatever assistance is needed by the NMP-Cebu.
The other government officials who attended the inauguration were NMP Board of Trustees Chairman Andoni Aboitiz, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and her daughter, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.
In a separate speech, Aboitiz said the budget for the museum amounted to P250 million, which was used for structural work, renovation and other preparations over a period of four years.
Aboitiz said NMP-Cebu is now the 18th component museum in the Philippines.
NMP-Cebu will start accepting visitors on Tuesday, Aug. 1. It will operate from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The will be no entrance fee for now, and it is not yet known when the museum will start collecting a fee.
The museum will feature various artifacts, archaeological items, national treasures, and other exhibits promoting the rich history and culture of Cebu.
One of the museum’s highlights is the Philippine Center New York Core Collection of 1974, a special exhibit featuring a collection of artworks composed of 92 works by 39 Filipino artists.
The 113-year-old building, designed by American architect William Parsons in 1910, served as a customs house for 94 years. It survived bombings during World War II.
In 2004, it underwent renovation when former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo converted the structure into the President’s official residence in the south. However, the building was unused from 2013 after it sustained damage from the 7.2 magnitude earthquake.
In December 2019, the building was officially turned over to the NMP when the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) granted the NMP the right to use the building for 25 years beginning on Jan. 15, 2020.
The building’s ownership remains with the CPA. (RJM)