Dumaguete City Celebrates National Museum and Galleries Month with "Uban ta " Cultural Tour

 

In celebration of National Museum and Galleries Month, cultural advocates, historians, students, and community members gathered in Dumaguete City for an enriching heritage journey titled "UBAN Ta”: The Museum and Art Gallery Tour." Carrying this year’s theme, “Bridging Divides: Preserving the Present for Tomorrow,” the event highlighted the critical role of safeguarding contemporary heritage and historical treasures to inspire and inform future generations.

 

The multi-stop tour served as a vital lens through which participants examined the rich history of Negros Oriental, exploring how local arts, wartime relics, and community traditions shaped the identity of the city and the province over time. Uniting with cultural institutions across the country, the activity honored shared heritage while fostering a sense of community pride.

 

The successful event was spearheaded by pioneer Department of Tourism (DOT) Regionally Accredited Tour Guide Prof. Josefino "Penn" T. Larena Jr., alongside two prominent local organizations: the Negros Oriental Alliance of Culture and Arts Advocates, Inc. (NOACAA-INC) and the Buglas Reading & Writers Club. Together, they organized a comprehensive itinerary that connected participants with key historical and artistic sites across Dumaguete and neighboring areas.

 

The initiative received key support from the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental, led by Governor Manuel "Chaco" Sagarbarria and Provincial Administrator Atty. Arthur Fran P. Tolcidas. Additional coordination and assistance were provided by the Negros Oriental Arts and Culture Office and Gemma Minda Laxina Iso of the Dumaguete Public Information Office.

 

The cultural excursion brought participants to several premier heritage stops and creative hubs:

 

National Museum of the Philippines – Dumaguete: Participants were welcomed by Administrative Officer V and Focal Officer Shimei R. Estimada along with the museum staff, who guided the group through regional exhibits and historical artifacts.

 

Silliman University Heritage Museum: Guided with support from Ruben N. Bokingo, Director of the Office of Alumni and External Affairs, attendees explored the rich academic and ethnographical collections of the university.

 

Silliman University ROTC Museum: 2nd Lieutenant Rodolfo Jull B. Locsin Jr. and the SU ROTC Office facilitated a specialized tour focusing on local military history and student cadet traditions.

 

Cata-al War Museum (Valencia): Hosted by Felix Cata-al IV and his brother, the tour offered an intimate look at World War II relics, personal artifacts, and historical memorabilia preserved in the nearby town of Valencia.

 

Mugna Arts Gallery: Managing Director Vince Lopez and the gallery staff showcased contemporary local art, providing a platform for visual storytelling and regional artistic expression.

 

Hacienda Arts & Crafts Center: Owner Grace Sycip-Romano and her team introduced visitors to local craftsmanship, traditional wares, and sustainable regional arts.

 

Delegations of students from Foundation University actively participated in the tour, joined by key cultural leaders including NOACAA-INC Vice President Genesis Dimatulac, Maria Cecilia G. Benlota, Maria Lourdes "Malou" Quimat Academia, and Issachar Bacang.

 

The activity concluded with expressions of deep gratitude to all partners, venue hosts, and participants whose combined efforts made the celebration of Museum and Galleries Month in Negros Oriental a resounding success.

 

Museums in Negros Oriental & Siquijor

 

Museums in Negros Oriental & Siquijor

• (Dumaguete City)

  • Located in the historic Old Presidencia Building (the former seat of municipal power), this branch showcases regional natural heritage through geological, zoological, and botanical exhibits under the banner "Kabilin sa Kinaiyahan sa Negros."

The Silliman University Heritage Museum is a wonderful addition to Dumaguete’s cultural landscape, particularly as a project driven by the Silliman University Alumni Association, Inc. (SUAA Dumaguete-Negros Oriental Chapter) to honor the university’s rich history and legacy.

Here is a quick overview of what those distinct galleries inside the Heritage Museum represent:

• Laura & David Hibbard Room: Honors the university's founders, Dr. David Sutherland Hibbard and Laura Crooks Hibbard, detailing their arrival in 1901 and their vision in establishing Silliman Institute.

• Miss Silliman Room: Dedicated to the memory  of past winners of the oldest campus beauty pageant in the Philippines 

• Langheim Room: Highlights the contributions of early missionary pioneers and leaders such as Dr. Henry W. Langheim, who was pivotal in introducing modern medical services and healthcare education to the region through the mission hospital.

• James Chapman Room: Dedicated to Dr. James W. Chapman, a distinguished early scientist, educator, and researcher who contributed significantly to the natural sciences and biology program at Silliman.

• Silliman University Church Room: A dedicated space celebrating campus traditions, student life, culture, and iconic memorabilia student cgurch lifr in campus

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• (Valencia, Negros Oriental)

  • A remarkable private repository run by the Cata-al family, featuring a vast collection of World War II weaponry, uniforms, documents, and wartime memorabilia recovered from across Negros Island.

• (Bacong, Negros Oriental)

• Located just south of Dumaguete, this niche museum houses an impressive private collection of centuries-old, meticulously restored mechanical timepieces and antique horological artifacts. 

The Silliman University Anthropology Museum (officially known as the Silliman University Anthropology Museum and Exhibit) is one of the premier repositories of indigenous artifacts, archaeological treasures, and cultural history in the Visayas region.

Key Highlights and Collections

• Rich Archaeological Heritage: The museum houses an extensive collection of pre-colonial artifacts excavated from various sites across Negros Island and neighboring provinces. These include burial jars, earthenware, metal implements, trade ceramics from China and Southeast Asia, and jewelry dating back hundreds of years, offering profound insights into early Philippine trade networks and societal structures.

• Ethnographic Displays: It features comprehensive exhibits dedicated to the traditional ways of life, weaving, basketry, tools, and ritual items of various indigenous groups and ethno-linguistic communities in the region.

• Academic Foundation: Established as part of Silliman University's commitment to research and cultural preservation, the museum has long served as a vital educational resource for students, historians, researchers, and visitors seeking to understand the deep-rooted heritage of Negros Oriental and the Philippines.

The Rodolfo B. Gonzales Museum of Natural History is an academic, research, and educational facility maintained by the Biology Department of Silliman University. Located on the ground floor of the East Wing of the Dr. James W. Chapman Science Complex, it is a vital repository for biodiversity studies, taxonomic research, and environmental stewardship on Negros Island.

Key Information & Overview

• Namesake: The museum is named in honor of the late Prof. Rodolfo B. Gonzales, who served as a distinguished biology professor and chairperson of the Silliman University Biology Department for 35 years. Alongside National Scientist Dr. Angel C. Alcala, Prof. Gonzales was one of the early pioneers in terrestrial and marine biodiversity research in the region.

• Extensive Collections: The museum houses roughly 18,000 plant and animal specimens. Around 2,000 selected specimens are on public display in the Exhibit Room, featuring taxidermy mounts, skeletal remains, preserved reptiles, amphibians, insects, birds, and flora indigenous to Negros Island and the Philippines.

• Location: Ground Floor, East Wing, James W. Chapman Science Complex, Silliman University Main Campus, Dumaguete City. 

The Fidel V. Ramos Reading Center (FVRRC), also commonly referred to as the Fidel V. Ramos Memorabilia Collection, is located on the third floor of the Robert B. and Metta J. Silliman Library System at Silliman University.

Overview & History

• Connection to Silliman: The center honors former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos (FVR), who maintained a close, long-standing relationship with Silliman University. He visited the campus on multiple occasions during and after his presidency and served as an Eminent Person Lecturer at the university.

• Establishment & Facility: The center was established to preserve FVR's intellectual and political legacy. Following overall library enhancements under the Uytengsu Transformative Learning Center initiative, the space was formally reopened as a renewed study, research, and reflection area for students, faculty, and visiting scholars.

The Silliman University ROTC Museum is a unique repository dedicated to military history, institutional service, and patriotism.

Key Information & Overview

• Location: Situated on the ground floor of the Roman T. Yap Hall (which also houses the Silliman University Anthropology Museum) on the main campus in Dumaguete City.

• Establishment: Opened in 2015, it stands as one of the pioneering university-based ROTC museums in the country, honoring Silliman's long-standing legacy in military training and national defense.

The facility you are referring to is officially known as the William F. Perrin Marine Mammal Bone Museum (commonly called the Whalebone Museum or Marine Mammal Museum), managed by the Silliman University Marine Laboratory.

Key Information & Overview

• Significance: It houses one of the most extensive and important collections of marine mammal skeletons and bones in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. The museum is dedicated to cetacean research, marine biodiversity conservation, and public education.

• Namesake: The museum is named in honor of Dr. William F. Perrin, a renowned American cetologist and marine mammal expert who collaborated extensively with Silliman University on marine conservation and research in Philippine waters.

• Collections & Exhibits:

• Features complete skeletal reconstructions and individual bone specimens of various cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) stranded or recovered along the coastlines of Negros Oriental and neighboring regions.

• Includes large-scale whale skull exhibits, baleen plates, vertebrae columns, and educational displays illustrating marine mammal anatomy, behavior, and the threats posed by marine pollution and strandings.

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"Handuraw  Heritage Museum" at Saint Paul University Dumaguete (SPUD).

Saint Paul University Dumaguete does, however, hold a deeply historic and proud legacy as the very first Paulinian foundation in the Philippines, established by the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres in October 1904. Its campus features vital institutional heritage landmarks—such as the early foundational buildings and archives managed by the university to preserve over a century of Paulinian education, faith, and service in Negros Oriental.

"Museo de Vicente" at Foundation University in Dumaguete City.

Foundation University is widely celebrated for its rich institutional history, unique architecture, and active promotion of arts, culture, and student-led creative showcases (often featured in regional university expos, design exhibitions, and campus cultural hubs). 

Visit the MET (Museo Ecclesiastico de Tanjay). I learned from my visit last year that Tanjay was founded as a Christian settlement on June 11, 1580 by the Augustinians and Ilog on May 16, 1584. Next time you go or pass by Tanjay, visit the MET just beside the St. James the Greater Church. (Notes: Cebu was founded in 1565 and Manila in 1571).

Siquijor Museum 

• (Lazi, Siquijor)

  • Situated near the historic Lazi Church and Convent complex, this institution preserves the island's local history, religious artifacts, and cultural traditions.

• (Siquijor, Siquijor)

  • Features an extensive private collection of rare and colorful seashells, marine specimens, and shell craft gathered from Philippine waters and around the globe.

Art Galleries in Negros Oriental

• (Valencia)

  • A prominent cultural hub nestled along the Valencia-Dumaguete highway that frequently hosts contemporary art exhibitions, artist residencies, and showcases works by local Negrense artists.

• (Dumaguete City)

  • A vibrant creative space on E.J. Blanco Drive supporting contemporary visual arts, design works, and collaborative exhibitions by regional creatives.

• (Dumaguete City)

  • Located along the National Highway in Banilad, exhibiting a diverse selection of paintings, sculptures, and fine art pieces from emerging and established artists in the Visayas.

• (Dumaguete City)

  • Housed at The Henry Resort Dumaguete in Bantayan, featuring modern artwork, curated creative exhibits, and artistic souvenirs celebrating local craftsmanship.

• (Dumaguete City)

  • Located near Bogo Junction on Larena Drive, this pioneering local gallery has long served as a staple exhibition space for local painters, printmakers, and cultural advocates in Dumaguete.

The Historical Background of Carcar City's Rizal Monument

 

Nestled in the heart of the historic plaza of the Heritage City of Carcar, the Rizal Monument stands as a proud testament to the city's deep-seated patriotism and community spirit. Erected during the American colonial era, a period of burgeoning Filipino national consciousness, the monument is more than just a landmark; it is a symbol of a collective aspiration to honor the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.

The monument was formally inaugurated on December 30th, 1927, a date poignantly engraved in old Cebuano on its pedestal. Its creation was a cornerstone project during the administration of the visionary mayor, Mariano Mercado. His term was marked by significant civic development, as he also initiated the construction of other enduring Carcar landmarks, including the iconic rotunda and the Carcar Dispensary, which has since been repurposed as the Carcar City Museum. Placing the statue of the national hero in the middle of the city plaza solidified its role as the civic and cultural heart of the municipality.

The construction of the monument was not a singular government effort but a remarkable community-wide endeavor. The funds were raised through the collaborative efforts of Carcar's most prominent families, including the Abellana, Mercado, Sato, Duterte, Regis, Yap, Aldave, del Corro, and Silva clans. In a significant display of unity, the fundraising activities also received crucial support from religious groups beyond the Catholic majority, notably the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) - Aglipayan Church and the local Protestant church. This broad-based support underscores the universal appeal of Rizal's heroism and the unified desire of the people of Carcar to immortalize his legacy. 

Architecturally, the monument is a quintessential example of provincial monument design from the American period. It embodies a graceful blend of Neoclassical principles and a distinct local simplicity. The design features a multi-tiered pedestal resting on a square plinth with stairs on all four sides, inviting public interaction. Its ornamentation is restrained yet symbolic, with classical motifs like floral wreaths in relief signifying honor. The overall vertical composition directs the eye upward to the realistically styled statue of Rizal, rendered in the academic sculptural tradition of the era.

Ultimately, the Rizal Monument of Carcar is a product of its time—a physical manifestation of a community's pride, a symbol of unity that transcended social and religious lines, and an enduring legacy of the patriotic fervor that defined the early 20th century in the Philippines.

PAGTUKOD: A Talk on Built Heritage - An Overview of Negros Oriental's Historical Treasures

On July 18, 2025, the National Museum of the Philippines-Dumaguete hosted "Pagtúkod: A Talk on Built Heritage," the third installment of its public program. The event featured Reverend Monsignor Julius Perpetuo S. Heruela of the Diocese of Dumaguete, who provided a comprehensive look into the built heritage of Negros Oriental, its legal protection, and the challenges of preservation.

Msgr. Heruela began the talk by distinguishing Negros Oriental’s built heritage from that of Negros Occidental, focusing on their unique construction processes. He highlighted the legal foundation for heritage preservation, specifically referencing the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 10066). This act is designed to protect, preserve, and promote the nation’s cultural heritage and its properties. He also mentioned Republic Act No. 10086, which aims to strengthen national identity through the popularization of Philippine history.

The discussion covered several key sites in Negros Oriental, including historic churches in Bacong, Dauin, and Zamboanguita, ancient watchtowers, and old houses in Dumaguete City. Msgr. Heruela explained the evolution of the bahay na bato architectural style from the bahay kubo, noting the use of stone instead of bamboo. He also highlighted the province's rich industrial heritage and the diverse use of local materials in construction, such as coral stone for cathedral walls, bricks in Bacong Church, and river stones in Zamboanguita.

A significant portion of the talk was dedicated to the threats facing built heritage. Msgr. Heruela pointed out improper activities, such as the construction of modern structures too close to historical sites and the use of incorrect preservation techniques. He cited an example where automotive paint was mistakenly applied to wood during restoration and another where an attempt to expose original bricks on a church wall led to its pulverization. He also revealed the presence of Rococo art in the province, which is characterized by intricate details and soft color palettes. However, he noted the need for further research on its origins in Siaton and criticized an instance where a Rococo-style piece was incorrectly painted gold.

Functional aspects of built heritage were also discussed, such as the elevated church windows in Bacong designed to enhance acoustics, which allow for six to eight echoes, as heard from the bamboo pipe organ. Msgr. Heruela criticized past preservation efforts for not properly studying stained-glass windows, which can lead to excessive heat inside structures in a tropical climate like the Philippines. The talk concluded with a poignant image of the Capitol building's once magnificent view, now unfortunately obscured.

The event's open forum focused on how to foster greater public awareness, especially among the youth. Msgr. Heruela suggested local declarations and integrating field trips to heritage sites into school curricula to encourage students to visit historical places instead of malls. Glynda Descuatan, Vice Chair of the Negros Oriental Tourism Council, proposed inviting heritage committees to provide tour operators with more in-depth historical narratives. Associate Professor Penn Larena, President of NOACAA-INC and a cultural heritage advocate, proposed a provincial ordinance that would mandate a subject on historical culture from elementary to college in both public and private schools.

Shimei Estimada, Administrative Officer V of NMP-Dumaguete, concluded the discussion by acknowledging the need for assistance in creating accurate historical narratives and documentaries. She extended a plea to historians and the church for their contributions and announced the museum's plan to coordinate with the Department of Education (DepEd) to facilitate school field trips. The event served as a call to action for the community to support cultural education, responsible heritage management, and the preservation of Negros Oriental’s rich historical legacy.