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.