Photo courtesy of Department of Tourism-SCPA
The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) officially opened its newest regional component museum in Baler, Aurora, its first in Central Luzon, on Tuesday, June 30.
Held in celebration of the 24th Philippine–Spanish Friendship Day, the inauguration, highlighted by the unveiling of the museum marker, marked another milestone in the NMP’s continuing effort to make the nation’s cultural and natural heritage more accessible to communities across the archipelago.
In his opening remarks, Chairperson Andoni M. Aboitiz proudly said that, despite challenges, the NMP continues to pursue its mandate of museum development, with NMP-Baler being the sixth under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. He also commended the National Museum personnel for their dedication and invaluable contributions to delivering this world-class museum.
“I have to give credit to the men and women of the National Museum. All too often, their work remains a bit underappreciated. What you see today, and in all our museums, is the product of a dedicated and enthusiastic team doing a remarkable job in the service of their country. Thank you again to the team at the National Museum,” Chairperson Aboitiz said.
Likewise, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, in her recorded message, congratulated the National Museum of the Philippines, the Local Government of Aurora Province, and the Municipality of Baler for the opening of the latest cultural hub.
Secretary of Education Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara also delivered his remarks, emphasizing the significance of establishing a National Museum branch in the historic town of Baler.
“Baler is one of the smaller towns to have its own National Museum branch. Thank you to the NMP for giving special attention to Baler—not because of its size—but because of its historical importance,” Secretary Angara said.
Speaking on behalf of his father, presidential son Vinny Marcos underscored the vital role of museums in preserving the nation’s cultural heritage and reiterated the administration’s commitment to making history and cultural education more accessible to all Filipinos.
“Today, as we inaugurate the National Museum of the Philippines in Baler, Aurora, we celebrate more than the opening of a new cultural institution. We affirm our shared responsibility to preserve the legacy that tells us who we are as a people—our struggles, triumphs, and aspirations—for generations yet to come”, Marcos remarked.
In closing, NMP Director-General Jeremy Barns underscored the museum’s role in deepening public appreciation of Aurora’s rich natural and cultural heritage while reaffirming the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Spain.
“May this museum serve as a space for learning, dialogue, discovery, and pride, highlighting nature, culture, and the arts, for the people of Baler and Aurora, for Filipinos around the country and beyond, and for all of us here who are dedicated to celebrating the eternal friendship between the Philippines and Spain that is rooted on our shared heritage and values, that was forged by our forebears and continues now into the future,” Director Barns added.
The event was also witnessed by Spanish Ambassador Miguel Utray Delgado, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr., Aurora Governor Isidro Pimentel Galban, Aurora Representative Rommel Rico T. Angara, and Baler Mayor Rhett Ronan T. Angara, among others.
NMP-Baler features three permanent galleries showcasing history, culture, nature, and the arts. The Big Gallery’s 𝘚𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘢, 𝘛𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘢, 𝘊𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘢 highlights Aurora’s natural environment, biodiversity, Indigenous knowledge systems, and local ways of life. The 𝘊𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘦 𝘥𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘴 at the Small Gallery, on the other hand, explores Philippine-Spanish historical and cultural connections. The 𝘗𝘢𝘨𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘱𝘰 / 𝘌𝘯𝘤𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰 Gallery presents works by renowned Filipino artists, celebrating the richness of Philippine artistic expression. All these galleries, with objects carefully selected by NMP and curated jointly with its partners, aim to showcase Filipino heritage to Aurora’s diverse people and environment.
In addition, NMP-Baler also houses Oron by Crumby Crust Café and the NMP-Baler Museum Shop, further enhancing the visitor experience and reinforcing the museum’s role as a dynamic cultural and educational space.
As the 22nd addition to the National Museum’s growing network and the first of its kind in Central Luzon, NMP-Baler is a testament to the institution’s commitment to preserving and promoting the region’s heritage.
Designed by renowned Filipino architect Ed Calma, the museum draws inspiration from Aurora’s cultural landscape and the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, reflecting the province’s identity through a contemporary architectural design that makes it the NMP’s destination museum in Central Luzon.
NMP-Baler is now 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 to the public 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘𝐃𝐀𝐘 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on select religious holidays. Admission is 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 for all visitors.
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