Author: National Museum of the Philippines

The National Museum of the Philippines opened its component museum in Davao last Sunday, 01 December 2024. Made possible through a partnership with the City Government of Davao, this is the NMP’s 17th regional component museum and its fourth in Mindanao.

NMP Davao is housed in a six-story durian-inspired structure, an architectural tribute to one of Davao region’s most beloved agricultural products. It is now home to exhibitions featuring natural history, cultural and historical artifacts, Mindanao’s priceless treasures, the artistry of indigenous textiles, and masterpieces by some of Davao’s best artists.

On the ground floor, visitors will be greeted by Kublai Millan’s monumental installation “Ahungan ng Pagkakaisa”. Inspired by the traditional musical instrument of the Tagakaolo people, also known as tangungu in Bagobo, this centerpiece was masterfully crafted by over 50 skilled Manobo weavers, signifying the power of the community. Soon to be displayed in the museum lobby is a loan from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Collection. “Davao Industries” is a stellar artwork by National Artist Victorio Edades, who spent his retirement years in Davao City. Artworks by Dabawenyo artists also adorn this floor.

The exhibitions on the second floor feature specimens and images that celebrate Davao region’s natural landscape, from its geologic history and transformation to its flora and fauna. Crowning Davao’s staple Philippine Eagle display are in-depth installation showing its forests, mountains, land and water forms, and rich biodiversity.

Traditional life rituals as well as the region’s archaeological heritage are exhibited on the third floor. Being a melting pot of ethnic expressions among the Lumads, Moros, and migrant settlers, the mountainous terrains and the rivers and seas continue to shape communities across historical periods, especially through trade, warfare, and even in the conduct of their daily lives. Material evidence of the origins of death-related practices, prevalent among various indigenous people groups, can also be viewed on this floor, offering viewers a deeper understanding of our long-held beliefs in the afterlife.

Expressions of local artistry comprise the exhibitions on the fourth floor. The textile exhibition focuses on the clothing of the different indigenous and cultural communities in Mindanao. Researched and curated in partnership with the Office of Senator Loren Legarda and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, this exhibition is part of the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Program, making NMP Davao its seventh regional gallery. It also honors the lives and works of master textile weavers from Mindanao who were recognized as Manlilikha ng Bayan or National Living Treasures. Also on the same floor is a special exhibition on the legacy of Davao-born National Artist Ang Kiukok, an influential figure in Philippine modern art.  

NMP Davao is located at People’s Park Compound, J. Palma Gil St., Brgy. 4A Poblacion District, Davao City. For visits and further information, please contact +63998-557-9370 or send an email to davao@nationalmuseum.gov.ph.

Last 6 November 2024, the National Museum of the Philippines received the latest Gift to the Nation: the General Aniceto L. Lacson Ancestral House in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. NMP Director General Jeremy Barns officially accepted the property of the heirs of Gen. Aniceto L. Lacson in the ceremonial signing of the Deed of Donation.

The signing of the deed of donation was done on the occasion of Cinco de Noviembre, which commemorates the Negrense revolution against the Spaniards and the proclamation of the Republica Cantonal de Negros. From 5 November 1898 to 4 March 1899, the General Aniceto L. Lacson Ancestral House briefly served as the official presidential residence and the seat of government of the Negros Republic. In 2002, the house was declared a National Historical Landmark.

The donation of the ancestral house and its restoration is in fulfillment of the National Museum’s mandate of protecting, preserving, and promoting the national patrimony for the benefit of current and future generations, and in support of the national effort to inscribe the Sugar Cultural Landscape of Negros into UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list.

The National Museum of the Philippines would like to convey its sincerest gratitude to the heirs of General Lacson for this generous gift, and to Senator Loren Legarda and TESDA Director-General Jose Francisco ‘Kiko’ Benitez for funding the restoration efforts of this architectural treasure.

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Paghandum, “to reminisce, remember or look back”, honors the enduring legacy of the 8th President of the Republic of the Philippines: a distinguished son of Bohol through a selection of artworks, photographs, furniture, and personal memorabilia.

Before becoming president, Garcia was as a teacher, lawyer, guerilla leader, senator, and political economist. A true statesman, he was the exemplar of commitment to Philippine sovereignty and economic independence as encapsulated in his Filipino First Policy which promoted the primacy of Philippine industries over foreign enterprises by empowering local producers and guaranteeing preferential rights to Filipinos on matters of national economy and patrimony. Garcia also played a key role in reducing foreign military base agreements, ensuring a more autonomous future for the Philippines.

His roots in Bohol profoundly influenced his character and political outlook. The values of simplicity, hard work, and community solidarity inherent in Boholano culture shaped his leadership style and public service. He maintained a deep connection with Bohol throughout his life, frequently returning to his roots and staying engaged with his community. His legacy of economic nationalism is celebrated in Bohol; and is revered and remembered for his love and devotion to the national identity, having worked towards the strengthening of indigenous cultural arts.

This exhibition features a collection of objects from the Carlos P. Garcia Heritage House in Tagbilaran City, Bohol as well as from their home in Quezon City, Metro Manila. Generously gifted by his grandchildren, Maria Carla Josefa G. Campos, Jose Carlos G. Campos, and Isabel Campos Bustos, this collection not only commemorates Garcia’s contributions but also reflects the enduring bond between the leader and his beloved province. A major highlight are two oil on canvas individual portraits of President Carlos P. Garcia and First Lady Leonila D. Garcia created by National Artist for Visual Arts, Fernando C. Amorsolo in 1959.

Present at the reception to inaugurate the exhibition were NMP’s Director-General Jeremy R. Barns, Deputy Director-General for Museums Jorell M. Legaspi, and Director for Visayas National Museums Atty. Ma. Cecilia U. Tirol. Honorable Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado along with local government officials, partners from the academe, media, tourism, and cultural sectors graced the event.

The National Museum of the Philippines Bohol would like to express our sincere gratitude to the following individuals for their invaluable contributions and support: MC Builders Construction & Services, Marianito Jose Luspo, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, National Library of the Philippines, and the Provincial Government of Bohol.

Last 28 October 2024, the Justice Sector Coordinating Council – Quezon City Justice Zone and Bagong Buhay Group of Artists, launched “Behind Walls, Beyond Bars: National Correctional Consciousness Week Art Exhibition” at the National Museum of Fine Arts.

The exhibition features a collection of paintings and pyrography (wood-burned works) made by persons deprived of liberty, or PDLs, as part of an art competition for the 2024 National Correctional Awareness Week.

In a brief opening ceremony, NMP’s Director-General Jeremy Barns conveyed how this exhibition, which marks the culmination of this year’s National Museums and Galleries Month, “truly lives up to the MGM themes of fostering innovation, allowing PDLs to showcase the transformative power of art as means of expression and change.”

Moreover, Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Karl Miranda outlined the importance of this exhibition to the PDL artists. “This exhibition signifies a new beginning—a symbolic way of celebrating a milestone in the lives of the PDL artists, looking beyond and above their plight, moving past their commiseration, and celebrating their important contribution to the country’s culture and the arts”, Miranda emphasized.

Meanwhile, Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City Rosanna Fe Romero Maglaya acknowledged the 170 PDLs who participated in the art competition. “We now appreciate the realization that incarceration is not the be-all and end-all of the Philippine criminal justice system; it is a step towards rehabilitation and reintegration to society”, Maglaya stated.

First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos graced the event as guest of honor, leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally open the exhibition.

Behind Walls, Beyond Bars is on view until 5 January 2025 at the Sandiganbayan Hall of the National Museum of Fine Arts.

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