The Victorias City Hall will be the future site of the first component museum in Negros Occidental.
The Deed of Usufruct agreement was signed today, Aug. 28, by City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, 3rd District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez, National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) director-general Jeremy Barns, NMP Visayas National Museums director II Atty. Ma. Cecilia Tirol, and City Administrator Atty. Lindolf De Castro.
The signing marked another milestone for Victorias as the first component museum in Negros Occidental will feature the sugar heritage and indigenous flora and fauna of the province.
“We’re very excited about this partnership, we know that the National Museum of the Philippines and the partnership with the Department of Tourism, hopefully, will bring not only awareness but also education, honor, and tourists to Victorias City, which will help people rise from economic hardships,” Mayor Javi said in his message.
Cong. Kiko reiterated the mayor’s vision for Victorias. “He (Mayor Javi) thought that the idea of a national museum present here in Victorias was one that completed his vision of both a new reinvigorated Victorias and one that is nonetheless tied and conscious to its long heritage and history.”
Tirol stressed the significance of the museum in the Visayas Region and emphasized that Negros Occidental was the only missing piece in the cultural map.
Barns affirmed the commitment of the NMP to making this vision a reality, a press release from the city said. “This museum that we will be putting together, conceptualizing in consultation with you and the stakeholders, will be our best yet, for sure.”
Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, city councilors, and department heads witnessed the ceremonial signing at the City Hall to kickstart the initiative that ensures that Victorias and the region’s vibrant history and cultural heritage will be safeguarded and celebrated for generations to come. ||
