The Presidential Museum at the Baguio Mansion House officially opened its doors to the public on Sunday, September 8.
First Lady Liza Marcos led the ceremonial opening with Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, among the honored guests.
The tourism chief expressed her gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and the First Lady for the restoration of the Baguio Mansion, now repurposed into the Presidential Museum.
“Unang una, pinasasalamatan natin ang ating presidente, Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and of course, our beloved First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos for this most significant and impactful project—the restoration and the opening up to the public of this very beautiful piece of Philippine heritage and history,” Frasco said in an interview, praising the First Lady’s broader efforts in restoring the country’s heritage mansions such as those in the Malacañang compound like Goldenberg, Laperal, and Teus mansions, which enhance appreciation for Philippine heritage.
“This will inevitably, I’m sure, also help our local economy here in Baguio.”
“This will inevitably, I’m sure, also help our local economy here in Baguio with the tourists coming in, the suppliers also will benefit from added touristic activities in the area, and most importantly, it will instill a sense of national pride, especially among our youth since they will have an opportunity to learn about the work of our previous presidents and their contributions to the country,” the tourism head added.
The Presidential Museum offers an in-depth look at the leadership and legacy of the Philippines’ former presidents, showcasing rare artifacts and memorabilia.
It is located inside the Baguio Mansion, a National Historical Landmark, just across Wright Park, which stood as an imposing witness to key events in Philippine history since its completion in 1908.
Frasco encouraged the public to visit the newly restored Presidential Museum.
“Magbubukas na ‘yong museum po na ito sa publiko, kaya iniimbitahan natin ‘yong ating mga turista na pumunta dito sa Baguio City, and to learn about the history, the heritage, the legacy of our Philippine presidents, and to be reminded of our pride of place and national identity as Filipinos. We are grateful to the President and the First Lady for adding more reasons to love Baguio City and more reasons to Love the Philippines,” she added.
When asked about the maintenance of the museum, Frasco also urged visitors to show respect and care for the museum and its surroundings.
“We are very hopeful that the love and care that has been put into restoring this museum will be responded to with an equal amount of responsibility as we advocate for sustainable and responsible tourism.”
“We are very hopeful that the love and care that has been put into restoring this museum will be responded to with an equal amount of responsibility as we advocate for sustainable and responsible tourism,” she noted.
Now open for public tours, the Presidential Museum offers everyone the opportunity to connect with the nation’s history and the lives of its leaders. Visitors may drop by at the museum free of charge from Tuesdays to Sundays, 9AM to 5PM.
