In the celebration of the Banáan Museum’s first anniversary, various indigenous dresses, equipment, and culture of Pangasinan are displayed.
With the sound of the gong, the Provincial Government inaugurated the first anniversary celebration of the Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum.
On September 18, 2023, at the inauguration of the Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum presented by the Provincial Government under the leadership of Governor Ramon “mon-mon” Guico III.
“So under my administration, we conceptualized the Banáan Museum and allocated the necessary budget for its contents. Of course, with the support of the department heads, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, we are able to fund it. As a result, we have a very wonderful and beautiful museum for the Province of Pangasinan. To all Pangasinenses, congratulations. Allow me to remind and inform all of us the significance and impact of having a well-thought out museum for a town and province. It pays a lot in our national identity, patriotism, and love for the arts, ensuring that we never forget the culture which we must preserve,” Governor Ramon V. Guico III.
The guest of honor at the celebration was National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Executive Director, Dr. Eric Zerrudo.
According to him, he admires the leadership and dedication of Governor Ramon V. Guico III to preserve the rich culture of the province.
Dr. Eric Zerrudo, NCCA Executive Director, “It was his pure political will, that decisiveness, that strength of character, that ensured that this would happen. I just hope that with this seminal but very powerful gesture of our governor, you should continue to support him. This kind of cultural heritage passion is rare. It’s not often you have a visionary leader who invests in the future, and this is very forward-looking.”
The celebration, entitled “Pamagalang,” aims to showcase the various cultures of the indigenous people in the province, including their clothing, photos, tools, and more.
These can be seen at the ASIN Gallery of the museum, and the exhibit is open until November 30.
Also featured was the launching of the Gawad F. Sionil Jose Literary Writing Contest and the Kasamat Patronage Card, which aims to encourage the public to visit the museum.
This card encloses special access and privileges to events and exhibits at the Banáan Museum.
The first Kasamat Patronage Card owners are Governor Ramon V. Guico III, Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, Provincial Administrator Melicio Patague II, and Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil.
Further, museum patrons, individuals, and institutions who contributed to attract more visitors were also recognized.
The said event was attended by the Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, Board Members Shiela Baniqued, Marinor De Guzman, Jerry Agerico Rosario, Nicholi Jan Sison, and various department heads of the Provincial Government.
**VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
