BALER, Aurora (PIA) — The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) has officially opened its newest museum component in Baler, Aurora, providing residents and visitors with free and easier access to the country’s culture, history, arts, and natural heritage.
Located at Purok 4, Sitio Cabituculan in Barangay Reserva, the NMP–Baler aims to make heritage and learning resources more accessible while promoting cultural appreciation and community engagement.
During its inauguration, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through a message delivered by his son William Vincent, underscored the importance of preserving the nation’s cultural heritage and expanding access to educational and cultural resources.
He said that the opening of the NMP-Baler forms part of a broader effort to strengthen the shared responsibility of preserving heritage for younger generations and reaffirmed the administration’s continuing commitment to providing greater access to culture, history, and learning across the country.
Meanwhile, NMP Deputy Director-General for Museums Arvin Manuel Villalon explained that the opening of the Baler component aims to serve as a learning space where residents and visitors can deepen their understanding of local heritage and contribute to its preservation.
“Sa pamamagitan po ng piling mga objects, mga natural history specimens, at gayundin po mga artifacts at mga iba’t ibang fine arts, maipapakita namin iyong yaman ng pagiging Pilipino at masasabi nating iyong yaman ng Aurora (Through selected objects, natural history specimens, as well as artifacts and various works of fine art, we are able to showcase the richness of being Filipino and the richness of Aurora),” he emphasized.
The museum features three permanent galleries, including the Cruce de Caminos Gallery, which explores the historical and cultural ties between the Philippines and Spain; the Sierra, Tierra, Costa Gallery, which showcases Aurora Province’s natural environment, cultural heritage, biodiversity, Indigenous knowledge systems, and local ways of life; and the Pagtatagpo/Encuentro Gallery, which features works by renowned Filipino artists.
Villalon also highlighted the museum’s efforts to make learning more inclusive and accessible to local communities through an integrated and locally relevant presentation of heritage.
“Ito po ay ginawa namin nang may pagsasalin para magbigay ng buong kwento na dapat maiintindihan ng mga taga-Aurora. Matutunghayan ninyo sa exhibition namin, wala po siya sa Ingles, nasa tri-language po. Mayroon pong Filipino, at iyong pinili naming Filipino ay version po ng Aurora (We developed this with translations to present a complete story that should be understood by the people of Aurora. The exhibitions are not only in English, they are presented in three languages. One of these is Filipino, and the one we used is the Filipino version of Aurora),” he shared.
In line with the NMP’s mandate to provide universal access to cultural and natural heritage, the museum features inclusive and diverse exhibits designed to serve learners of all ages and backgrounds.
The museum will also offer Public Education Programs and Museum Engagement Activities aimed at strengthening cultural awareness, encouraging lifelong learning, and increasing community participation, particularly among students.
NMP Director-General Jeremy Barns encouraged the public, especially learners, to take advantage of the new cultural and educational facility.
“This is a place where you can bring your friends, family, classmates, and together, you can learn about science, culture, arts, history,” he said.
The museum will be open to the public free of charge beginning July 1, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, except on officially declared government holidays.
The opening of NMP-Baler aligns with the PBBM administration’s efforts to promote cultural preservation, strengthen educational opportunities, and expand tourism destinations in the regions by making heritage and learning resources more accessible to various communities. (Ara Jamica R. Reparejo)
