LAGAWE, IFUGAO- – The stunning design of a world-class museum found a home in the sprawling soon-to-rise Ifugao Sports Complex in Lagawe amidst the province’s heritage. The province’s leading integrated economic developer-Gov. Jerry Dalipog is continuously finding new ways to fulfill the folks’ dreams in this upland Cordillera province. Alright, alright, always and almost!
It’s known as the “Museum” and in 2025 and the coming years, shall steadily evolve as a major crowd drawer in the tourism industry.
“We are seriously focused on properly obtaining, documenting and preserving tools related to our history in order to protect and promote Ifugao’s rich cultural heritage thus, the construction of the museum is an integral part of our development program.” Dalipog said in an exclusive interview.
As a result, it is very important that “treasures” of the past of whatever nature are properly archived or stored for informing present and future generations. No ifs and buts! Undoubtedly, a museum provides a wealth of information and helps countless individuals learn and grow in a fast-changing world.
“This museum is surely a place where travelers should go to know the province’s history,” Dalipog pointed out.
“When you’re with other people, it’s a learning experience,” he quickly added.
Dalipog also pointed to the museum’s place in the tourism industry. “Tourism will surely play a major role in Ifugao’s economic development.” It only shows that Gov. Dalipog hears the heartbeat of Ifugao folks.
Practically, 98 percent completed, the museum is more than ready for the world.
The process for fulfilling its electricity requirements is expected to take in a “little time”, require compliance with certain requirements. As such, it is surely a matter of “little, little more time. If you didn’t yet plan out to visit a place in Ifugao by April of this year, mark down this “museum” and have your converge. Write it down in English. Most of the folks here speak in their dialects. Ayangan or Tuwali, still a few in Kalanguya.
“We take pride in giving this project to our people. The Special Projects Division Office is proud to be part of this project. We’ve built facilities that are more conducive in promoting a purposeful living,” Engr. Jackson Dumapi said. He is the museum project engineer.
“We hope to continue our legacy of building master planned and sustainable facilities that uplift and enrich lives of our countrymen and ultimately reinforce our commitment to nation-building.” he added.
Under the present leadership, the Ifugao provincial government obtained a PHP 555-million loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines. The museum’s project costs reached P 14 million, even as the Department of Public Works and Highways infused another PHP 10 million for this project. The “package” loan also covered five other “vital” projects.
Encompassing these projects are construction interests in of a multipurpose building, completion of the Ifugao General Hospital, food processing and trading post, vehicular and food terminal and access road.
Albeit its’ smaller share of this “package” loan, the museum project is still essential. Even then, the museum is a centerpiece of the Dalipog administration. Verily, verily many are now saying that the museum shall be considered a “boundless” treasure.
The museum shall jumpstart all efforts to recognize and protect the rich cultural heritage, many are optimistic in terms of raising the awareness and conscience of their national identity over regional lineages. Optimistic, that it unites them with many others. Will the vast majority of Ifugao folks see that day of “national solidarity” coming? This is what some concerned, educated individuals may be praying in the not-so-distant future.
Experts are also clear in stressing the fact that a museum is not just a place to see artifact or relics of the past. Museums also offer exhibits, lectures, workshops and other public programs.
Equally important, there is a need to educate Ifugao folks to appreciate the “works” such as paintings of artists from other Philippine regions or other countries by attending exhibits, perhaps in this museum. Establishing ties with ties with artists from other localities should be helpful start in enhancing this cause. This will allow more cultural exchanges with them.
And now, many other positive things are also coming into the picture. “We believe that investing in the museum is investing in the future of the youth. They learn to be zealous in the performance of good works of our leaders in the past,” Jose Camhit mentioned. He is a farmer and former educator from Banaue.
Ignoring the threats of vices such as illegal drugs, drinking and gambling exacerbates the problems of the young. Educational trip can significantly boost a learner’s consciousness to stay away from these social menaces at all times.
Consequently, the sports complex is also known as an area where visitors are likely to come in droves because of the museum. It cannot be denied that it is an attraction for young individuals.
Local folks now bask with a museum with world-class amenities. In other words, finally installing it in the global stage is no small feat. So, of course, the bigger challenge in maintaining it to near perfection. Gov. Dalipog should tap the services of a highly qualified and knowledgeable curator from the private sector to efficiently and effectively operate it. One to lead with determination of keeping it at pace with the best museums in the world such as the Guangzhou Museum in China. Fore mostly, even the famed Ptolemy II Museum of Alexandria served its purpose. Then and now, what’s really good for the people will come with a sense of profundity. No reasonable doubt that the museum shall put Gov. Dalipog closer to Ifugao folks.
Meanwhile, inspired by the success of the construction of the museum, Gov. Dalipog is poised to inaugurate the new capitol building next month.**By Anthony A. Araos
