By Sheila
Covarrubias
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Apr. 29, (PIA) - -
The City’s museum or “El Museo de
Zamboanga” located at the Jardin Maria Clara in Pasonanca was formally unveiled
recently, reinforcing the present administration’s thrust to preserve the
culture and historical reputation of the area and in line with the City
Development Strategy agenda for advancement.
Mayor
Celso Lobregat and Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde together with members of the
majority in the City Council spearheaded the inauguration that coincided with
the celebration of Dia de Ma’am Caling marking the 91st birth
anniversary of the late Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat.
Archbishop
Romulo Valles officiated the blessing rites for the museum built in the amount
of some P11 million. The facility includes numerous features to include the
exhibit area, small screening area, lecture area, display area and souvenir
shop. A separate building is set up as technical working area.
The
operation of the City Museum is pursuant to Ordinance 378 principally authored
by Councilors Rudy Lim and Rogelio Valesco Jr.
The
city museum will house valuable artifacts, items, collections and memorabilia
that have historical, social and cultural significance of Zamboanga.
Based
on the ordinance, the museum is intended to enhance the interest of the people,
specifically the young generation, for them to aprpeicate the past and diverse
cultural personality of the Zamobanguenos and educate, enlighten and immerse
them on how the City came to be by representing the old settings to the
future”.
Specifically,
the museum can provide residents, students, tourists and park goers with
cultural enhancement facilities; provide the exhibit area, small screening
area, lecture area, display area and souvenir shop; promote tourism, employment
and economic activities; enhance the facilities, amenities and activities at
the Jardin Maria Clara; establish rules and regulations for the safe and
peaceful use of the Museum and provide for the protection and preservation of
properties, facilities and natural resources of the museum.
Mayor
Lobregat during the turn-over ceremony which coincided with the commemorative
program marking Dia de Ma’am Caling at the Jardin Maria Clara in Pasonanca,
said the construction of the city museum forms part of his administration’s
development efforts.
The
first exhibit to be mounted at the City Museum is set for October, the mayor
revealed.
The
development initiatives include the sprucing up of the establishment of parks
and gardens other important infrastructures among others.
The
city museum project was undertaken by a private contractor with the supervision
of the City Engineer’s Office.
The
City Museum staff which is under the Office of the Mayor will take charge of
the management and administration of the facility. It will be assisted by the
Council of Culture and Arts, a committee that is created based on the ordinance
and a technical working group. (JPA/SC/CIO/PIA 9-ZBST)
