NHCP chair, VP Leni to lead opening of Robredo museum

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay NAGA CITY --- The city government here, in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), has built a museum to immortalize the legacy on good governance and transparency and serve as tribute to the exemplary achievements of the late Jesse M. Robredo, former secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and mayor of this city. Dubbed “Museo ni Jesse Robredo”, the edifice contains a timeline of Robredo’s life as a person, as public servant and as a great leader who led his people by example. It will also house various themed galleries that will showcase the simple life that Robredo pursued until his journey ended in a plane crash in Masbate in 2012. It will also contain Secretary Robredo’s personal items, with informative displays and interactive features. Inside is also a resource center on Philippine history , an auditorium, café and a souvenir shop. The unveiling of the museum will be at 9:30 a.m. on August 18, this Friday, in time for the commemoration of the 5th death anniversary of the late secretary. No less than National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chair Dr. Rene R. Escalante and Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo, wife of the late Robredo, will grace the occasion. “The new museum aims to inspire every Filipino to courageously take the mantle of leadership and do what he or she can to make the country better,” a note from NHCP stated. Aside from the featured galleries, one of the museum’s attractions will be the life-size, bronze sculpture of Secretary Robredo sitting on the ground. The image’s location and style, based on the description of Architect Gian Paolo P. Priela, museum designer and contractor, depicts the very nature of the secretary – simple, humble and down-to-earth. The sculpture depicts a Jesse wearing a plain shirt and shorts –his typical normal day attire when not in the workplace. The words “Matino, Mahusay, Matapat” as designed by Jun Vicaldo was scribbled on each of the three pillars just behind the statue of the secretary. Mayor John Bongat of this city, along with the NHCP and other stakeholders, has since conceptualized and carried out initiatives to realize the project. NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote and preserve Philippine history and historical heritage through research and publication, conservation, marking of historic sites and structures as well as administration of national shrines and museums.