San Andres, under the leadership of Mayor Leo Z. Mendoza, became the first municipality in Catanduanes to have its own museum, the Museo de San Andres, which was formally inaugurated last week.
Despite the cancellation of most fiesta activities, the annual celebration of the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle was notably significant for the opening of the museum as the town’s latest addition to its cultural landscape.
Rev. Fr. Joseph dela Providencia led the blessing of the repository of San Andres’ artistic, cultural and historical treasures, with Vice Governor Peter C. Cua, Department of Tourism Undersecretary for Special Projects Ferdinand C. Jumapao, DOT Region V Assistant Regional Director Maria Salee O. Mora, Mayolr Leo Z. Mendoza, Mandaluyong City Vice Mayor Carmelita A. Abalos, DOT’s Atty. Keziah Cyra Papas, and Catanduanes Provincial Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Carmel Bonifacio-Garcia witnessing the milestone along with the Sangguniang Bayan headed by Vice Mayor Gregorio Salvador, department heads, barangay captains and LGU employees.
Usec. Jumapao said the museum and its impact on local tourism would provide livelihood and job opportunities for local businesses and artisans as well as preserve cultural heritage for the next generation.
In his message, Vice Gov. Cua, who represented Gov. Joseph C. Cua, said the museum will certainly boost eco-tourism in San Andres, as it will display cultural treasures of the town and highlight the LGU’s preservation of its rich past.
DOT-V ARD Mora saluted the administration of Mayor Mendoza for being a trailblazer, adding that the facility is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the people. She called on everyone to help each other promote tourism that is sustainable, responsible and authentic, showcasing the best of San Andres and the entire island province.
On the other hand, Mayor Mendoza recalled that the idea of establishing the first municipal museum in Catanduanes came to him two or three years ago when he found out that about P30 million in funds was lying idle in the LGU accounts.
With the approval of the municipal council, he said, the funds were utilized for the construction of the Bay Walk, an evacuation center and the museum building.
He lauded Teddy Arcilla and his family, as well as other donors, for leaving to the museum precious mementoes of their storied life, including images of saints, their clothing, antique furniture, a coin collection, old suitcases, priestly vestment, decades-old appliances and earthen jars, among others.
Aside from the Arcilla family, the LGU also commended the visionary leadership of Mayor Mendoza for prioritizing culture and history, and Senior Tourism Operations Officer Korina Carla H. Basco for her efforts in helping bring the project to fruition.
Prior to the ceremony at the municipal compound, the Mandaluyong Vice Mayor, accompanied by her daughter Ciara Marie Abalos, went to Mayngaway to inspect the ongoing construction of the evacuation center which would be named after her daughter.
She announced to barangay residents that the Abalos family plans to provide an additional P1 million for the second phase of the project that would accommodate around 200 evacuees during calamities and inclement weather.