National Museum Bohol opens new gallery on President Carlos P. Garcia
‘Paghandum: The President Carlos P. Garcia Memorabilia Collection’ aims to honor the eighth President of the Republic of the Philippines and a distinguished son of Bohol through a selection of artworks, photographs furniture pieces and personal memorabilia
Officials of the National Museum and Bohol provincial government opening the gallery.
Photograph courtesy of Nataniel Luperte
The National Museum of the Philippines Bohol Area Museum (NMP Bohol) in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, has opened another permanent gallery dedicated to the life and legacy of former President Carlos P. Garcia on his 128th birth anniversary on 4 November.
Paghandum: The President Carlos P. Garcia Memorabilia Collection aims to honor the legacy of the eighth President of the Republic of the Philippines and a distinguished son of Bohol, an island province in Central Visayas, through a selection of artworks, photographs, furniture pieces and personal memorabilia. The name, Paghandum, means “to reminisce, remember or look back” in Cebuano.
Before becoming president, Garcia was a teacher, lawyer, guerilla leader, senator, and political economist. The statesman is said to be an exemplar of commitment to Philippine sovereignty and economic independence as encapsulated in his Filipino First Policy, which promoted the primacy of Philippine industries over foreign enterprises by empowering local producers and guaranteeing preferential rights to Filipinos on matters of national economy and patrimony. He also played a key role in reducing foreign military base agreements, ensuring a more autonomous future for the Philippines.
The newly opened gallery, ‘Paghandum The President Carlos P. Garcia Memorabilia Collection,’ at the National Museum of the Philippines Bohol Area Museum.
Photographs Courtesy of Crispy Miranda
The gallery houses artworks, photographs, furniture pieces and personal memorabilia.
His roots in Bohol profoundly influenced his character and political outlook. The values of simplicity, hard work and community solidarity inherent in Boholano culture shaped his leadership style and public service. He maintained a deep connection with Bohol throughout his life, frequently returning to his roots and staying engaged with his community. His legacy of economic nationalism is celebrated in Bohol and is revered and remembered for his love and devotion to the national identity, having worked towards the strengthening of indigenous cultural practices, crafts and arts. His birthday is obsevred annually in the province as President Carlos P. Garcia Day.
Paghandum features a collection of objects from the Carlos P. Garcia Heritage House in Tagbilaran City, as well as from their home in Quezon City, Metro Manila. Generously gifted by his grandchildren, Maria Carla Josefa G. Campos, Jose Carlos G. Campos and Isabel Campos Bustos, this collection not only commemorates Garcia’s contributions but also reflects the enduring bond between the leader and his beloved province. Highlights are two oil-on-canvas portraits of Garcia and his wife, Leonila D. Garcia, created by National Artist for visual arts, Fernando C. Amorsolo in 1959.
