After years of careful rehabilitation, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has reopened two important heritage sites: the Museo ni Apolinario Mabini in Manila and the Museo ng Libingan sa Ilalim ng Lupa (Underground Cemetery Museum) in Nagcarlan, Laguna.

The reopening ceremonies were held on 10 and 11 December, respectively. These projects form part of NHCP’s 10-year redevelopment program aimed at modernizing museum facilities and improving exhibitions while preserving their historical integrity. Under this long-term plan, all 28 museums, shrines and landmarks managed by the agency will undergo similar redevelopment.

Museo ni Apolinario Mabini

The Museo ni Apolinario Mabini is housed in a transplanted 19th century house where Mabini lived and eventually died. The structure has had a long history of relocation. It was first located at 21 Nagtahan Street in Manila, then moved to 23 on the same street when the original lot was repurposed. It was later transferred to the Bureau of Animal Industry site, now part of Malacañan Park, following the construction of the Mabini (also known as Nagtahan) Bridge.

In 2009, due to the rehabilitation of the Pasig River, the house was finally moved to its permanent location within the Mabini (Main) Campus of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. The museum highlights the life, ideas, and legacy of Apolinario Mabini, featuring objects and personal memorabilia associated with him.

During the reopening ceremony, NHCP chairman Regalado Trota Jose emphasized that the museum is more than a physical structure. He described it as “a space of understanding, where history is not only read, but experienced; not only observed, but reflected upon.”

Jose explained that Mabini is presented not only as a hero, but as a person shaped by his origins, experiences and principles. In Filipino, he said that Mabini’s struggles should be seen not as signs of weakness, but as proof of his strength of will, intelligence and courage.

He added that the revitalized museum is intended to serve as a place of study, memory and contemplation, especially for students, researchers, and Filipino youth seeking direction, inspiration and truth.

Museo ng Libingan sa Ilalim ng Lupa in Nagcarlan

First opened in 2016, with then University of Santo Tomas archivist Regalado Trota Jose as guest of honor, the Museo ng Libingan sa Ilalim ng Lupa — including the underground cemetery itself — has undergone extensive documentation using high-resolution photography, lidar technology and three-dimensional mapping.

Like the Mabini museum, the Nagcarlan site now features new galleries and exhibits. These do not only focus on the underground cemetery but also explore the broader history of death care and funerary practices in the Philippines.

Historically, the cemetery served as a secret meeting place for Filipino revolutionaries during the struggle against Spain and the subsequent war with the United States. It was later used as a hideout by guerrillas during the Second World War.

In his speech, Jose underscored the cultural and historical importance of cemeteries to communities and to the nation as a whole.

“In an ordinary cemetery, it links your past, your family, ancestors and members of the community who collectively mold your character and personality,” he said.

He added that cemeteries preserve memories, beliefs, faith and traditions, and that the development of art can also be traced through grave designs and markers, which serve as records of a town’s residents.

Jose emphasized that maintaining and preserving cemeteries is an essential way of caring for historical and cultural heritage, especially when such sites are supported by museums, as in the case of Nagcarlan.