Special exhibit for BOC at Museo Sugbo

CEBU, Philippines — Museo Sugbo, the repository of Cebu's rich cultural heritage, has opened a special exhibit showcasing postwar documents and trade accessories of the Bureau of Customs to commemorate the 453rd Founding Anniversary of the Province of Cebu.

“We, at the Bureau of Customs, are elated with this exhibit. It is very timely because once again we are in a period after a global crisis," said District Collector Charlito Martin Mendoza in his remarks during the event.

The exhibit highlights the customs transactions after World War II. It has as theme “Customs and Commodities: The Vibrant Trade and Commerce in Early Postwar Cebu”.

The exhibit is led by Dr. Jose Eleazar Bersales, a historian and a professor.

Mendoza said that these documents do not only show details of goods and commodities that went through the customs’ gates, each documentary material itself—through the marks of the typewriter, meticulous sticking of the stamps, and the handwritten marginal notes and computations—reveals the tedious work and dedication of the customs officers who rendered their service through those years.

According to Mendoza, the exhibit means a commemoration of the people who came before them, and of the tradition of unwavering customs service in contribution to the development of the Filipino people.

“Customs control and border protection play significant roles in post-economic recovery. The Port commits in fully carrying out our functions to support Cebu’s economic growth. Promise po ng Customs to the Province of Cebu: Sa kalisud ug kahayahay, wala gyud tay biya-ay,” Mendoza said.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama also stressed the vital role and contribution of the BOC in the city’s development. 

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, on the other hand, commended the Port of Cebu for the seizure of 42 containers of mature coconuts that were eventually turned over to various local government units of  the province to help in its replanting efforts after the destruction brought by typhoon Odette.

Those who attended the event include National Archives of the Philippines Executive Director Victorino M. Manalo, members of the Provincial Board, Cebu City Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, and representatives of other museums and heritage hotels in Cebu.

Museo Sugbo and the Province of Cebu concluded the event with audio-visual presentations.

The special exhibit is open to the public until December 2022. — FPL (FREEMAN)