Institutions honored for National Heritage Month

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government ended the National Heritage Month honoring some more institutions and individuals via the 2025 Cebu Heritage Awards held in Fili’s ballroom at the Nustar Resort at the South Road Property here.

As the City’s Cultural and Historical Affairs Office said, it is a time for celebrating the guardians of Cebu’s past and the shapers of the City’s future.

This year’s awardees are University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) for their Jose Rizal Museum, and the Augustin and Beatriz Jereza’s ancestral mansion, along with Buwak Papel (wax-coated flowers) and the R&M Preserves.

USPF’s Jose Rizal Museum serves as a significant repository of memorabilia of Dr. Jose Rizal. Its mission is to educate the public about the life and contributions of our national hero.

Meanwhile, the mansion of USPF’s founders Agustin and Beatriz Jereza is a distinguished colonial house constructed in the 1900s. It has been preserved and fully restored to reflect its original architectural features.

The Buwak Papel is described as synthetic paper flowers that are dyed and coated with wax and are usually used to decorate carrozas for processions as well as used in funerals, festivals, weddings, and other events.

The making of this wax coated paper flowers was first introduced by Tuyang Castañares of Kinasang-an Pardo.

The R&M Preserves was founded by Vicente and Rosario Siao in 1970 with dried mangoes. Since then it has expanded to making dried pineapple, dried papaya, dried jackfruit, and dried lemon (kalamansi), along with its varieties here in Cebu.

During the awarding ceremonies, outgoing mayor Raymond Garcia said that preserving heritage is no small task.

“It takes vision, persistence, and deep love for Cebu,” Garcia said.

More than being a celebration, Garcia added that the event is a strong statement of Cebu’s identity.

"This event is one of the strongest statements we can make as a city. It speaks to the world that we are serious about safeguarding what makes Cebu Cebu. Not just for tourism. Not just for the record books. But for our children, our communities, and for our sense of identity as Cebuanos," added Garcia.

Outgoing Vice Mayor Dondon Hontiveros, chairman of the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission, conveyed his deepest gratitude to the awardees.

"Tonight’s awardees embody that very spirit of stewardship. Their tireless work in the conservation of historic landmarks, promotion of traditional practices, and education of the public on heritage values are not just acts of preservation --they are acts of love for Cebu City…. You remind us that heritage is not merely inherited --it must be nurtured and passed on," Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros also hopes that the occasion will lead to a renewed vigor and inspire people to continue their advocacy of keeping the spirit of Cebu burning bright, “proud of our roots, united in purpose, and hopeful for a future enriched by our history.” — (FREEMAN)