Creation of museum in Talisay proposed

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Councilor Dennis B. Basillote, chairman committee on education, has proposed the establishment of a city museum. 

In a proposed ordinance, Basillote said if his local legislation will be approved, it will be known as Museo de Talisay City. 

Under Article XIV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that “the state shall foster the preservation, enrichment and dynamic evolution of a Filipino national culture based on the principles of unity in diversity in a climate of free artistic and intellectual expression.”

Basillote said the state shall conserve, promote and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations.

“The mission of Talisay City Museo is to preserve and showcase the rich local history and cultural heritage of the City,” Basillote said. 

He said establishing a museum will provide learning opportunities in terms of historical and cultural heritage and exhibits for residents. 

“It is the policy of the City of Talisay to establish a Talisay City Museum in order to preserve, promote and popularize the local history and cultural heritage which contribute to the development of the city,” he said. 

Talisay used to be an Agustinian estate in 1648 but only became a municipality in 1849 with Silverio Fernandez as its first gobernadorcillo and Pedro Labuca as capitan. 

Some accounts trace the origin of its name from Magtalisay trees abounding in some areas while others claim the origin of the name came from a town in Spain. 

In both the American and Japanese occupations, Talisay served as haven of colonial forces.

During World War II, the city served as the center of guerilla intelligence operations for the Philippine resistance movement in Cebu.

The returning American forces made their historic landing in the beach of Talisay on March 26, 1945 - an event that marked the eventual surrender of the Japanese forces in Cebu. (FREEMAN)