(Image courtesy of Commemorative stamp for the National Anthem Centennial, Philippinestamps.net supplied by Museo ni Baldomero Aguinaldo.)
KAWIT, Cavite – As national symbols play a vital role in the formation of national identity, another National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)-run museum, Museo ni Baldomero Aguinaldo (MBA) in this historical town is launching an online exhibit of the country’s official symbols starting Aug. 21.
MBA curator Ahzel Miral said Friday that the online exhibit can be viewed via the museum’s official Facebook page, named ‘Museo ni Baldomero Aguinaldo’.
MBA embarked on this activity, in line with the history month observance this August, and to formally present the national symbols pursuant to Commonwealth Act No. 382 (dated 5 Sept 1938) and Republic Act No. 8491 (dated 12 Feb 1998).
“As these (national symbols) embody our nation’s ideals and traditions, our identity, thus it must be reflective of the country’s cultural diversity and sensitivity,” Miral explained.
The online exhibit will also help enlighten the public, especially the students, on the various symbols that are not formally recognized by law or the Constitution, “as what the social studies textbooks and other learning resources have been teaching, for decades now,” added Miral.
The online exhibit will include officially recognized national symbols such as the National Flag, National Coat-of-Arms, National Anthem: Lupang Hinirang, National Motto: “Maka-Diyos, Maka-tao, Makakalikasan, at Makabansa,” National Language: Filipino, National Bird: Philippine Eagle, National Flower: Sampaguita, National Tree: Narra, National Gem: Philippine Pearl, and National Sport: Arnis.
Some of the popular, although not officially recognized are the National Animal: Carabao, National Fish: Bangus, National Food: Litson, National Dwelling: Bahay Kubo, National Costumes: Barong Tagalog & Baro’t Saya, among others.
The exhibit will also feature other proposed symbols as indicated in the pending House Bill (No. 3926 in 17 Feb 2014) by Bohol First District Congressman Rene L. Relampagos, which will be called “Philippine National Symbols Act.”
Relampagos’ bill intends to organize all officials symbols, lobby for the recognition of the still unofficial national symbols and include other proposed symbols.
His bill also includes additional symbols to be recognized like National capital – City of Manila, National seat of government – Malacañan Palace, National currency – Philippine Peso, National hero – Jose Rizal and National vehicle – jeepney among others.
Museo ni Baldomero Aguinaldo in this town’s Binakayan village, was the house-turned-museum in honor of the Magdalo Faction President, and first cousin of the First Republican President (Emilio Aguinaldo), Baldomero Aguinaldo. (Gladys Pino/PNA)
