LEGACY OF PH LEADERS | The public will get the chance to visit the Teus Presidential Museum which houses the memorabilia of Philippine leaders. (Photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — Two mansions within the Malacañang complex have been refashioned into museums while a third has been transformed into an events venue as part of efforts to bring the people closer to the country’s culture and history.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the ceremonial opening of the three heritage structures — Bahay Ugnayan, the Teus Mansion, and the Goldenberg Mansion — that continue to carry the stories of Malacañang’s various occupants through the years.
Bahay Ugnayan on Jose P. Laurel Sr. Street in front of Gate 2 of the Palace, features memorabilia from Mr. Marcos’ 2022 presidential campaign.
Clustered under the theme “Road to Malacañang,” the items include the red Ford 150 pickup he frequently used during the campaign period as well as copies of the original documents submitted during his electoral protest against former Vice President Leni Robredo after the 2016 elections. The Supreme Court junked Mr. Marcos’ electoral protest against Robredo in February 2021.
Among the exhibits is a piece of barbed wire tied with a yellow ribbon, a prominent symbol during the Edsa People Power 1 uprising that led to the ouster of the President’s father and namesake in 1986.
Presidential memorabilia
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Bahay Ugnayan wants to capture “the formative years of President Marcos, witness the defining moments of his tenure, and marvel at the campaign materials that paved the path to his presidency.”
The Teus Mansion along Gen. Solano St. displays memorabilia of past Philippine presidents that were previously shown in the Kalayaan Hall presidential museum and library.
Clothes and footwear worn by Malacañang’s previous occupants, as well as flags and exquisitely sculpted busts are on view. There is also a corner where portraits of past first ladies can be seen.
The PCO said entrance to both museums under the Malacañang Heritage Tours will be free when they open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Reservations are required through sosec@malacañang.gov.ph.
Meanwhile, the century-old Goldenberg Mansion that was used as a guesthouse has been converted into a dramatic venue that will be commercially available for special events, programs and temporary exhibits.
HISTORY FOR THE PEOPLE | Three heritage structures in Malacañang will be opened to the public on June 1 as the government aims to bring Philippine history and culture closer to Filipinos. Francis Louie Esquivel, a tour guide at Bahay Ugnayan, briefs reporters on Tuesday during the ceremonial launch of Malacañang Heritage Tours. (Photo by NINO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
The PCO said offering the heritage tours and the Goldenberg Mansion to the public is part of the President’s plan to efficiently manage, promote and conserve Philippine historical and cultural heritage sites.
“The Malacañang Heritage Tours provide a unique opportunity for individuals seeking a deeper appreciation [of] the remarkable past and distinguished leaders of the Philippines… It stands as a must-see attraction, offering an engaging and enlightening experience that delves into the rich tapestry of Philippine history,” the PCO said.
The tours are part of a project headed by first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, it added.
President Marcos issued Executive Order (EO) No. 26 on May 12, 2023, to promote and conserve Philippine historical and cultural heritage sites and to oversee the management of Malacañang Heritage Mansions, including the Kalayaan Museum.
Social Secretary Bianca Zobel currently serves as the advisory board’s chair and will be assisted by three other appointees.
The EO also created a Malacañang Heritage Mansions Management Center to provide technical and administrative support for the advisory board.