NM opens Bohol "Exhibits on

Natural History," saguran talks

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, June 13 (PIA)--The National Museum (NM) through its satellite office in Bohol opened its museum's gallery doors to Boholano cultural advocates, teachers, students and tourists to two events immediately after officially accepting the donation from the Provincial Government 

The day after NM Director Jeremy Barns accepted the deed of donation to the restored two storey 1855 old Capitol building, Barns, along with Bohol Administrator Alfonso Damalerio cut the ceremonial ribbon to signify the official opening of the Exhibit of Bohol Natural History, now at the Governor's Gallery of the new NM Bohol Satellite Office in Tagbilaran City. 

The exhibit showcases the graphic dispaly of the evolution of the island of Bohol, based on its geological foundations from the oldest rock substrate called the Alicia schist which subsisted towards the Jurassic period to the most recent Maribojoc limestone, which characterizes most of Bohols southwest side.

The exhibit also easily becomes connected to the evolution of Bohol's most unique geological formations: the Chocolate Hills. 

Being strategically located in the middle of the country which has been pinned as a biodiversity hotspot, and with largely karst surfaces, Bohol is also host to numerous undocumented flora and fauna including plants that survive inside dark caves and birds that live deep inside caves. 

Bohol seas, which connect with the Pacific to the east, Mindanao sea off to Celebes and the West Philippine Sea, has been a route for pelagic migratory cetaceans and fish, opening up tourism opportunities for dolphin and whale watching tours.

in the exhibit are a plenty of fossilized shells, a diorama of the typical coral reef, bones of whales and skulls of dolphins found in Bohol waters.

The exhibit also features the tarsier, Bohols wildlife ace in the sleeves showcase.

The exhibit runs indefinitely and accepts anyone who will be subjected to museum rules. 

Jne 13, NM along with Holy Name University and the Department of Trade and Industry opened the museum's Gallery 5, of the 2nd floor to Heritage Lecture on Saguran: Paghabol sa Bol-anong Kapanulundan. 

The lectures on saguran aima to put on the spotlight on the revived tradition of weaving using buli, according to Emmylou Palacio-Noel, information officer. 

Specifically, the talk hopes to outline Bohols weaving tradition especially the saguran, she added. 

The lecture also comes with a demonstration on the processes employed in traditional saguran weaving and ultimately present the economic and financial viability of weaving and its material sustainability. 

The talks, started by an orientation on the history of saguran weaving in Bohol by HNU Office of Cultural Affairs and Development Director Professor Jose Marianito Luspo.

The talk tackled about the available sources of fiber and the need for handwovens from loin cloths to other utilitarian use, all spun from frame handlooms that were regular fixtures of Boholano silong sa balay. 

DTI senior trade and industry development specialist Balir Panong talked about the sustainability and economic viability of the saguran woven products. 

Tubigon Loomweavers Multi purpose coop chairman Ma. Trina Sumayang also lectured about the sustainability of the saguran industry. 

Day 2 of the lecture had Marilou Cosare demonstrating the revived hand loom weaving for the participants which include teachers, high school and college students and cultural workers. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)