NMP Bohol opens Paghandum exhibition 

on Pres. CPG’s 128th birth anniversary

By Elvira Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)– The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) Bohol opened its newest exhibition “Paghandum: The President Carlos P. Garcia Memorabilia Collection” on the occasion of the namesake president’s 128th birth anniversary on Nov. 4.

‘Paghandum,’ a Visayan word which means “to reminisce, remember or look back,” honors the legacy of Pres. Garcia as a distinguished son of Bohol through a selection of artworks, photographs, furniture, and personal memorabilia.

“It should be our responsibility to ensure that his legacy of service to the nation lives on, reflecting our gratitude for everything he has done for our province and our country,” Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado said in his message.

Garcia’s legacy extends as a poet, orator, writer, teacher, lawyer, guerilla leader, senator, political economist, and statesman, which molded him as the exemplar of commitment to Philippine sovereignty and economic independence as encapsulated in his Filipino First Policy.

The Filipino First Policy promoted the primacy of Philippine industries over foreign enterprises by empowering local producers and guaranteeing preferential rights to Filipinos on matters of national economy and patrimony.

“As Boholanos, we should always highlight the accomplishments he has made during his years in government,” Aumentado added.

NMP’s director-general Jeremy Barns, deputy director-general for Museums Jorell Legaspi, and director for Visayas National Museums Atty. Ma. Cecilia Tirol joined the event, along with local government officials and partners from the academe, media, tourism, and cultural sectors.

Located on the second floor of the NMP-Bohol, the exhibition features a collection of objects from the Carlos P. Garcia Heritage House in Tagbilaran City, as well as from their home in Quezon City.

Generously gifted by his grandchildren Maria Carla Josefa G. Campos, Jose Carlos G. Campos, and Isabel Campos Bustos, the collection not only commemorates President CPG’s contributions but also reflects the enduring bond between the leader and his beloved province.

A major highlight of the exhibition is the two oil on canvas individual portraits of President Garcia and First Lady Leonila Garcia created by National Artist for Visual Arts Fernando Amorsolo in 1959.

The former president’s legacy of economic nationalism is celebrated in Bohol, and is revered and remembered for his love and devotion to the national identity, having worked towards the strengthening of indigenous cultural arts.

November 4 each year is a special non-working holiday in Bohol to commemorate the birth of President CPG by virtue of Republic Act No. 7448. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

The oil on canvas portrait of President Carlos P. Garcia created by National Artist for Visual Arts Fernando Amorsolo in 1959 is a major highlight of the Paghandum exhibition located at the 2nd floor of NMP Bohol. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)