Gov. Gwen Garcia has invited the officials of the National Museum of the Philippines to come to Cebu and visit the Boljoon Church to see for themselves how the majestic church now houses an antique pulpit bereft of its decorative panels.
“We hope that we will be able to see eye-to-eye here, that there would be agreement between the National Museum [of the Philippines] and the Cebu Provincial Government, including the Municipal Government of Boljoon. For after all, I believe we have the same goal, and that is to honor these treasures from the past,” Gov. Garcia said during a press conference at the Capitol today, February 19.
“But more than honoring them (treasures), we must also honor where they came from. If they’re a part and parcel of history, the heritage, and the pride of Cebu and the Cebuanos, then we request the National Museum to return these treasures so that they may be rightfully put back where they belong,” the governor added.
“We assure the National Museum that there will be enough security for these panels from here on.”
In its Facebook page, NMP said it is eager to engage in constructive dialogue and exchange of technical assistance to facilitate sharing the four panels with the people of Cebu.
In today's regular session, the Sanguniang Panlalawigan passed a resolution requesting the NMP to return the panels to the people of Boljoon and to Boljoon Church.
The Municipality of Boljoon likewise passed a resolution expressing the same sentiment, asking NMP to bring back these long-lost treasures home.
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