DUMANJUG, CEBU -- Governor Gwen Garcia and Mayor Gungun Gica led the official launching of three ancestral homes in Brgy. Ylaya that have been transformed into heritage museums during the town’s fiesta celebration on Friday, October 4.
Among the newly opened museums is the former residence of the former Governor and Deputy Speaker Pablo “Pabling” Garcia and retired Judge Esperanza Garcia. This is the house where Gov. Gwen and her siblings grew up on.
The house has been lovingly restored by the Garcia Family and is now recognized as the “Pablo Paras Garcia Museum,” a witness to the family’s legacy and contributions to the community.
The ceremonial ribbon-cutting was attended by several members of the Garcia family, including Governor Gwen’s brothers, Byron Garcia and Congressman Pablo John “PJ” Garcia of Cebu’s third district, as well as third generation descendants Carissa Garcia, Ai Ai Garcia, and Barili Mayor John-John Garcia.
Also in attendance were seventh district Congressman Peter John Calderon, Vice Mayor Wado Gica, and members of the municipal council.
Dumanjug is known as “Home of the Governors” for having produced 3 Cebu Governors, including, Gov. Dionisio Jakosalem (1907-1912); Gov. Pablo Garcia (1995-2004); and Gov. Gwen Garcia (2004-2013; 2019-present).
Just beside the Garcia Museum are two ancestral homes belonging to the Tan and Melgar families. On the same day, representatives of the Tan and Melgar families, Victor Tan, Nono Tan, and Elsie Tan, signed a deed of donation with the Cebu Provincial Government transferring ownership of their ancestral home to the Provincial Government. The donation involves a 200-square-meter property, allowing the government full authority to preserve and restore the heritage house.
Constructed in the 1890s from coral stones and wood, the ancestral home was originally owned by Marcela Mercado Melgar, who was married to a Chinese businessman. The Cebu Provincial Government will now allocate funds for the restoration of the heritage site.
This donation marks the establishment of a new museum row in Dumanjug, representing the first of its kind in Cebu Province. The site is expected to be opened to the public once operational upon the discussion between the Capitol and Municipal Hall.
As the town celebrates its historic and colorful past, the opening of these museums promises to enhance cultural tourism and heritage preservation in the municipality, inviting both locals and visitors to explore Dumanjug’s rich historical delights. | MARM