Century-Old School Building Reopens as Local History Museum

The municipality of Binalonan in Pangasinan, with support from the Pangasinan Provincial Government, has officially opened the Museo de Binalonan inside a restored 1916 school building to preserve local history and showcase contemporary arts, the PIA reports.

The museum occupies the restored 1916 Intermediate School Building, which formerly housed the North Central Elementary School. Designed to match the architecture of its original era, the facility is divided into a heritage section and a contemporary arts section.

Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III explained that the restoration began during his previous term as municipal mayor, with subsequent developments continued by Mayor Archie “RJ” Guico.

“We give importance to history, culture, heritage, kasi if makalimutan mo na ‘yan, kalimutan mo na rin ‘yung identity mo,” Governor Guico said.

Project curator Marlon Reyes noted that the museum serves as a space for community memory rather than just a repository for old objects.

“A museum is more than a building that keeps old things. It is a place where a community remembers,” Reyes said.

• Featured historical figures in the heritage section include former Chief Justice Manuel Moran, Doña Eva Macapagal, writer Carlos Bulosan, and author F. Sionil Jose.
• Future provincial plans include establishing a Salt Museum and another local museum in Bautista.
• Operating hours are Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Guided tours can be arranged by messaging the official social media pages of the Museo de Binalonan or Binalonan Tourism.

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SOURCE: PIA