Biliran lauds passage of law setting up cultural center, museum

TACLOBAN CITY – The passage of a law establishing the Biliran Cultural Center and Museum will help promote the cultural heritage of the country’s fourth-smallest province, a solon said on Friday.
In a Facebook post, Biliran Lone District Rep. Gerardo Espina, Jr. said the House bill for Biliran Cultural Center and Museum has been approved and enacted into law known as Republic Act 11772 “An Act Establishing the Biliran Cultural Center and Museum in the Province of Biliran, Defining Its Purposes and Objectives, and Appropriating Funds Therefor.”
“This piece of legislation will protect and preserve our province’s unique cultural heritage and a legacy that shall be cherished for the years to come,” Espina added.
The establishment of the center in Biliran is among the three laws signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on May 25. Other cultural centers and museums are in Kalinga and Misamis Oriental.
Under the law, the cultural center and museum will serve as the institutional medium for the protection, preservation, presentation, and promotion of the cultural, artistic, archaeological, social, historical, religious, and philosophical heritage of Biliran Island, and its people given the richness of their legacies and their relevance to their contemporary and future aspirations.
The provincial government of Biliran must provide the land necessary for the construction or establishment, or both, of the main venue and ancillary offices and facilities of the three cultural centers and museums.
Espina said the center is badly needed in the province since historical artifacts and objects are scattered throughout different towns in their province.
The center is expected to compile the musical notes and lyrics of Biliran traditional songs, ballads, and contemporary music compositions, and to collect samples of musical instruments of Biliran origin; publish and disseminate Biliran literary works, epics, stories, and historical accounts; and compile Biliran literature, film or audio-visual recordings of cultural performances in music, dances, oral literature, and festival celebrations.
The Biliran Cultural Center and Museum is also tasked to gather and document Biliran religious practices and traditions, the background and origin of Biliran fiestas and festivals; and to compile photographs of and showcase Biliran landmarks, historical sites, and scenic views by appropriate exhibits.