Museums play a vital role in the preservation of historical, cultural, scientific and artistic aspects of a place. It stores all important objects making it available to the viewing public through exhibits and shows. A part of the history of the Philippines can be remembered by visiting Vigan museums that include Burgos Museum, Crisologo Museum, Syquia Mansion and Buridek Museum. Let us go and have a museum hopping in Vigan.
CRISOLOGO MUSEUM
The museum houses the memorabilia of the late Congressman Floro Crisologo. Floro Crisologo was a brilliant trial lawyer who won his first bid to represent the first congressional district of Ilocos Sur in 1946. He authored the bills that created the Social Security System and the Virginia Tobacco Law which established an integral national policy in the tobacco industry.
First room of the museum showcases the uniforms of the late Congressman when he was in the army, plaques, pictures and certificates/merits when he went to Vietnam, a collection of shrapnel/slugs removed from Vietnamese victims, clippings, and scrapbooks. Another room on the ground floor features the dress of the Congressman when he was assassinated in Vigan Cathedral in 1970, members of the House of Representatives, election paraphernalia, pictures with dignitaries and together with some medals and awards.
You can found the family tree of the Crisologo family upstairs with some rooms of their children especially Bingbong Crisologo, who was the only child of the Congressman born in that house. Different cooking utensils can also be found on the second floor of the house.
SYQUIA MANSION
The mansion houses the extensive memorabilia of the late President Quirino. The mansion is actually owned by her wife Doña Alicia having a Chinese ancestor.
BURIDEK: The Vigan’s Children Museum
One of the courses of the city government of Vigan to adopt its heritage conservation program is the Vigan Cultural Mapping Project that led to the birth of Buridek. Buridek is the children’s museum of Vigan, a repository of cultural treasures designed to appeal to the young minds for easy learning and appreciation of the legacy of the Bigueno forefathers. It was conceptualized through the guidance of Prof. Eric B. Zerrudo. Buridek will make each one’s visit to Vigan, a precious learning experience, especially for children. Buridek is located at the Fil-Spanish Friendship Park in Mira Hills.
Another museum is the Burgos Museum, the birthplace of Father Jose Burgos, one of the GomBurZa priests executed in Bagumbayan. Check my separate post here.
