The University of San Agustin held the blessing and formal opening of the Archives and Museum Galleries and Exhibit Hall on the Third floor, Fray Luis De Leon, OSA Building, on November 8.
In the preservation and promotion of a strong sense of identity and value of cultural heritage, the three phases of the Archives and Museum, according to Rev. Fr. Ric Anthony Reyes, OSA, exhibit the creative imagination and intelligence of the Ilonggos and especially works of Augustinians.
The first phase focuses on the Augustinian’s rich history with displays of documents retrieved since 1904, photographs of the university’s former buildings, and relics of former Augustinian friars. The second phase, “Mga Panublion sang Kultura kag Relihiyon,” promotes Western Visayas and Panay’s culture and identity with exhibits of paintings of Augustinian churches, prolific textile works, and literary pieces of the prolific Ilongga writer, Magdalena Jalandoni. The last phase is open to all members and non-members of the Augustinian academic community to express their passion and interest in the arts. The USA Archives and Museum will serve as a platform for local artists to bring their art closer to the public.
“We cannot fully understand our identity and value the present without taking a peek at its past” shared university president, Rev. Fr. Frederick C. Commendador in his message.
The Local Government Unit of Iloilo City expressed their support with the words shared by Mayor Jerry Treñas through a letter read by Mr. Jay Treñas, “USA Archives and Museum will not only strengthen our commitment to preserving our cultural heritage, but this as well provide us paths about our history.”
The USA Archives and Museum is open from Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 11:30 am; 1:30 to 4:30 pm. Admission is free of charge for all members of the Augustinian community. Non-USA walk-in guests will be admitted starting November 9, 2022. The regular entrance fee is 50.00 Php; the Non-USA student fee is at 30.00 Php and must present their school ID at the reception.
#VivaSanAgustin
/BGE, BJP
