History

The Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (MFPI) and its predecessor, the Concerned Citizens of the National Museum (CCNM) worked together to secure the charter under which the National Museum operates and successfully advocated for securing for the Museum’s use three landmark buildings that date back to the American colonial era. These efforts have transformed the area around Rizal Park (formerly Luneta) into a cultural hub promoting greater awareness, appreciation, and pride in the Philippines’ historical and cultural heritage.

A Brief History

The EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986 ushered in a period of unprecedented public participation in civic affairs and this included the formation of a group called the Concerned Citizens of the National Museum. CCNM was organized under the leadership of Mrs. Purita Kalaw-Ledesma, Dr. Jaime Laya, Mr. Ramon Villegas and Mrs. Esperanza Gatbonton, among others. They elected Mrs. Ledesma as its Founding President in 1988 followed by Mr. Roberto Lopez in 1989, Mrs. Esperanza Gatbonton in 1990, Mrs. Anna Marie (Bambi) Harper in 1991, and Ms. Concepcion A. Poblador in 1992.

This period led to significant projects such as

A signature and media campaign to provide a permanent home for the National Museum; refurbishing the Hall of Masters at the National Art Gallery (former Legislative Building); an extensive Teacher Training Program funded by the Ford Foundation focusing on elementary and high school curricula; Publication of – Faces of Maitum edited by Esperanza Gatbonton – Fernando Zobel by Dr. Rod Paras-Perez – Maiden Issue of The Museum Papers; donation by Paulino Que, a CCNM Trustee, of proceeds from the sale of three hundred books of The World of Damian Domingo; and the recovery of Philippine archaeological porcelain artifacts from Germany.

Dedicated work by CCNM/MFPI produced significant results during the administration of President Fidel Ramos:

During the 1994 Paris opening of the exhibition Treasures of San Diego, President Ramos announced that the artifacts would return to the Philippines and go on display in a permanent venue. A Presidential Committee was created in cooperation with MFPI to design and implement a master plan for the National Museum. This resulted in AO 246 signed by President Ramos in 1996 to oversee the National Museum complex that included the former Finance, Legislative and Tourism buildings. National Museum Act (RA 8492) was signed by President Ramos in 1997 establishing the National Museum as the premier guardian of Philippine heritage. The Finance Building was converted and inaugurated in 1998 as the Museum of the Filipino People.

Museum Foundation of the Philippines in the 21st Century

MFPI continues to evolve and grow under the leadership of various presidents who have pursued the mission of enriching the Philippine cultural experience through a series of initiatives:

Maria Isabel G. Ongpin
(Two-term President from 2001 to 2007)

Published a guide book for the general public, funded by the Ford Foundation; published a source book to help teachers guide students through the National Museum; under the initiative of a new, vibrant board, started Art in the Park in 2006 with the aim of bringing art out of art schools and galleries and making art affordable and accessible to a wider public.

Armita B. Rufino
(President from 2008 to 2010)

MFPI and the National Museum hosted the 2nd ASEAN Traditional Textiles Symposium with participation from 10 countries. This resulted in the creation of two important entities: the ASEAN Traditional Textiles Art Community (ASEANTTAC), whose member countries were tasked with hosting succeeding symposia; and HABI, Traditional Textiles of the Philippines. In 2010, the Museum Foundation of the Philippines Hall was inaugurated in the National Art Gallery where the National Museum displayed the restored murals, Progress of Medicine (1953) by Carlos V. Francisco that it had received on long-term loan from the University of the Philippines’ Philippine General Hospital.

Purissima Benitez-Johannot
(President from 2011 to 2014)

MFPI continues to hold major events to raise awareness for Philippine art and culture, such as – Art in the Park at Salcedo Village, Makati now on its sixth year – MaARTe Fair held in October, now on its third year – Sabado sa Museo Lecture Series held at the MFPI Hall aimed at bringing in new audiences to the museum on Saturdays – and Cultural Study Tours that enable members to discover and enjoy Philippine heritage sites.

Future plans include broadening the audience base of the National Museum on the weekends, expanding the number of MFPI members, refurbishing the Museum Foundation Shop and Membership Lounge, redesigning and making MFPI website more user-friendly and accessible, and obtaining PCNC accreditation, among other projects.

< | >