National Museum expands museum network to Kalibo, Aklan

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The National Museum of the Philippines is expanding its network of museums to cover the province known for its rich natural and cultural heritage, including the scenic beaches of Boracay and Buruanga, the diverse flora and fauna in Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park, the Ati-atihan Festival, and the UNESCO-inscribed Pina Weaving.

The Phase 1 of the restoration of the historic Capt. Gil Mijares Building in Kalibo, Aklan will commence in February 2026 as agreed in the preconstruction meeting between the National Museum and the local government of Kalibo held January 22, 2026 at the Kalibo townhall.

Vice Mayor Phillip Kimpo Jr., with Sangguniang Bayan members, Ronald Marte, the chairperson of Committee on Tourism and Culture, and Atty. Christine De la Cruz and other LGU officials attended the meeting. Also, present were NMP staff Maricyn De los Santos, the head of NMP Iloilo, with Engr. John Benedict Ferrer and Architect Louise Ceres Beth Urbano.

Architect Becco Empleo, the NMP project coordinator, explained that the first phase of the project will cover the demolition of newly added structures to expose the original structure and materials. He said this process is important in investigating the history of the building, which will help the National Museum come up with a more detailed restoration plan that is closest to its original design, the reference of which is a 1908 archival photo of the old Kalibo Municipal Hall.

According to Atty Ma. Cecilia Tirol, the Director of Visayas National Museums, the project will not only restore the building to its original look but will also incorporate modern facilities and interactive features that will enhance the tourist experience at the museum. The project is made possible through the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, who provided funding for the first two phases. Phase 1 focuses on infrastructure while the next phases will focus on the curatorial works.

The LGU welcomed this development with Vice Mayor Kimpo envisioning a revitalized central landmark for Kalibo, which would include the National Museum in the clusters of historic and cultural landmarks in the area such as Kalibo Pastrana Park, Ati-atihan Museum, Museo it Akean, Kalibo Cathedral and the heritage area of Calle Rizal.

Meanwhile, the Vice Mayor assured that the occupant of the building, the Kalibo Library, will be transferred to a better location in the Kalibo New Municipal Building, which is accessible to three nearby schools.