DepEd pushes for nationwide local museums

To be able to reach as many learners in the country, Education Sec. Leonor Briones is pushing for the creation of local museums nationwide.

The education secretary, during the inauguration of National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) recently, encouraged local government units (LGUs) and stakeholders to build museums in their respective localities where students and learners – of all ages – can go.

“I noticed that the National Museum is helping local governments, and I hope some of our friends and benefactors will think about it, and set up their own local museums,” Briones said.

Briones, together with former president Fidel Ramos, was the guest of honor during the ceremonies commemorating the completion of the NMNH. “My only wish, and I suppose it will be a very difficult thing, is that all our 27 million learners somehow have an opportunity to visit this set of magnificent edifices,” she said after applauding the structure which she described as “beautiful and impressive.”

The HMNH, Briones said, is a “gift to the education sector.” She expressed her gratitude that the museum – which will serve as a preeminent center of education, science and culture – is not charging fees.

“It’s a wonderful thing that children can come and marvel at the paintings of Juan Luna, look at the sculptures, and now, see physical evidence of what we are and what we were in this structure,” Briones said with enthusiasm.

The NMNH’s main attraction is the scenic “Tree of Life” structure made of glass and aluminum domes covering the entire courtyard, and Ramon Orlina’s “Paradise,” the unveiling of which was also led by Briones.

The open house also showed films entitled “Only in the Philippines: Our Natural Inheritance” and “Pioneering Naturalists in the Philippines” at the PHINMA exhibition halls, and highlighted the Bunawan replica of “Lolong,” the world’s largest crocodile in captivity per Guinness World Records, at the Ayala Reception Hall.

The museum’s collections, particularly the botanical and zoological exhibits, are seen to be a non-formal supplement to classroom learning in line with the implementation of DepEd’s enhanced curriculum – the K to 12 Basic Education Program.