Biñan’s cultural renaissance shines at Araw ng Biñan
The city of Biñan in Laguna wants to be known for more than just its version of puto, the ubiquitous rice cake.
Mayor Walfredo “Arman” Dimaguila, Jr. wants Biñan to be known for its culture and heritage, which he believes lies in preserving stories and structures.
Bryan Jayson Borja, who heads the city’s culture, history, arts and tourism office, said that he and Dimaguila took walks around the plaza and noticed that many of the decades-old structures around in the area were still intact, and this is where they started researching.
“Our Rizal Monument Complex used to be the second largest in the Philippines and believed to be the work of National Artist Guillermo Tolentino,” he said.
The bandstand, viewed from above, is actually a bakya or wooden clog, according to Borja, “which was the main industry of Biñan in the 1950s.”
As for the church’s art deco design, which stood out among the Spanish-themed structures, Borja said they found out that the church burned down in 1968 and rebuilt in what was then a popular building design.
NEW DAY TO CELEBRATE
Borja said this year’s three-day celebration of all things Biñan has a new addition: its Foundation Day on Feb. 4.
The city government will also celebrate its 10th Cityhood Anniversary on Feb. 2 and its 75th Liberation Day on Feb. 3.
Borja said no one knew when Biñan was officially founded and it was Dimaguila who authorized a search for records.
Years of scouring the National Library’s archives finally bore fruit, he said, when a document mentioned Biñan being founded in 1747, making this year its 273rd foundation anniversary.
“The conservation and preservation of our historical heritage has always been a priority.
This effort is really for the youngsters — how can they work toward a thriving Biñan if they don’t know its origin? Tracing the roots or history is important in planning for the future,” Dimaguila said.
The city government is also gearing toward reintroducing and inculcating the Filipino values of disiplina (discipline) and malasakit (compassion) in every Biñanense, Dimaguila adds.
BOOK LAUNCH
Among the events for this year’s celebration is the launch of the 200-page Pamana ng Buhay:
The Living Heritage of Biñan.
Dimaguila said the idea for the book came about in order to compile what is known about Biñan’s history and culture.
“First, scarce published material on Biñan. Second, there are a lot of beautiful sites and projects that should be showcased and documented to show what Biñan is now. Third, this would really be a good tribute for every Biñanense and a gift of the city government this 1075,” he said, referring to their nickname for this year’s celebration.
The book is the first full-length published material for Biñan.
“From a humble agricultural town to a booming industrial city, the book is a celebration of our love for Inang Biñan and a fitting tribute to all its people — ang tunay na yaman ng Biñan (Biñan’s true treasure),” Borja said.
The book updates Biñan’s history, cultural map, heritage sites and stories of its people. It will also update the city’s government programs and awards, profile and future plans.
Borja said the book will be on sale at the Pondahan Biñan souvenir shop, located at the Alberto Mansion.
“All barangay and school libraries shall receive complimentary copies. They just have to accredit their library with the Biñan City Studies Center,” he said.
FOCUS ON HERITAGE
Borja said that as a cultural advocate — he started when he was in college — he is proud that heritage conservation is part of Dimaguila’s five-point agenda, the others being education, livelihood, environment and peace and order.
The mayor’s programs are anchored on heritage conservation, Borja said, calling Dimaguila an “old soul.”
The general theme of Biñan’s three-day celebration is “Tagumpay at Kagitingan” (Triumph and Valor) and among its highlights is an awarding ceremony recognizing modernday heroes among the city’s residents.
“We celebrate their life achievements because the ones who benefit from their valor is their community,” Dimaguila said.
Among the jewels of Biñan’s heritage preservation effort is the restoration of the Alberto mansion — where Teodora Alonso, the mother of Dr. Jose Rizal, grew up — and opened to the public in December 2019.
Dimaguila said since the city government will hold groundbreaking ceremonies for its new fire station and city jail, the old municipal building — itself a stately bahay na bato — “shall now totally serve its purpose as the ‘cultural center’ housing the city museum and library.”
The city government will also “re-do” the plaza to accommodate more “greens” and make Biñan a “walkable city,” the mayor quips, adding that they are currently drafting a 10-year city tourism master plan and a heritage tour of the city.