MANILA, Philippines – Education Secretary Leonor Briones is hoping more local government units would build their own museums to benefit the youth. 

The education chief said this in her speech at the inauguration of the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) in Manila last September 30. A statement containing Briones’ speech was sent to reporters on Friday, October 13. 

“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,” said Briones.

“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,” she added.

The NMNH, which will not charge any entrance fee, is eyed to be opened by the end of the month.  

The country’s first natural history museum will showcase various flora and fauna in the Philippines. Its main attraction is the “Tree of Life,” a structure made of glass and aluminum domes covering the museum’s entire courtyard.

During the NMNH’s inauguration, guests like Briones and former president Fidel V Ramos were able to watch films called “Only in the Philippines: Our Natural Inheritance” and “Pioneering Naturalists in the Philippines” at the PHINMA exhibition halls.

They were also able to see the Bunawan replica of Lolong, once the world’s largest crocodile in captivity, at the Ayala Reception Hall. 

Museum as K to 12 supplement

Briones praised the NMNH because it would become a “preeminent center” of education, science, and culture for Filipino youth.

This is because the museum’s botanical and zoological exhibitions are seen as “non-formal supplements” to classroom learning in line with the K to 12 Basic Education Program.

“And 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,” she said. – Rappler.com