Museo Sugbo: Showcasing Cebu’s Heritage

Ever wondered what happened to the old facility that used to be the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center in M.J. Cuenco Avenue? Well, it’s undergone a major facelift and has transformed itself into what we now know as Museo Sugbo.

The facility was designed in 1869, by a Spanish architect named Domingo de Escondrillas. He also designed a parish church in Pardo, Cebu City, named after Sto. Tomas de Villanueva. It is relatively large because it was intended to be the principal prison complex in the Visayas region.

The CPDRC structure was built in 1871. Back then, it was also known as Carcel de Cebu, and it served as the main prison in the province. Among its many incarcerated criminals are members of the Katipunan during the Philippine revolution and some World War II guerillas.

In 1892, the CPDRC was renovated. More buildings were built behind the main structure.  Into the 21st century, the facility continued to serve as a prison until the provincial government transferred CPDRC  to a more modern and more spacious prison complex in Kalunasan, Cebu City.

Following the transfer, the facility was temporarily occupied by the Department of Education until the provincial government decided to convert the place into a museum showcasing Cebuano’s heritage and  history. The facility is now known as Museo Sugbo, or the Cebu Museum.

The museum, which highlights Cebu’s political history, is considered a replica of the National Historical Institute’s Museum of Philippine Political History.  It was declared open to the public in 2008, during the 439th founding anniversary celebration of the province of Cebu.

For a small fee of Php 30.00 for adults and Php 10.00 for students and senior citizens, one can already bear witness to the heroism and unique culture of our ancestors, as evidenced by the artifacts they have left for us. The museum has four galleries, each presenting a political period of Cebu. The artifacts on display include a copy of “Ang Suga” (the first Cebuano newspaper), “The Brownie” (a spy camera used during the Japanese-American war), and a Christmas card written in Cebuano by former president Manuel Quezon.

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Rizal Memorial Library and Museum

Along the busy street of Osmeña Boulevard and just nearby the Cebu Provincial Capitol, is a pre-World War II building — Rizal Memorial Library and Museum. The structure is named after the Philippines’s national hero, Jose Rizal, who fought for freedom through his writings during the Spanish colonial period.

The museum was opened to the public on March 16, 1992. The building has undergone renovation in the recent years. The edifice has its inherent charm and magnetism, as its pre-war, neo-classical look stands out amidst the business establishments, restaurants, parlors and convenience stores that line the area.

image source: http://img141.imageshack.us/i/rizalal2.jpg/

The city public library is located at the ground level of the building, which keeps important and rare books on Cebu’s history and culture. The museum houses a collection of antiques, sculptures, furniture and woodcarvings donated by prominent Cebuano families. There are also several important archeological finds. As one strolls around the museum, one can find portraits of well-known Cebuano figures, floral and landscape artwork, and murals.

One can also marvel at the paintings and sculptures created by the finest artists of Cebu. The paintings illustrate authentic Cebuano customs and costumes, and give an idea of Cebu’s lifestyle during the 1500’s up to the Japanese occupation in the 1940’s. A spacious and elegant hall with stained glass windows occupies the third level. It is sometimes utilized as a performing arts hall for concerts and theater performances by Cebuano talents.

The Rizal Memorial Library and Museum serves to educate and give Cebuanos and tourists alike a look into the past. Indeed, a visit would immerse one into the local culture and also reignite the beauty and the gratitude of how far history has taken us, and those who made the difference.

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