The Reopened Governors’ Gallery!

A bigger, better tribute to our local history opened last August 20, 2015. After being closed for months under renovation beginning early in the year, you can finally visit the new and improved Governors’ Gallery on the 2nd floor of the Capitol Building. The reopening was in line with celebrating the 446th founding anniversary of Cebu as a province.

Walk into the gallery and rediscover the leaders that shaped our province. See the charcoal portraits of the 25 leaders that had their own turns in the seat of provincial power beginning from the early 1900s from Julio Llorente, who first held a position in government in the last years of the Spanish rule and then later appointed as governor of Cebu during the American occupation, to our present governor, Hilario Davide III.

Each governor has his own portrait in charcoal framed with gold leaf. The gallery also showcases some candid photos of the governors, giving a glimpse into a slightly more personal side into their lives. There also photos of other significant events and places such as accomplishments and mementos during their terms.

Apart from the construction of the Capitol building, Gov. Rodriguez had several achievements, which make up the late governor’s very interesting background. He was an accomplished writer, having penned several witty dramas in three different languages – Cebuano, English and Spanish. His operetta or zarzuela entitled, “Mini” is still revived from time to time up to this day.

The Governors’ Gallery also proudly displays a “few old and rare pictures of the Provincial Capitol courtesy of collector Ben Chua,” as described on the provincial government’s official website. The website also cites that Involved in the project were “heritage conservation and restoration expert Architect Melva Java, Cebuano writer Linda Alburo, provincial tourism officer Grace Paulino, and Museo Sugbo curator Masi Cabañes.”