Representatives of the Okada Foundation, Inc. (OFI), the Malvar family, and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) gathered at the signing of OFI’s P3-million donation for Museo ni Miguel Malvar in Sto. Tomas City, Batangas.
The Okada Foundation, Inc. (OFI) is set to donate P3 million to the Museo ni Miguel Malvar in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, for its improvement and the production of more of its historic and cultural exhibits.
OFI President James Lorenzana signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) initiating the project, together with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Executive Director Carminda Arevalo, NHCP Chief Historic Sites Development Officer Gina Batuhan, and Gabby Malvar, the great-grandson of the revolutionary hero.
“The Okada Foundation is very excited about this partnership,” said Lorenzana. “To us, it’s a great opportunity to enrich our current and future generation in their understanding and appreciation of our history.”
According to Lorenzana, the donation will be used for dioramas, replicas of historic artifacts, framed historical documents, as well as fully-produced mini-documentaries.
“We believe that this will enhance the experience of our museum-goers,” the OFI president continued. “The Okada Foundation is optimistic that through this project, more Filipinos, especially the youth, find inspiration in General Malvar’s courage and patriotism.”
“The foundation is also hopeful for more collaborations with NHCP in the future,” Lorenzana added.
In response, Arevalo called the new partnership “a major development” for NHCP. “Rest assured that your contribution will help in promoting our history and educating the youth.”
Malvar expressed his family’s gratitude for the project. “On behalf of the Malvar family, I would like to thank both the Okada Foundation and the NHCP.” He admitted that improving the museum was challenging as it was not easy to secure funds.
“Without the partnership of the private sector, it would be very difficult and challenging to introduce new ideas,” Malvar pointed out. “Thank you to the Okada Foundation for believing in this endeavor.”
“The Okada Foundation is with the same mind as Mr. Gabby. It is in line with our mission that the public and private sector work together to raise the standard of how we exhibit to the public our history and culture, through the many museums and historical sites we have in the Philippines,” Lorenzana remarked. “We look forward to more opportunities to help the caretakers of our shared heritage.”
