At the commemoration of revolutionary war hero General Miguel Malvar’s 159th birth anniversary, the Okada Foundation, Inc. (OFI) announced its plans to donate P3 million pesos to the Museo ni Miguel Malvar in Sto. Tomas City, Batangas.
OFI President James Lorenzana shared the news in his address at the ceremony. “This donation serves to support the improvement and maintenance of the museum, and further develop the ways we can immerse ourselves in and learn more about the amazing life, story, and values of General Miguel Malvar,” said Lorenzana.
Lorenzana expressed hope that Malvar’s example “lives on with the youth, in their efforts to build a brighter future.”
The Museo ni Miguel Malvar is one of the 28 museums under the oversight of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). NHCP Executive Director Carminda Arevalo expressed the commission’s gratitude for OFI’s donation, pointing out that “while we get [NHCP’s] funding from the national government, this form of support is significantly helpful to us in fulfilling our mandate.”
“The Okada Foundation’s donation will provide remarkable support in keeping the memory of General Miguel Malvar alive, and contribute towards his recognition throughout our history,” she added. “Rest assured that the public will benefit from and enjoy the new additions to the museum that the grant will produce.”
The symbolic turnover of a replica of Gen. Miguel Malvar’s revolver also followed, handed over by Lorenzana to the NHCP executive director.
OFI’s donation to the museum will go towards the production of dioramas, replicas of historical documents and artifacts, documentaries, and other media that would improve the exhibition of Museo ni Miguel Malvar. Included among these are some of the war hero’s personal effects, such as his weapons, embellishments, and accessories.
“On behalf of the Okada Foundation’s Board of Trustees, it is an honor to participate in the commemoration of General Miguel Malvar, and to pay homage to his life, his extraordinary bravery, and the legacy of patriotism and sacrifice that he has left behind,” said Lorenzana.
The OFI president, additionally, also called for the continued cooperation of the public and the private sector. “This contribution is in line with one of the tenets of the Okada Foundation — to act as stewards of our culture and history, and help the government effectively curate and preserve our rich history,” said Lorenzana. “May we continue to build upon this fruitful partnership, and pave the way for more impactful projects.”
