THE National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) will open a provincial outlet in Ilocos Norte following the signing of the Certificate of Turnover and Acceptance of the Arte Luna property in Paoay on Nov, 19, deemed as a major cultural milestone for the province.
Under a 25-year Deed of Usufruct, the Arte Luna’s property of the provincial government will serve as the future home of the National Museum–Ilocos Norte.
The NMP will oversee the preservation, conservation, and protection of both movable and immovable cultural assets within the site, ensuring that the province’s rich heritage is safeguarded and made accessible to the public.
The facility will serve as a hub for cultural research, exhibitions, education programs, and public appreciation of the province’s rich artistic, historic, and cultural heritage.
Preservation of the property aligns with the NMP’s mission to preserve the nation’s cultural treasures and make them accessible to the public.
Ilocos Norte Gov. Cecilia Araneta Marcos reaffirmed the province’s commitment to heritage conservation.
“The provincial government of Ilocos Norte will continue to stand with you, to collaborate with you and to champion every effort for our heritage that promotes cultural ties,” she said.
Vice Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc likewise highlighted the importance of the partnership.
“We are so glad to sign this agreement, something that is we have been working for many years, because it has been formalized, and soon [Ilocos Norte] will host a National Museum for the first time ever, this is truly remarkable, truly historic to the province of Ilocos Norte,” he said.
The provincial government’s turnover of the Arte Luna to the National Museum is seen as a manifestation of the province’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural legacy and promoting heritage-driven education, tourism, and community engagement.
