The Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite
The forthcoming Aguinaldo exhibit reaffirms the shrine’s historical relevance even as Cavite faces accelerated modernization and progress.
“Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine: Identity on Shifting Landscape”, an exhibit which runs from October 5 to November 22 showcases its rich cultural heritage amidst the province’s changing landscape that now focuses also on business investments and urbanization.
According to cluster head of NHCP-Cavite and MEA curator Haidee Paulette Bedruz, the theme was considered as new establishments and a business site will soon rise to change not only the town’s landscape but also that of the visitors’ mindset that “visiting Kawit means visiting the Aguinaldo Shrine.”
The exhibit “will show how the Aguinaldo Shrine has been part of the larger community of Kawit, allowing it to remain a part of our national history yet relevant to the local perspective of the people,” revealed the curator.
Kawit is part of a broader cultural and historical itinerary which also includes the Irasan, Pandayan, and the St. Mary Magdalene Church.
The Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kaingen village houses the museum on the ground floor and is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4.p.m. on Tuesdays to Sundays.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), through its Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo (MEA), spearheaded the program in observance of the Museums and Galleries Month this October. (Jojo Mangahis)