By Daniel Que
DAGUPAN CITY – A new cultural landmark honoring two of the Philippines’ most celebrated national artists, Victorio Edades and Salvador Bernal, was officially launched with a groundbreaking ceremony on November 15, 2024, in this city.
The event marked the start of construction for the Edades and Bernal Cultural Center and Museum, which will be located along Judge Jose de Venecia Sr. Highway in Barangay Pantal.
The cultural hub, dedicated to preserving and promoting the works of Edades, the “Father of Modern Philippine Painting,” and Bernal, the “Father of Theater Design,” is the result of Republic Act No. 11726. This law, authored by Pangasinan 4th District Representative Christopher “Toff” de Venecia, was passed in 2021 and enacted in 2022. It mandates the establishment of the cultural center to foster the arts and creative industries in Dagupan and beyond.
Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez expressed her excitement during the groundbreaking, calling the project “long overdue” and highlighting its importance to the city. “For once, I even thought this day would never come, but now, this is real, and it’s happening right before our very eyes,” Fernandez said.
The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Rep. de Venecia, Senator Pia Cayetano’s representative Zheanne Aeson Dantis, Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III (represented by Board Member Jerry Agerico Rosario), and NCCA Deputy Executive Director Marichu Tellano. Members of the Edades and Bernal families were also present, including Angeline Bernal-Samson, sister of Salvador Bernal.
Rep. de Venecia said, “We are here today to recognize their invaluable impact, and more importantly, to ensure that their stories, their works, and their philosophies are preserved for generations to come. This museum will stand as a testament to their enduring influence—a space where their artistic genius can be celebrated, studied, and revered, alongside the artistry of future generations who will stand on their shoulders.”
Dantis shared, “Senator Pia has always believed that a well-supported cultural sector is not only an investment in creativity but also in the long-term well-being of our communities. Cultural initiatives stimulate local economies, create jobs, support education, and build international recognition and excellence. That is why Senator Pia supports initiatives like this one.”
Bernal-Samson expressed deep gratitude for the museum’s role in preserving her brother’s legacy, saying, “This cultural center will inspire future generations and enrich the cultural landscape of our nation.”
For her part, Tellano emphasized the significance of the project, saying, “The NCCA is truly grateful for this initiative, and as we break ground today, we commit ourselves not just to the physical structure but to fostering a culture that appreciates our local arts and humanities.”
Republic Act No. 11726 draws from Article XIV of the Philippine Constitution, which underscores the state’s responsibility to promote and preserve the country’s cultural heritage and artistic creations. The law mandates the creation of the Edades and Bernal Cultural Center and Museum, with the mission of promoting culture, the arts, and creative industries in the local community.
The law further stipulates that the cultural center will be a joint venture between the City Government of Dagupan, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and relevant cultural and academic agencies, as well as the private sector. All aspects of the museum’s governance, operations, and development will be decided through mutual agreement within one year of the law’s enactment.
Once completed, the cultural center and museum are expected to become major tourist attractions, showcasing the contributions of Edades and Bernal to Philippine art and theater. The project is supported by a P50 million allocation from Senator Cayetano, and the land for the center was generously donated by Mayor Fernandez’s family to the city government.
The cultural center will serve as a venue for cultural activities, art exhibitions, and a hub for promoting local creative industries, further solidifying Dagupan’s role as a key player in the country’s cultural landscape.