A Glimpse of Cagayan de Oro’s ARCHIVES AND MUSEUMS

City Archives of Cagayan de Oro
"The First Archives of the Philippines"

Last July 20, 2018, the whole MLIS 108 class together with our instructor, Prof. Annabelle Acedera visited the City Archives of Cagayan de Oro City. It was a very wonderful moment because I got the chance to experience what it feels like to be in an archival institution. I have learned a lot because during my undergraduate studies, our instructor only tackled the concepts and we didn’t get the chance to visit an actual archival organization.

From the first area alone, you can see so many things that are historically valuable because there are photographs that are displayed like the photos of the former city mayors. There are also photos showing the significant and historical events happened here in Cagayan de Oro City. The archivists there also assisted us in order for us to be aware of the existence of this archives and the records and documents it houses.

           The most exciting part was when we went inside. I saw boxes or compilers and what came first on my mind was those boxes are non-acidic and they contain important documents with historical, administrative, cultural, fiscal, and enduring value (You know I've learned that during college days). The archivist explained to us that these resources must be preserved that’s why they give extra effort in handling these resources. They must safeguard these important materials for they are rare and vulnerable to agents of deterioration. They must do the preservation measures so that they can prolong the life of these materials.

Archives of Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro City

             As a Roman Catholic, I really learned a lot spiritually because of this tour that we had at the Archives of Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro City last July 21, 2018. It was also an awesome experience because I got the chance to enter the domain for the very first time. Honestly, at first, I never thought that churches have archival establishments. Having the opportunity to explore the archives of CDO’s Archdiocese makes you realize that in order for the future generation to be aware of the history of the church or anything related about Catholicism, our churches should really exert efforts in establishing archives.

            I really admire the passion of the archivist because I can really sense it from him that he has so much heart for his work. You know, we can’t deny the fact that there are some people who think that archives are boring places. There are even librarians who won’t really dare to work in an archival institution because they think that being an archivist isn’t a challenging job at all. However, as a librarian, I really believe that if you have the heart for service, you can make everything magical. You have the power to turn a boring job (as others think) into a most adventurous journey.

Xavier University's Museo de Oro

Aside from archives, we also had the privilege to visit the aesthetic Museo de Oro last September 1, 2018. The Museo de Oro showcases three Major exhibits which are the Ethno-history of Northern Mindanao, the Ethnology of Mindanao and the Fr. Demetrio SJ Gallery. The collection and exhibit are really great. It is accessibly located in a safe and secure milieu. It is an amazing place to visit not only for locals but for those who want to visit Cagayan de Oro for pleasure or trips. I think that is a captivating place for tourists who would like to enrich their knowledge on the province’s history. It is also an entrancing venue for librarians and LIS students who want to dig deeper about a museum or those who dream to be curators.

              As a Filipino librarian, I find this place absolutely astonishing. You can really feel that this place is rich in culture and history. I really want to encourage my friends, especially the librarians and LIS students to go there for them to appreciate more the beauty of our craft. 

Capitol University's Museum of Three Cultures and it's Art Gallery

After visiting the Museo de Oro, we then moved to the stunning Capitol University’s Museum of Three Cultures. The Museum exhibitions the cultural materials and resources of three major groups of Mindanao, namely, the migrants, indigenous peoples, and the Moro groups.

The Museum of Three Cultures houses very aesthetic artifacts and photographs of the history of the region. I also want to commend the guide because she’s was very knowledgeable and enjoyable. The collections are well-preserved and the area is properly ventilated same with the Museo de Oro. During that time, I noticed that the displays were well-presented and organized. The guide enthusiastically informed us about the museum’s existence and purpose. I believe that this museum manifests the harmonious relationship of the tri-people amidst cultural and religious differences.

I also got the chance to take a glimpse of the different artifacts there. You can find there the giant 300-year-old traditional sword that is pretty impressive. According to the guide, it was a gift from a sultan. There are also some of the pieces that are replicas such as the bed of a sultan. There are also mannequins wearing different tribal wears. There is a lot of ancient artifacts inside the museum which include pottery from China, ancient swords and other weapons, musical instruments, and many more.

        Moreover, I've found out that the founder of the University, Madame Laureana San Pedro Rosales, collected most of the items in the museum. Thanks to her because without her heart for curation, the museum will never be the same. We also went to the CU Art Gallery and I saw there different artistic creations of the locals in Cagayan de Oro City. It was really amusing seeing those masterpieces.

Cagayan de Oro City Museum

Last September 29, 2018, we wrapped up our educational tours at the Cagayan de Oro City Museum. It is just near Lourdes College. At that time, I was really ecstatic because finally, I can now enter the realm of the main museum in the city.

The museum has a unique structure. Before it was just a water tower but unfortunately, it was ruined during our ancestors’ war against the American colonizers. In order to preserve the building and make it useful so that it will serve as a reminder for the locals, it was turned into a museum. Actually, it’s not really aesthetic but still, you can find there the relevant memorabilia of the city. I suggest that you should not expect too much before you go here.

          I really didn’t expect that the water tower is the city museum. I am also sure that there are some locals who don’t know that it is a museum too. One thing I can suggest to the city government is that they must support and fund historical establishments such as this museum. I know the city is in progress right now but I just hope that they can realize that without the past, they can’t proceed to the future. Also, we should preserve these artifacts for these materials will serve as a reminder that we are rich in culture and tradition and that makes us unique from others.