‘Democracy museum’ to open in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines — The local government of Quezon City is set to establish a new museum dedicated to the contributions of the citizenry to Philippine democracy.

To be named Museo ng Demokrasyang Pilipino, it will be a multiple-site museum that will focus on the contributions of the people in strengthening democratic institutions and ideas. 

First to open will be the core Information Center, which will be located at the Quezon Memorial Circle near former president Manuel Quezon’s heritage house. 

Instead of focusing on the country’s heroes and leaders, the museum will highlight the role of ordinary people in the country’s political process. 

It will showcase the strength of “people power” over the last two centuries, including women and labor groups as well as indigenous movements.

The timeline begins with the Basi revolt in Ilocos region in 1807 up to the Million People March in 2017.

Some of the memorabilia to be put on display are pieces of wood printing presses used during the Katipunan period and the Japanese occupation and mementos from the EDSA people power revolt. 

The first information center would be housed in a structure that replicates the home of former president Corazon Aquino along Times street in Quezon City.

Veteran curator Marian Pastor Roces was tapped by the local government to conceptualize the museum.