The Local Government Unit of Dagupan, led by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, officially unveiled the Edades and Bernal Cultural Center and Museum through a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony today, November 15, at Judge Jose de Venecia Sr. Highway, Brgy. Pantal.
Dagupan City extended its gratitude to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Philippines (NCCA), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Senator Pia Cayetano’s Pinay In Action and Pangasinan’s 4th District Representative and Chairperson of the special committee on creative industries Congressman Christopher “Toff” De Venecia who functioned as key people and institutions in bringing the site to life.
De Venecia authored Republic Act No. 11726, an act establishing the Edades and Bernal Cultural Center and Museum in Dagupan City with the general purpose and objective of presenting and promoting culture and the arts, as well as creative industries in the community that the House of Representatives passed on January 20, 2021, and later approved on April 29, 2022.
The creation of the new cultural site is attributed to the legacy of Dagupan’s two (2) national artists, Victorio Edades, National Artist for Visual Design and named the “Father of Modern Philippine Painting”, and Salvador Bernal, National Artist for Theater and Design and hailed as the “Father of Theater Design” in the Philippines.
Mayor Fernandez later welcomed guests in the program held at the CSI Stadia, sharing her excitement about the long-overdue project.
“Thank God, that this day is the day. For once, I even thought this day would never come, but this is real, and it’s happening right before our very eyes. So, I am very grateful and honored that this came to pass during my administration.” the local chief executive said.
Angeline Bernal-Samson, sister of National Artist Salvador Bernal, expressed her gratitude for the historical site that would soon rise in the city.
“I believe that this cultural center will inspire the future younger generations and enrich the cultural landscape of our nation.” Samson shared.
Among present in the groundbreaking ceremony and program were Senator Pia Cayetano through her Senior Staff of Communications Zheanne Aeson Dantis, Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III, through his representative Gerry Rosario, Former Dagupan City Councilor Chito Samson and son Former Barangay Chairman Saysi Bernal-Samson, Representatives of the Edades Family, NCCA Deputy Executive Director Marichu Tellano, DPWH Regional Director Ronnel Tan through his representative Engr. Criselda Nicer, Vice Mayor Bryan Kua, City Councilors, LGU employees and art and history advocates.
The Edades and Bernal Cultural Center will serve as the city’s cultural hub that will drive tourism in the field of art and history.
