The cultural heritage of Palawan was celebrated in a significant event yesterday, August 23, as Governor V. Dennis M. Socrates led the Blessing of the Restored Governor’s Residence and the Launching of the Book “History of Palawan” authored by Diokno R. Manlavi.
The ceremony took place in the compound of the Old Governor’s Residence on Quezon Street, Barangay Matiyaga, Puerto Princesa City.
The program commenced with the blessing of the restored governor’s residence, led by Most Rev. Socrates C. Mesiona. A tour of the building’s interior was conducted to showcase the improvements that have been made.
Following this, the Unveiling of Development Plans for the Restored Governor’s Residence as Museo Palaweño was carried out. Through the friendship of Governor Socrates and Mr. Manlavi, Museo Palaweño aims to highlight significant phases in Palawan’s history.
In another segment of the program, the book “History of Palawan” by Diokno R. Manlavi was officially launched. The book chronicles important chapters of Palawan’s history, from ancient civilizations to modern times. Ms. Evelyn Manlavi-Opeda expressed gratitude for the provincial government’s recognition of her father’s contribution to the book.
Officials, residents, and visitors of the city and province came together to commemorate the history and beauty of these projects, aiming to strengthen the awareness of Palawan’s history and the past events that paved the way for the future.
Joining Governor Socrates in the event were Vice Governor Leoncio N. Ola, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan namely Winston Arzaga, Nieves Rosento, Rafael Ortega, Jr., and Al Shariff Ibba. Also present were Vice Mayor Nancy Socrates of Puerto Princesa City, department heads and staff of the Provincial Government, representatives from the education sector, tourism, culture and arts, foreign affairs, relatives of former governors who resided in the said building, and family members of Mr. Diokno R. Manlavi, a renowned historian and author of the “History of Palawan” book.
In his address, Governor Socrates emphasized the project’s importance in disseminating knowledge about Palawan’s history and fostering a sense of unity.
“Today’s event, the governor’s residence, is also a symbol of unity and identity for us as Palaweños. So we endeavored to ensure that even though there’s still more to be done, at least the main building is nearing completion and it’s being blessed as part of the celebration of the quadricentennial of Christianity in Palawan, which is also our quadricentennial as a community of Palaweños,” Governor Socrates said.
He also expressed gratitude to individuals and offices that contributed to the project’s realization, including the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), Provincial General Services Office (PGSO), OHP Construction and Development Corporation, and Mr. Jose Bustamante, an expert in the restoration of historic buildings.
With the launching of “History of Palawan” by Mr. Diokno R. Manlavi, the provincial government’s commitment to showcasing Palawan’s rich and colorful history has been exemplified, not only for the present generation but also for generations to come.
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