The end of curator Marian Pastor Roces’s presentation of the proposed Baguio City Museum was greeted with applause and a shout of “Bravo!” from a number of city residents. Everyone seemed gung-ho about seeing this museum rise from the existing ruins of the monastery on Dominican Hill.
Everyone, except Councilor Galo Weygan who insisted that the city council only agreed to allow 1,000 square meters to this infrastructure. In his hands was his own counter-proposal for an ecological, cultural and prayer center on the same site. He claims that his center came to him in a vision sent by God.
Fortunately, former Councilor Edilberto Tenefrancia was present to put Weygan in his place. “Tene,” as he is popularly called, pointed out that Weygan’s resistance against the museum is just one man’s position. And as for his vision from God, how come the other members of the council were not privy to that?
In addition to that, Tene said Weygan faces a conflict of interest—he is an elected public official and yet he is the pastor-preacher-leader of a Christian sect. Tene reminded him that the Constitution stipulates a clear separation between church and state, and Weygan is violating this by favoring his religious group.
At one point, I butted in, reminding the councilor that the museum should be non-sectarian, not favoring any religion but respecting all faiths. Roces showed in her presentation that the one-and-a-half hectares set aside for the geological garden would be conducive to meditation, contemplation and prayerful strolls.
There’s another reason Weygan shouldn’t be in the business of developing Dominican Hill. His job and those of the other councilors is to legislate, pass ordinances or review those that do not benefit the city and its people.
He reminds me of a friend’s observation of people in their senior years who have not learned wisdom, still cling to power and remain shameless about being beholden to their patrons. Walang kinatandaan.
A pundit said, upon seeing Weygan’s proposed building, “Doesn’t it look like a Korean hotel?” Photo of Weygan's proposed center by ELMER KRISTIAN DAUIGOY
4 comments:
Babs — Susmariosep! It sure does look like a Korean hotel! Oh how they lie! Haaay.
Joan
Nakakaloka is all I can say.
The Dominican Hill has a history of use that is related to spirituality/spiritual world. It might just be one of the "sacred" mountains around the world and certain people sense that more than others. Friars, Faith Healer Agpaoa, G Weygan may be among those who "sense" such more strongly.
If the intent is heritage/historic preservation, building restoration or at least, facade restoration makes sense. A sense of place is preserved further by incorporating a "spiritual-related" use. For example, a multi-faith spiritual center can be one of the contemporary uses of the place. Museum, spiritual center, and other uses are not mutually exclusive. A spiritual-related use need not be in conflict with the principle of church-state separation. The place can be used to explore and learn the evolving and dynamic spirituality of Baguio's residents (from animism to Christianity, Islam, New Age).
Building restoration and multi-use of the place will likely offer the most economically viable concept for this sacred mountain/hill.
Thanks.
Baguio has lost its charm. It has become a perfect example of how not to develop a mountain city. Thanks to our incompetent mayors, councilors, and other corrupt officials we have lost something that was once beautiful and lovely. What do we see in Baguio now? Ugliness for sure. Traffic jams, pollution, squatters, over population, dirt and so many ugly concrete buildings. Be very afraid when Filipinos say they 'will develop a beautiful place'- it only means that they will destroy it by way of building ugly modern structures bereft of charm and elegance. Everyone wants to imitate the ugly Manila look.
'nuff said.
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