Press Release
August 29, 2009

ANGARA: BALER 400 IN BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHS AND MANUSCRIPTS

Senator Edgardo J. Angara yesterday lead opening of Baler 400 in books, photographs and manuscripts exhibit at the National Library with Baler Mayor Arthur Angara, NCCA Chair Dr. Vilma Labrador, National Artist Cecile Guidote Alvarez and National Library Director Prudenciana Cruz, as part of the year-long celebration of the 400th year of foundation of Baler. The exhibit showcased photos of late President Manuel Quezon valuable selection of books, serials, photographs and manuscripts on Baler - some dating back to mid-19th century.

"We must continue to promote and popularize our nation's rich historical and cultural heritage and resources as well as our artistic creations" said Angara.

He added, "Baler is a treasure trove of history and culture, which makes this town so special not only to its own people but to our very nation's life story. It is the birthplace of Manuel Luis Quezon, Baler's foremost son and the nationalist leader of the American period who became the first president of the Philippines. It is also the site of the historic Siege of Baler, from which we drew the inspiration for Philippine-Spanish Friendship."

Baler and the rest of Aurora are associated with rugged attractions, lushness and pristine beauty. Visitors find Aurora's forests and beaches alluring. The famous nine-foot waves of Baler Bay, a contiguous segment of the Pacific Ocean, are just one of the town's tourism assets, attracting hundreds of surfers in February for the coveted Aurora Cup.

The town is also known for its rare flora and fauna. Baler is home to the Millennium Tree - the oldest balete tree in Asia, the sabutan, the indigenous deer and unique marine life. Two plant species have also been named after Baler: a wild duhat (Sygium balerense) and rattan (Calamus balerensis).

In Baler, there are steps to teach the young about the town's history and cultural heritage through the Museo de Baler. Recently an exhibit on the life and career of Manuel L. Quezon, as well as an exhibit dedicated to Aurora's indigenous peoples, the Ilongots and Dumagats were held. The museum holds artifacts, mementoes, and historical records dating back to the Spanish period.

In his speech Angara expressed gratitude and commended the initiative of the National Library, "I thank the National Library for putting up the exhibit we are opening, called "Baler 400 in Books, Photographs and Manuscripts". It showcases a valuable selection of books, serials, photographs and manuscripts on Baler - some dating back to mid-19th century."

"I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight the importance of preserving our irreplaceable historical documents, some of which are, unfortunately, already in danger of perishing."

Earlier this year, the Senate passed the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, which Angara authored. It will institute mechanisms for better management of cultural properties, institutionalization of Heritage Zones, more efficient documentation of traditional and contemporary arts, and the initiation of a Cultural Heritage Education Program in schools.

"Let this be a challenge to the National Library, as one of the country's cultural agencies, to protect and preserve our rare historical documents such as books, manuscripts, presidential papers, periodicals, newspapers and others."

"I hope we take advantage of the reinvigorated interest in Baler's history and culture, and draw a starting point for more serious conservation and a deeper appreciation of our national heritage," ended Angara.

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