JBLCF: Proudly global, anchored on Filipino values and culture
The Ribbon Cutting. Dr. Mary Lou
Lacson-Arcelo, Mrs. GIna S. Espinosa,
Hon. Jerry Treñas, Justice Sec. Raul
Gonzales, Hon Salvador D. Sarabia, Jr.
The doors leading to the most valuable collection of artifacts and heirlooms were opened on January 16, marking a milestone for Iloilo in 2006.
The esteemed Board of Trustees headed by Chairperson Dr. Mary Lou Lacson-Arcelo, administration, faculty and staff and students of John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation grandiosely welcomed Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, Dr. Pacita Gonzalez, Hon. Jerry Treñas and other notable figures like Hon. Salvador D. Sarabia, Jr., Under Secretary, Department of Tourism; Mrs. Gina Espinosa, President of Museo Iloilo; art and antique aficionados from all corners of Iloilo and beyond, to the blessing and opening of the Library of Cultural Heritage and Maritime Artifacts, JBLCF-M.H. Del Pilar St., Molo, Iloilo City.
The aged dinning table of the Lacsons
Since the establishment of John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation (Iloilo Maritime Academy) in 1948, the founders aimed for nothing less than quality education. Now on JBLCF's 58th year of success in molding students into becoming achievers in their chosen fields, the foundation is unfolding the fruitful years of its existence through a display of rare vintage photos, valuable books and manuals in the cultural library that on their own tell the interesting story of JBLCF from its birth to the present.
Hon. Jerry Treñas admiring the precious
antique statues collection while a
student tells him their history.
Through the effort and ingenuity of Dr. Mary Lou Lacson-Arcelo, family heirlooms and highly valued personal belongings of Capt. John B. Lacson's parents, and siblings Mr. Frank J. Lacson and Miss Corazon J. Lacson, as well as collections from other respected sources, have been placed under one roof, making JBLCF a celebrated home of genuine cultural heritage. The displays include antique radios and cameras, 17th century old jewelry pieces belonging to the Locsin family, and an 18th century bed, among others, filling the eyes of antique collectors and enthusiasts.
Guests awed by one of the maritime
artifacts
As a young girl, Dr. Mary Lou Lacson-Arcelo was her father's caretaker and since then has not only been appreciating her father's things but putting value to them as well. Her 95-year old grandmother and she would often exchange stories about the past and that strengthened her appreciation for the family's collection even more.
When Dr. Arcelo inherited JBLCF (1972) and her father's belongings, she found it in her heart to share the collection with the students who she believes will have better appreciation of their Filipino roots if they learn about their culture through association. She says the students know what hablon is (fabric produced locally) but if they are given the chance to touch it, feel it, then they will remember it well because they can compare it with other fabrics they know and would be able to discuss with others the difference between hablon and fabrics made from other places in the Philippines or even from other countries.
Dr. Mary Lou Lacson-Arcelo,
Chairperson - Board of Trustees and
Executive Council of JBLCF
Dr. Arcelo also observed that students like spending time in the library. One way of giving Lacsonians an edge and a better chance at quality education is by providing them with a library rich in visual aids and information that will take them through boundless journeys of learning.
The Library of Cultural Heritage and Maritime Artifacts of JBLCF will be a good orientation for Filipinos to the abounding history and heritage belonging to the Ilonggos. The museum will be open to all for free.