Beyond its stunning islands and beaches, Pangasinan boasts a rich tapestry of culture and history.
Enter the Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum, a treasure trove that celebrates this heritage and serves as a vital cog in the province’s tourism engine.
True to its name, “Banáan,” which translates to “meeting place,” bridges the gap between Pangasinan’s past and present.
Housed in the historic Casa Real in Lingayen town, the museum showcases the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the province.
The museum encompasses 11 galleries with a wide range of artifacts, artworks, installations, and interactive displays.
Celebrating the first anniversary of the museum’s establishment, the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), in collaboration with the National Commission of Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), conducted a celebration recently in line with Tourism Month, dubbed “Pamagalang,” a Pangasinan word meaning “giving respect.”
During the event, the museum unveiled a new exhibit titled “Interwoven Roots, Shared Heritage,” located at the Asin Gallery.
This exhibit highlights the Indigenous Peoples (IP) of Pangasinan, showcasing their diverse traditions, craftsmanship, and culture.
By providing a space to honor and celebrate the IP communities, the museum promotes cultural understanding, inclusivity, and the preservation of indigenous heritage.
The exhibit features indigenous clothing, tools, and photographs of the Ibaloi, Kankana-ey, Kalanguya, Iwak, Bago, Kalinga, Bontoc, Itneg, Applai, Aberling, and Ifugao peoples, who now reside in different towns across the province.
The exhibit will run until November 30.
Eric Zerrudo, the executive director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), stated that the provincial museum sets a standard for how heritage and culture can be transformed into something worth emulating.
“It is surreal that the Banáan Museum is already celebrating its first year since its inauguration in 2023. You are fortunate to have such spaces dedicated to appreciating history, heritage, culture, and the arts. I believe it holds great promise, not just for Lingayen, where it is located, but for the whole province,” Zerrudo said.
He also mentioned that the “Pamagalang” program is a perfect way to celebrate Pangasinan Tourism Month 2024, as the Banáan Museum has become a bona fide tourism attraction and cultural hub for the province.
He expressed delight in seeing the cultural space blossom into what it is today: a destination for art appreciation, cultural connection, education, and, above all, a source of pride and dignity for every Pangasinense.
Governor Ramon Guico III emphasized the importance of having museums, as they symbolize the identity of the province and serve as doorways to understanding its culture, history, and arts.
He also stated the importance of learning history and culture, as they play a significant role in our national identity and patriotism, reminding us never to forget the culture we should preserve.
“If there is no museum, a person wouldn’t know who they are. You would have a lost identity, with no knowledge of your culture or history. This is why museums are so important,” Guico said.
Mariel Cruz, a museum visitor and resident of Lingayen, shared her thoughts on how impressed she was by the museum’s showcase of Pangasinan’s diverse culture.
“As someone who isn’t an artist but appreciates art, I’m truly amazed that we don’t need to travel far to visit a museum because we already have one here in Pangasinan. Looking at the creations inside Banáan, it’s evident that the artists poured their hearts and souls into their work. Banáan will undoubtedly boost our province’s tourism and educate visitors about our rich history,” Cruz said.
PTCAO head Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan announced that in its first year, the museum has welcomed over 12,000 visitors, with 45 percent paying the entrance fee.
For adults, the museum rate is P200.00; PWDs and senior citizens enjoy a discounted rate of P160.00; while children and students pay 100.00.
Elduayan also introduced the launch of the museum’s marketing program, the Kasamát Banáan patronage card.
The Pangasinan word “kasamát” means “companion” or “partner,” reflecting the purpose of this card.
The Kasamát patronage card offers different membership levels with packages to meet individual needs.
Purchasing a membership supports museum visitors and contributes to the preservation of Banáan.
Exclusive benefits and privileges are included with each membership level.
Interested individuals can sign up by visiting the registration area in the museum lobby, where the team is available to assist with any inquiries and help select the best package.
The Kasamát patronage card offers three levels: Platinum, Gold, and Silver.
Each card allows members to sponsor up to 150 individuals, enhancing their experience of the rich cultural offerings available.
Planning a visit?
Follow these three steps to book your appointment.
Step 1: Visit the See Pangasinan website (https://banaan.seepangasinan.com/).
Step 2: Find the online reservation link.
Step 3: Complete your booking through the online reservation system.
The Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum is open to the public from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Conservation is the primary mission of museums, safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations.
By having a provincial museum, it serves as a cultural foundation, enriching the local landscape and stimulating economic growth. (AMB/MJTAB/EMSA/JSZ/PIA Pangasinan)
