Their legacy will go on
By Eva C. Visperas
A dream year in the making is finally coming to life in the bustling city of Dagupan. On November 15, 2024, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Edades and Bernal Cultural Center and Museum marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in Dagupan’s — and even the Philippines’— cultural history.
This landmark project honors two of the country’s most celebrated national artists: Victorio Edades, the Father of Modern Philippine Painting, and Salvador Bernal, the Father of Theater Design. For the visionary behind it all, Pangasinan’s 4th District Representative Christopher “Toff” de Venecia, the journey to this moment has been both deeply personal and driven by a lifelong passion for the arts.
Though just in his late 30s, Congressman Toff has already made an indelible mark on the country’s cultural landscape. He is unstoppable, never resting on his laurels. His principal authorship of Republic Act No. 11726, the law that mandates the establishment of the cultural center, is just one of many initiatives he has championed during his tenure. A staunch advocate for the arts and creative industries, Congressman Toff believes culture is not just a facet of society, but its foundation.
This project aims to preserve and promote the legacy of Edades and Bernal, both Dagupeños, whose revolutionary contributions to Philippine art and theater have left a lasting impact on generations of artists and designers.
The cultural center and museum, set to rise along Judge Jose de Venecia Sr. Highway in Barangay Pantal, is not only a tribute to these titans of Filipino creativity but also a promise to future generations that their work and philosophy will continue to inspire.
“I’ve always believed that a nation’s progress is measured not only in infrastructure and economics but also in how deeply it values its culture,” Congressman Toff remarked during the groundbreaking ceremony. “This museum will stand as a testament to the enduring genius of Edades and Bernal, and a space where we can celebrate the artistry of today and nurture the artistic voices of tomorrow,” he added.
The project, formally established through RA 11726 approved in 2021, represents the joint efforts of the City Government of Dagupan, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and various cultural and academic agencies, with support from the private sector. With the generous donation of land by the family of Mayor Belen Fernandez and a P50 million allocation from Senator Pia Cayetano, the museum is poised to become a cultural beacon for the region and beyond.
Mayor Fernandez expressed her excitement at seeing the vision finally come to fruition. “I even thought this day would never come, but this is real, and it’s happening right before our very eyes,” Fernandez said.
I was there, sitting quietly in one corner, observing the ceremony. I witnessed the glow of excitement painted on the faces of the attendees.
The groundbreaking ceremony was a moment of celebration, with distinguished guests in attendance, including representatives from the NCCA, local government officials, and the families of Edades and Bernal. Angeline Bernal-Samson, sister of Salvador Bernal, and wife of Konsehal Chito, spoke movingly about the legacy the museum will preserve, emphasizing how it will serve as a source of inspiration for future generations.
While the direct descendants of Edades are primarily based in the U.S., there is hope they will return for the blessing and inauguration of this significant cultural landmark.
The new cultural hub is expected to become a major tourist attraction, bringing economic and educational opportunities to Dagupan while further cementing the city’s reputation as a center of arts and culture in the region. Visitors will have the chance to experience the creative genius of Edades and Bernal through curated exhibits, educational programs, and special events designed to engage the public with the richness of Filipino artistry.
For Cong. Toff, the creation of the Edades and Bernal Cultural Center and Museum is the culmination of a lifelong commitment to advocating for the arts — a passion that continues to define his legislative career. As construction progresses, the people of Dagupan — and the entire country — can look forward to a brighter future where the arts are celebrated, cherished, and preserved for all time.
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