National Museum open to ‘sharing’ pulpit panels with Cebu

The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) on Monday said that it is willing to share with Cebu the four pulpit panels which were recently donated by private collectors to the museum, following the appeal of some local government officials to have them returned to the town of Boljoon. 

In a statement, the NMP said it is also open to conduct a “constructive dialogue” with Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Boljoon Mayor Jojie Derama and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma regarding the 19th-century panels which feature the image of Saint Augustine of Hippo. 

“We extend our assurance to Governor Gwen Garcia, Mayor Jojie Derama, Archbishop Jose Palma, and the community of Boljoon that the NMP is eager to engage in constructive dialogue and exchange of technical assistance to facilitate sharing the four panels with the people of Cebu as soon as possible,” the museum said. 

Derama earlier asked the NMP “to open a venue for proper negotiations” to have the panels returned to Boljoon, stressing that it is their church’s cultural assets and “the vessel of [their] identity and pride.”

Garcia, meanwhile, said she plans to formally request the NMP to return the panels so that they can complete the restoration of the pulpit. 

According to NMP, the panels trace their original provenance from the pulpit of the Patrocinio de Maria Santisima Parish Church in Boljoon, Cebu.

However upon donation of private collectors Edwin and Aileen Bautista, a number of netizens who saw photos of the panels online called the attention of NMP that the pieces of antiquity should not become its permanent display or possession.

The NMP, for its part, emphasized that the donors procured the panels through legitimate means, “highlighting their commitment to ethical acquisition.”

“We acknowledge the historical vulnerability of church artifacts to looting and improper disposal in the past. While ethical concerns may arise, it is essential to consider the intricate historical context influencing these actions. The dynamic ownership and circulation of these cultural assets underscore the necessity for open dialogue and collaborative initiatives to address these complexities,” the National Museum said.

“Moreover, the donors' decision to acquire these artifacts and donate to the Philippines reflects their dedication to preserving cultural heritage and promoting patriotism,” it added.

The museum said the inclusion of the panels in their National Fine Arts Collection ensures that “they will benefit from the expertise and resources necessary for their proper study, display, and conservation for generations to come.”

Pending negotiations with Cebu, NMP said they will pursue preventive conservation measures needed to prepare the panels for public display in due course.—RF, GMA Integrated News