EANA MANIEBO, Special to The Manila Times
(From left) Fr. Jimmy Belita, Fr. Teodoro Barquin, Bishop Rolando Santos, Fr. Gregorio Bañaga, Rodel Vizconde and Fr. Rolando Delagozac
As a highly deserved tribute to four Adamson University Vincentian presidents who successfully led the educational institution to renown, the Adamson University Museum inaugurated a third wing, which exhibits the school’s rich history dating back to 1964.
Named the “Vincentian Wing,” the collection of photographs and paraphernalia on display traces the growth of Adamson University from the time its administration was turned over to the Vincentian priests and brothers of Congregation of the Mission.
The opening of the new wing marks the third phase completion of the school’s museum project with a grand inauguration on August 15 at the ground floor of the university’s SV Building.
Members of the Adamson family who first established the school, Vincentian priests, and university alumni were present for the momentous event.
Art and artifacts
The Vincentian Wing prominently features portraits of past Adamson University presidents, among them Fr. Rolando Dela Goza and Fr. Jimmy Belita, and the developments they spearheaded during their leadership.
Other pieces on display include ceramics that were found centuries ago at the site, as well as a portion of the impressive art collection of Dr. George Adamson, the university’s founder.
The inauguration of the Vincentian Wing began with a solemn prayer
Another highlight in the Vincentian Wing is the original 1935 Philippine constitution, written in Spanish and English, donated to the museum by current Adamson president Fr. Gregorio Bañaga.
“It’s leather bound and signed by the creators of the constitution,” said the university leader. “One of them was my grandfather who was then representative of Tarlac. I found it in a cabinet in our family home when my father was still alive, and I remember him telling me ‘Don’t touch that because it belongs to your lolo’.”
Besides this important document, the university’s museum also houses two paintings by famed Filipino artist Fernando Amorsolo, who was a friend to Sofia Adamson. As a grand gesture of their friendship, the painter gave the two paintings to the Adamsons and are now prominently on display.
There are also old newspaper clippings, original war pictures and photographs donated by the school’s alumni, which recalls their memorable years in Adamson University.
82-year history
The Adamson University Museum began as an idea from its current president to exhibit the roots of the school. The founder’s wing was inaugurated in 2012, which features the life of the university’s founder and the early years of the Adamson School of Industrial Chemistry and Engineering.
The rotating museum opened next for temporary exhibits, and inaugurated early this year. Currently, the gallery displays cultural objects owned by Adamson alumnus Anthony Gedang, which he acquired from travels all over the world.
“The timeline in the Gedang exhibit shows history not only in the university but beyond its walls,” said Raul Agner, director of Adamson’s Institutional Development and External Affairs.
The university commissioned Ayala Museum experts to design the project, while interior components were provided for free by Vertical Space Interiors, which is owned Adamson alumnus Gilbert Razo.
Although now nearing its final completion, the P5-million project had faced problems, which has caused delay in completing the project.
As for the new wing, the university is excited to open it to the public but has yet to add “finishing touches” to the remarkable project. For now it is open first for viewing by Adamson University students to instill in the pride of being part of such a historical institution in the country.
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