The creation of the Davao Oriental Provincial Museum stems from a dream of establishing a landmark devoted to fostering civic pride among Dabawenos through showcasing the province's treasured cultural tradition and world-class array of natural heritage. A trailblazing brainchild of Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, the Subangan Provincial Museum is a breakthrough project that caught her interest ever since the start of her administration way back in 2007. Envisioned as the embodiment of the soul of the province, the provincial museum has been seen to become a testimony to the people's effort to nurture the environment, trace back Davao Oriental's growth and evolution through time and more importantly to showcase people's achievements and culture. The desire to build the edifice ignited in 2010 when a 50-feet sperm whale chose the shores of San Isidro and Governor Generoso as its final resting place, an unforeseen event seemed to have been designed to interlock with the provincial government's plan for a museum. The province took quick and decisive actions to salvage the remains of the mammoth creature capturing interest of many researchers and even became a prominent subject in both local and national headlines. In June 30, 2011, Gov. Malanyaon's dream was finally realized as the Provincial Government broke the ground for the Provincial Museum touted to be the biggest in the whole region, even larger than the museum in Davao City. Considered as an innovative idea, local officials vowed to support the construction of the edifice intended to become an income-generating facility that would cater to researchers and ordinary visitors alike. Seeing the fast pace of the province in its genuine intent of preserving the culture and showcasing the beautiful landscapes and seascapes of the province, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) earmarked funds to back the museum's construction. Support of several political entities also helped in shaping the long-envisioned masterpiece. Construction ensued for the following months, projecting to finish the structure just in time for the official launching of the province's tourism development—an opportunity to open Davao Oriental to the world. However, an unforeseen setback occurred on December 4, 2012. The onslaught of super typhoon Pablo halted its construction sidetracking the government's focus from the museum's construction to its priority of addressing the needs of its suffering constituents. A year later, after battling all challenges, the provincial government made its way back on track, now opening its pride and glory-- the Subangan, which also features an area dedicated for Davao Oriental's Typhoon Pablo experience. The provincial museum is tasked to acquire, document, preserve, exhibit, and foster public appreciation on the various works of art, and cultural and historical artifacts which are representative of Davao Oriental's unique cultural heritage. The museum aims to provide the public a perfect avenue to better understand and appreciate the amazing world of science, helping to ignite especially among the kids passion for learning and further enrich their knowledge of the province's history and culture. More than just a structure, this museum serves as a significant stride of the provincial government to promote cultural pride and imbibe a love for the environment, thus securing Davao Oriental's legacy for the future generations.

• published: 08 Jan 2014
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