The Balay Negrense, a museum in Silay City, Negros Occidental, is being eyed for rehabilitation.

Located in the historic Cinco de Noviembre Street of the city, Balay Negrense is also known as the Victor Fernandez Gaston Ancestral House. Built in 1897, it was converted into a museum in 1990 and named by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines as a heritage house in 1994.

The Balay Negrense showcases the lifestyle of sugar barons during the 19th century, a time when Silay City was the renowned “Paris of Negros.” Today, Silay City has the greatest number of heritage houses declared by the NHCP in the country.

Third District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez, a strong advocate and supporter of promoting, conserving and developing culture and heritage, recently met with Negros Cultural Foundation, Inc. president Lyn Gamboa, Executive Director of Negros Museum Tanya Lopez, and Architect Rai Busmante, among others, on the Balay Negrense rehabilitation.

Financial assistance from the provincial government of Negros Occidental is being eyed to be tapped for its repair and rehabilitation.

A comprehensive study of the rehabilitation plan of the museum that will include identification of experts to manage the conservation and preservation of one of the island’s important heritage houses was raised during the meeting.

During the 18th Congress, Benitez filed House Bill 10057 pushing for cultural mapping and an enhanced cultural heritage education program to strengthen the conservation and protection of Philippine cultural heritage.

“Heritage is what we inherit from those who came before us, it is the legacy of our community that binds us, roots us, and give us a sense of who we are, where we come from and what makes us unique. Preservation requires us to remember and celebrate our heritage, ensure that we treasure it and ensure that the future generations enjoy the wealth of our community’s heritage and pass on who we are,” Benitez said.*