Senator Loren Legarda joined the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in the opening of the Museo ni Apolinario Mabini – Polytechnic University of the Philippines (MAM-PUP), a shrine and learning space dedicated to the life and ideals of one of the nation’s greatest heroes.
The museum’s opening is part of efforts to preserve the legacy of Apolinario Mabini, known as the “Utak ng Rebolusyon,” whose moral strength and intellect helped define the Filipino struggle for independence.
In her message, Legarda emphasized that the opening was not just the opening of a museum, it is the opening of a door toward a deeper understanding of our history and the principles that shaped our nation.
“Ito ay pagbubukas ng pinto tungo sa mas malalim na pag-unawa sa ating kasaysayan at sa mga prinsipyong humubog sa ating Inang Bayan.”
“Ang pagdiriwang na ito ay hindi lamang pagbubukas ng isang museo—ito ay pagbubukas ng pinto tungo sa mas malalim na pag-unawa sa ating kasaysayan at sa mga prinsipyong humubog sa ating Inang Bayan,” the veteran legislator said.
The seasoned lawmaker paid tribute to Mabini’s intellect and integrity during the formative years of the Philippine Republic, calling him a genius who, despite physical limitations, gave boundless wisdom that helped establish the direction of our government and laid the foundations of our independence.
“Bagama’t limitado ang kanyang katawan, walang hanggan ang lawak ng kanyang isipan, isang henyo na nagtaguyod ng ating pamahalaan at nagbalangkas ng direksyon para sa ating kasarinlan,” the lady senator said.
She highlighted Mabini’s central role in drafting the Constitution of the First Philippine Republic, also known as the Malolos Constitution, a document that enshrined the idea that government must emanate from the will and consent of the people, not from the dictates of foreign powers.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committees on Culture and the Arts and on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, Legarda reminded scholars and learners that historical awareness is vital to nation-building.
“Ang pinakamahalagang kuwento ay iyong isinusulat niyo araw-araw sa pamamagitan ng inyong mga desisyon, pakikitungo, at paglilingkod sa kapwa at sa bayan.”
She stressed that it is important that “ang mga iskolar ng bayan ay hindi lamang mahusay sa inyong napiling kurso, kundi malalim din ang pagkakaugat sa pagkakakilanlan at kasaysayan bilang Pilipino,” and reminded them that “ang pinakamahalagang kuwento ay iyong isinusulat niyo araw-araw sa pamamagitan ng inyong mga desisyon, pakikitungo, at paglilingkod sa kapwa at sa bayan.”
Legarda also called on PUP students to view the museum not just as a tourist spot, but a classroom, a space for reflection, and a reminder that every Filipino has the capacity to be an agent of change.
She concluded her message with a call to live by Mabini’s teachings.
“Sa pagbubukas ng Museo ni Apolinario Mabini, nawa’y patuloy nating ipagdiwang at isabuhay ang kanyang mga aral – katotohanan, katarungan, at wagas na pagmamahal sa bayan,” Legarda stressed.
