NOV 25, 2015

NR # 4029

Solons seek inquiry into sorry state

of the AFP Museum and Historical Library
Lawmakers are seeking an inquiry into the status of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
Museum and Historical Library in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City in light of its sorry state, which is due
mainly to the lack of financial, technical and administrative support from the national government.
Rep. Gary C. Alejano (Party-list, Magdalo) said the sorry state of the AFP Museum warrants
urgent attention for it is facing acute financial difficulties that severely hamper the proper preservation
and management of its collections, exhibitions, archives and also the well-being and professional
advancement of its staff.
The lack of technical, administrative and financial support from the national government have
resulted in the inability of the AFP Museum to maintain the quality service that its founders and staff
have worked so hard to build, said Alejano, a vice chairman of the House Committee on National
Defense and Security.
Alejano said the annual revenue generated by the AFP Museum from its meager admission fees
and occasional endowments are grossly insufficient to cover even the museums maintenance and
operating expenses.
Alejano is principal author of House Resolution 2462 seeking an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on
the status of the AFP Museum and Historical Library. The resolution is co-authored by fellow Magdalo
Rep. Francisco Ashley L. Acedillo, a former Philippine Air Force (PAF) officer.
Alejano, a former Marine officer, said the establishment of the museum complements Section 3,
Article XIV of the Constitution which provides that the State shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism,
and foster love of humanity, respect for human rights and appreciation of the role of national heroes in the
historical development of the country.
According to him, the AFP Museum and Historical Library located at Bulwagang Heneral Arturo
T. Enrile in Camp Aguinaldo was founded in 1996 to preserve, perpetuate, conserve and promote the
Philippine military traditions, culture and history.
The founding of the AFP Museum was only governed by a verbal pronouncement of the late
Gen. Arturo Enrile which renders its existence devoid of any documentary proof, said Alejano. Enrile
was a former AFP chief of staff during the Ramos administration.
The lawmaker further said the AFP Museum and Historical Library Foundation, Inc. was
established in 1997 by a group of individuals from the military and the private sector to ensure the
continuity of the museums educational and curatorial activities.
Presently, Alejano said the absence of a restoration and conservation laboratory, storage facilities,
proper ventilation, and museum lighting pose serious risks of damage to priceless artifacts.
Inadequate funding is taking its toll on the hardworking personnel of the AFP Museum, who for
years have not received the rightful compensation that they deserve. Moreover, the AFP Museum has not
been able to set up its historical library due to limited space it shares with the AFP Theater, which owns
the building that houses the museum. said Alejano. (30) rbb