DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Nov. 25 (PIA) -- National and local officials are expected to lead the opening of the National Museum (NM) Branch in this city today.

City Tourism Officer Jacqueline Antonio said this is the main highlight of the celebration of the city’s 74th Charter Anniversary this year.

A program is expected to start at 4:00 p.m. which will be followed by a tour inside the museum.

The National Museum Dumaguete Branch is the old Presidencia Building inside the City Hall Compound.

Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Remollo has previously announced his plans to convert a part of the city hall building into an heritage museum as part of the city government’s heritage projects.

Antonio said National Museum (NM) Director General Jeremy Barns has been invited to attend the opening of its Dumaguete Branch along with other members of the NM board.

Remollo will also be present together with other local officials during the activity.

“Since this is a regional museum, we have invited all officials in Occidental Negros, Oriental Negros, and Siquijor and we hope they will join us,” Antonio.

The city tourism officer also announced an heritage marker declaring the Dumaguete Presidencia as an important cultural property will also be unveiled during the opening ceremony of the museum.

Antonio said the NM Dumaguete Branch will be open to the public for free.

Aside from the opening of the NM Dumaguete Branch, the observance of the 74th charter anniversary in the city have been marked by various cultural and sports activities at the Pantawan Part of the Rizal Boulevard and at Quezon Park since Nov. 19.

This include various singing contests, dance sports competition, Balak Balitaw Contests, Lutas Film Festival, and free concerts and performances from local artists.

The celebration of the city’s 74th charter anniversary will culminate on Nov. 27 with the Christmas Tree Light Up at 5:00 pm at the Quezon Park and Hiusang Sayaw Dance Concert involving all dance troupes in the city at 6:30 p.m. at Pantawan Area. (RAL/PIA7 Negros Oriental)