The National Historical Commission Has Successfully Saved Taal City's Artifacts

Stories of evacuees being saved from the Taal Volcano's recent eruption have filled the news. Aside from our fellow Filipinos, however, another thing in danger is Taal City's many historical artifacts. From jewelry to paintings and other artworks, the city is rich with objects dating back to its founding in the 16th century.

In response to the threat of another explosion, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has created a group of conservationists from the Materials Research Conservation Division to rescue pieces in the city's local museums. On January 16, the team went to the two museums: Museo nina Leon at Galicano Apacible and the Museo nina Marcela Marino at Felipe Agoncillo.

In an interview with the Inquirer, the NHCP's Rommel Aquino said: "We had updated lists identifying which items were in each location. So even before we arrived, we already knew what to head straight for. We prioritized them based on historicity and monetary value, and were able to gather around 40 objects from the two museums."

The team was able to successfully retrieve pre-colonial jewelry, paintings by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo, and more precious artifacts.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has issued an alert level 4 over Taal Volcano, and is warning of the possibility of a hazardous explosive eruption. As of today, the volcano is still steaming with rising magma.

Source: Inquirer Lifestyle