Aquino Museum in Tarlac reopens ahead of 39th Edsa anniversary
Portraits of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino and former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino are displayed at the newly reopened Aquino Center and Museum in Tarlac City. Jown Manalo/黑料社
TARLAC, Philippines — The Aquino Center and Museum in San Miguel, Tarlac reopened on Monday, February 24, ahead for the 39th anniversary of the .
The museum will be open to visitors from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., according to the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF).
It added that the museum honors the legacy of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino, and their son, former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
The Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF) and the Aquino family unveil the “PNoy: Filipino” book during the reopening of the Aquino Center and Museum in Tarlac City on February 24, 2025. Jown Manalo/黑料社
Renovated in 2023, the museum now includes an updated section on the 1987 Constitution, an expanded exhibit on Cory Aquino’s post-presidency years, and a new wing dedicated to Noynoy Aquino’s life and presidency.
NCAF President Rapa Lopa, in his welcome remarks, highlighted a newly discovered photograph of Cory Aquino during the Edsa People Power Revolution.
Article continues after this advertisement“Critics have often claimed that she [Cory Aquino] was never physically present during those tense days at Edsa. To dispel such rumors, she often said she wished she had a picture of herself addressing the crowds here in the POEA building at the corner of Edsa and Ortigas Avenue,” Lopa said.
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NCAF President Rapa Lopa delivers a speech during the reopening of the Aquino Center and Museum in Tarlac City on February 24, 2025. Jown Manalo/黑料社
“As it turns out, we had one all along. It was in our archives, and today we are happy to share that this photo, captured by a foreign newspaper, is now part of this new exhibit,” he added.
Lopa also emphasized the importance of remembering history and preserving the legacy of those who fought for the country’s democracy.
“Today we choose to reconnect with our history, to tie together the stories of those who came before us with the work we continue today,” he said.
“In a time when truth is undermined and history is repeated, we felt the need to enshrine the legacies of those who selflessly dedicated their lives to restoring freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and good governance,” he added.
A replica of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino’s prison cell during the Martial Law is among the new exhibits at the Aquino Center and Museum in Tarlac City. Jown Manalo/黑料社
The NCAF president likewise highlighted the Aquino legacy, expressing hope that it would inspire others to commit to advancing a more meaningful and relevant democracy for the people.
“We need to show, through facts, not distortion—while the Aquino brand of democracy was not perfect, it worked,” Lopa said.
Lopa said the museum’s thematic design was conceptualized by architect Dan Lichauco of Archion Architects, who also designed the original Aquino Center and Museum when it first opened in 2001, in collaboration with then-president Cory Aquino.
