MANILA, Philippines — In line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s mandate to make the Malacanang Palace accessible to the people, Filipinos who want to have a glimpse of the Presidential Museum and Library (PML) at Malacanang Palace now have the opportunity to visit it virtually via the Internet through Google Arts & Culture.
Home to 120 years of Philippine leadership, PML have two exhibits: the “Malacañang as Prize, Pulpit, and Stage” and “Relics of Power: Remembering the Philippine Presidents.” Visitors can read about the history of the Palace, and find curated exhibits consisting of furniture, artwork, memorabilia, and items from the collections of PML as well as private institutions and individuals.
“For hundreds of years we have safeguarded our history and heritage, and perhaps with the shift in technology and how it has shaped people’s lives and realities, it’s about time we use these advances to share our rich culture to the world,” PML Director Edgar Ryan Faustino said, adding: “This way, we preserve these valuable artifacts and structures for our progeny while letting those who are separated by oceans and thousands of miles share the experience of the PML while also getting to know Philippine history.”
Also, the PML can also be accessed by ordinary citizens free of charge simply by emailing their reservation on the address found on the website.
Visitors can also walk through PML’s two floors, including architecturally significant rooms of Kalayaan Hall, the oldest original part of the Palace. Google used a specially designed Street View "trolley" to collect 360-degree views of the interior of the building. The gallery interiors can also be explored directly from within Street View in Google Maps.
“It is President Duterte’s hope that by opening our doors not only to Filipinos but to citizens of the world, we are able encourage people to understand the Philippines better in the context of its political, social and economic history,” PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar said, adding: “These items are part of our identity and form the rich tapestry that connects our past with our future.”
To explore the collection, visit Google Arts & Culture on any desktop or download the mobile app (available on Android and iOS), and search for “Malacañang Presidential Museum and Library.”