Museo Pambata cited by international jury

MANILA, Philippines - Museo Pambata received a special citation from the jury of the Children’s Museum Award. It was the only non-European shortlisted candidate, and the only one which received a Special Commendation from the jury.

The citation for Museo Pambata reads: “The Jury of the Children’s Museum Award takes great pleasure in confirming that the Museo Pambata, Manila, is commended for inspiring the creation of new children’s museums in the Philippines and Asia, and is congratulated warmly on this achievement.”

Marie Luarca-Reyes, wife of Philippine Ambassador to Italy Virgilio Reyes, received the award from Princess Sibilla of Luxembourg at the Palazza Pepoli in Bologna, where an International Children’s Book Fair was held.

“This is a dream come true,” says Museo president Nina Lim-Yuson. “Being recognized by the European Museum Academy and the Hands On! International gives us great encouragement. We likewise honor the European network of children’s museums by living up to the best standards in children’s museums so that many more children, especially the marginalized, will have the opportunity to learn, imagine and feel great joy.”

Amsterdam’s Tropenmuseum was declared winner, being the oldest, and a pioneer in children’s museum advocacy and operation.

Museo Pambata has welcomed over five million children since it opened in 1994. The museum reaches out to underserved children, especially in the City of Manila.

Its interactive exhibits are periodically changed and updated, such as the Career Options room "When I Grow Up, I Want To Be...", as there is a strong need to give children role models in different fields of work.

The museum is also known for its programs where children learn culture and arts through dancing, shadow puppetry, and storytelling.

The museum also has a Children's Advocacy Program where children serve as peer educators. MP has also organized two international conferences in 2008 and last February under the banner of the Asian Children’s Museum Conference.

The Children’s Museum Award was established by the European Museum Academy and Hands On! International. The jury looked especially for the creative use of exhibitions and programs with an innovative interpretative approach, which should be meaningful to the relevant age group up to 14 years old.