June 18, 2026 — Surrounded by antiques and historical artifacts on the second floor of the Barangay Hall, Barangay Tourism Action Officer (BTAO) Rosaldo Gallema spent Tuesday afternoon organizing what he hopes will soon become the Barangay Gumatdang Museum.
What began as a personal initiative has slowly transformed into a community effort to preserve and celebrate the barangay’s rich history, culture, and heritage.
The museum houses a growing collection of artifacts dating back to the early 1900s, including antique iron presses, wooden chests, kerosene lamps, and other objects once used in the daily lives of Gumatdang residents. Each piece tells a story of a generation that lived through a different era and serves as a tangible connection between the past and the present.
The museum was formally unveiled during Barangay Gumatdang’s founding anniversary celebration in May this year. Since then, work has continued to expand the collection and improve the display area.
Among the museum’s most notable displays is a portrait of Chainus Evelyn Guirey, a native of Gumatdang who represented Baguio and Benguet in the prestigious Manila Carnival beauty pageant in 1918. Historical records indicate that Guirey was the first Igorot woman to participate in the renowned national pageant, making her a significant figure in both local and regional history.
Guirey highlights representation, identity, and the accomplishments of indigenous women during a period when such opportunities were rare.
As Barangay Tourism Action Officer, Gallema believes that while Gumatdang may not have well-known tourist attractions or scenic, it possesses something equally valuable: a rich cultural heritage and a history worth sharing.
“Maybe we do not have major tourist destinations, but we are rich in culture, heritage, and stories,” Gallema said. “This museum is our way of preserving and showcasing who we are as a people.”
Gallema is encouraging residents to contribute old photographs, heirlooms, documents, and historical objects that may be displayed in the museum. He emphasized that every artifact has the potential to tell an important story about the community.
The museum seeks to highlight not only Gumatdang’s history but also the broader cultural heritage and historical narrative of the Municipality of Itogon.
Gallema expressed his gratitude to the Barangay Local Government Unit of Gumatdang, headed by Punong Barangay Edwin Golingab, together with the members of the Barangay Council, for their support in bringing the museum project to life.
Pending the approval of a barangay ordinance institutionalizing the museum, Gallema shared that further improvements and additions to the collection are still underway. He expressed hope that a formal grand opening can be held in the near future once the museum is fully completed and officially established.
