Nayong Pilipino in Clark to showcase Philippines pre-colonial, colonial past

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The Nayong Pilipino at the former Clark Expo Zone, which had its soft-opening in May this year, will focus on the pre-colonial and colonial aspects of Philippine history, according to its executive director Charito Planas.

This refers to the period before Spanish and American colonization in the 15th century, when indigenous Philippine homes and other cultural artifacts were barely influenced by foreign elements.

Thus, she said, there will be a fully-equipped mosque, which is to be supported by the Saudi Arabian embassy, with a Zamboanga-style vinta cruising an artificially-made rivulet to boot, to represent the country’s Islamic or Arabic heritage.

To represent China’s over-reaching influence, a replica of a Chinese junk, complete with porcelains and vases, will also be seen at the Nayon-Clark.

Planas also said that real Aetas will form part of Nayon, who will demonstrate survival techniques that are a metaphor of the Filipinos’ survival instincts.

Pre-colonial Philippines will be seen in the structure of Ifugao homes, built with materials and designed in such a way that rats and other pests cannot go up the house, and in artifacts such as the rice terraces.

Planas met on Friday with representatives of the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Luzon area to explore the possible inclusion of Nayon in the educational tours of students and to encourage DepEd to use Nayon’s facilities for conferences and seminars as well as eco-tourism tours.

Present sleep-in facilities can accommodate at least 50 persons and another dormitory can house at least 200 persons.

At this stage of its operations, Nayon’s entrance fees are just P20 per person. Arrangements can be made for a vehicle to fetch guests from, say, Dau bus terminal.

Among the present must-see are the replica of the house of Apolinario Mabini in Tanauan, Batangas and the Barosoain Church.

She noted that the benches inside the church were recycled from structures which were destroyed by termites in the former Clark Expo Centennial, once a showcase during the time of President Fidel Ramos but closed by his successor, Joseph Estrada.

”And now, thanks to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the project is revived by, first, transferring that part of Nayong Pilipino in Paranaque City that became a casualty of the expansion of the Manila international airport,” said an elated Planas.

According to her, P40 million was budgeted for the project, but spent just P22 million so far due to the vigilant “recycling-reuse” emphasis of her stewardship.

The main Nayong Pilipino is set for inclusion in the prospective “Entertainment City” that will rise by the Manila Bay.