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The Rosendo Mejica Historical Landmark is not just your
typical balay na bato. Standing along
a busy thoroughfare in Iloilo City’s Molo District, many passersby are not
aware that this historical structure is home to priceless literary, historical
and cultural gems.
Don Rosendo Mejica was born in Baluarte, Molo, Iloilo on
March 1, 1873. He is relatively unknown outside Panay Island, but his life
achievements were astounding! He was the first Certified Public Accountant in Iloilo,
founder of Baluarte Elementary School (1902), and spent 30 years as councilor
of Iloilo City (1906 to 1936), thus, earning him the moniker as Dean of
Municipal Councilors of Iloilo.
He was the founder and editor of Makinaugalingon, the longest existing Ilonggo publication from
1913 to 1946. He also organized and headed a labor union (1914), and translated
into Hiligaynon the works of such luminaries like Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. del
Pilar, and Graciano Lopez Jaena. Extant copies of the work of Ilongga writer
Magdalena Jalandoni are also housed in the museum.
Makinaugalingon Printers is
now the oldest-existing printing press in Western Visayas.
Guests visiting the house will first get a glimpse of these antique
printing machines.
The wooden staircase does only not lead guests to the family
quarters upstairs. It also leads you back in time, to the way of life that Don
Rosendo and his family lived.
Check out Don Rosendo's bed and chair.
The house is not only a repository of local history
materials. It also houses some family treasures that remained with the Mejicas
for decades.
Prayer is central in the lives of Don Rosendo and his
family. That is why the house has a prayer room, where antique statues of
saints can be found.
In 1973, the National Historical Committee recognized the contribution of Don Rosendo Mejica towards nation
building, honoring him by bestowing this historical marker in his house.
Formally opened on May 1, 1990, the Rosendo Mejica
Historical Landmark symbolizes the greatness of an Ilonggo whose life spanned different stages in the development of the Filipino nation, from the last quarter of the Spanish domination, the entire American rule, the
Commonwealth period, the Japanese occupation and, finally, the first decade of an independent Philippine republic.
The humble bahay na
bato was turned into a museum by the heirs of Don Rosendo Mejica, under the
curation of her granddaughter, Ms. Pilar Mejica-Martinez.
It now serves as a repository of valuable artifacts,
memorabilia, newspapers, and literary materials in Hiligaynon, English and
Spanish dating from the last quarter of the 19th century to the mid-20th century.
Researchers and scholars who want to study the history of
the region will find the Rosendo Mejica Museum at Baluarte, Molo, Iloilo City,
a destination replete with first-hand information straight from news writers of
a bygone era.
