CEBU CITY — The Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum marked a historic milestone as it formally received its Heritage Marker on the eve of Gabii sa Kabilin (GSK), one of Cebu’s most celebrated cultural events. The recognition affirms the museum’s role as a custodian of Chinese-Filipino heritage in the city.
Located in a building that has stood for 110 years, the museum serves as both a cultural landmark and a space of learning for the community. The unveiling of the marker was attended by partners, supporters, and members of the Cebuano-Chinese community, who witnessed this symbolic moment of heritage preservation.
“This moment is a powerful validation of the Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum to preserve and celebrate the rich cultural legacy of the Chinese-Filipinos in Cebu. Within these walls, we have endeavored to keep the traditions, values, and stories of our community alive for our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in the years to come,” said Elizabeth Go, Vice Chairperson of the Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum Foundation, Inc. (SCHMFI).
The awarding of the marker reflects the museum’s continuous efforts to safeguard Cebu’s Chinese heritage through its collections of displays, artifacts, and historical narratives. It also comes as a meaningful prelude to Gabii sa Kabilin, where thousands of Cebuanos and visitors experience the city’s cultural institutions through late-night tours and programs.
As the museum steps into this new chapter, the occasion stands as both a recognition of its legacy and a call to sustain its mission of preserving Cebuano-Chinese culture for generations to come.