LGU-Camalig recently held its Museum and Galleries Month celebration, culminating in a special ceremony, which recognized the contributions of Fr. Cantius J. Kobak, OFM, a prominent figure in the town’s rich history.

 

The event, hosted by the Camalig Municipal Tourism and Cultural Heritage Office (MTCHO), was attended by Camalig Mayor Hon. Carlos “Caloy” Irwin G. Baldo, Jr., Vice Mayor Hon. Maria Ahdrail “Ding” Baldo, Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members, Polish Ambassador Jarosław Szczepankiewicz, Northern Samar Cultural Officer Mr. Carl Jamie Simple Bordeos, Polish Embassy Political and Economic Section Expert Ms. Jermaine Bohol, St. John the Baptist Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Ricardo Divinagracia, Poet Laureate Engr. Abdon Balde, local Historian Mr. Raffy Banzuela, LGU-Camalig department heads and functionaries, and stakeholders.

 

The celebration aimed to highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage and to connect the past, present, and future through the work of Fr. Kobak. The highlight of the event was the turnover of Resolution No. 1620, s. 2024, formally recognizing Fr. Kobak as a significant personality in unraveling Camalig’s historical significance.

 

Assigned as Assistant Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Parish Church from 1972 to 1973, Fr. Kobak continued his archaeological expeditions in Camalig after extensive work in Samar. His discoveries, including a wealth of artifacts from Hyop-Hoyopan cave in Brgy. Cotmon, revealed a thriving pre-Hispanic community in Camalig dating back to 200 B.C. to 900 A.D. These artifacts, including corroded iron weaponry, statuettes, beads, and jewelry, offer a glimpse into the sophisticated culture and social organization of the early inhabitants.

 

Mayor Carlos “Caloy” Irwin G. Baldo, Jr. expressed his gratitude for the event, stating that it reflects Camalig’s commitment to preserving its heritage. He emphasized the importance of understanding Camalig’s roots and sharing its history with the world, stating, “Being the Heritage Town of Albay, we are truly grateful for this event because this is a testament of our commitment to preserve the culture and history of Camalig. We can gain a deeper understanding of our roots. We believe that our history is a treasure that we must share with the world.”

 

Baldo also emphasized the enduring power of effort and passion, and the importance of preserving the town’s history and culture, as it will continue to live on through the commitment of its people, “Ano mang bagay na minamahal at ginugugulan mo ng oras, ay hindi mamamatay at hindi malilimutan kailanman.” he said.

 

Balde, Banzuela, Bordeos, and Szczepankiewicz also shared insights, local history, literary pieces, and the significance of Fr. Kobak’s works, illustrating how Fr. Kobak’s legacy connects cultures and reinforces the importance of sharing these stories.

 

Vice Mayor Ding Baldo further read out the contents of Resolution No. 1620, s. 2024 which will be sent to the Polish Embassy in Manila and other cultural agencies, signifying healthy international collaboration in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.