First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on Sunday led the ceremonial opening to the public of the Presidential Museum in Baguio City’s Mansion House which is seen to further boost local tourism and economy.

A part of the Malacañang Heritage Mansions, the new Baguio museum, like the Teus Museum at Malacañan Palace in Manila, houses a vast collection of memorabilia, including presidential attire, footwear, flags and busts sculpted in the likeness of former leaders.

The museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., for free.

Walk-ins are welcome, but booking the visits through Malacañang Heritage Tours’ website’ or official Facebook page is highly encouraged.

Palace Social Secretary Bianca Zobel said the new attraction in the Summer Capital of the Philippines aims to raise awareness about the country’s history and culture.

“We need to know about our history and our culture so that we feel one,” Zobel said in a media interview.

Tourism, economic boost

Meanwhile, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the new presidential museum will usher in further economic growth and tourism development in Baguio.

“This will inevitably help our local economy here in Baguio with the tourists that will be coming in. The suppliers also will benefit from added touristic activities in the area and most importantly, it will instill a sense of national pride especially among our youth,” Frasco said.

She thanked the First Couple, especially the First Lady, for supporting the restoration of heritage mansions.

“Nakikita natin na napaka-importante nito sa turismo ng Pilipinas dahil mabibigyan ang ating mga turista both international and local an insight into the histories and legacies of our presidents and the building of our nation,” she added.

The Mansion is located along Romulo Drive, just across Wright Park.

Constructed in 1908, the Mansion initially served as the summer residence for American governors-general before World War II.

Currently, it functions as the official summer residence of the President. (PNA)