The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday welcomed the opening of the National Museum of the Philippines’ newest regional component in Baler, calling it a key step in bringing culture and history closer to communities outside major urban centers.

The National Museum–Baler was officially inaugurated on June 30 and is positioned as a cultural landmark dedicated to preserving and showcasing Aurora province’s history and heritage.

The facility is the first National Museum component in Central Luzon and brings the agency’s total number of museums nationwide to 22.

Tourism officials said the expansion supports ongoing efforts to make national collections, programs and services more accessible across the archipelago, particularly in emerging destinations.

The new museum features galleries on Aurora’s local history, cultural traditions, biodiversity and artistic heritage. It also includes exhibitions exploring the Philippines’ historical ties with Spain, along with selected works from the National Fine Arts Collection.

The inauguration coincided with the observance of the 24th Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day. Among those in attendance were First Son Vincent Marcos, Philippine government officials, representatives from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in the Philippines, and institutional partners.

Beginning July 1, the National Museum–Baler will be open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission.

The DOT said the museum is expected to boost cultural tourism in Aurora while strengthening appreciation of regional identity and national history.