A gallery showcasing the rich history and culture of this capital town of Antique opened on Wednesday as part of its 234th founding anniversary celebration.

“This is the first time that we are celebrating the foundation of San Jose de Buenavista, and we have exhibits here giving a glimpse of our past,” Councilor Ronald Gayatin, who chairs the Committee on Tourism, Culture and Arts in the municipal council, said in an interview on Thursday.

The gallery is on the second floor of the town’s Business Park.

At the center of the gallery is a wooden image of St. Joseph the Worker, the town’s patron saint, surrounded by several photos of prestigious leaders, artifacts, as well as paintings of local artists depicting one of the oldest houses known as the Casa Sanchez and the stone fort established as protection against Moro invaders.

Gayatin said the gallery is open to students for their educational tours for them to know more about the municipality.

Municipal Ordinance Number 2025-10, authored by Gayatin, declares Jan. 16 of every year as the founding anniversary of San Jose de Buenavista.

Based on research, the town was declared a “cabecera” (capital) during the Spanish Colonial Period on Jan. 16, 1792.

“Mayor Paul Joseph Untaran will lead the unveiling of the Commemorative Plaque and Hall of Fame tomorrow (Jan. 16, 2026) during the Foundation Day at the San Jose de Buenavista Municipal Hall,” Gayatin further said.

The Commemorative Plaque and Hall of Fame honor the past mayors of the municipality who were instrumental in propelling development.

Other activities in line with the founding anniversary are the night market for micro, small and medium enterprises, a fishing tournament to highlight the fishing livelihood of the people, and a cultural show and solidarity night. (PNA)