BUTUAN CITY — The Adlaw Hong Butuan Gallery at the Butuan City Library has officially opened to the public, featuring vintage photographs shared by Butuanons that capture the city's transformation over the years. The exhibit presents images of places, people, and significant events that have shaped the city's history. The gallery opening was attended by representatives from various City Government departments, the academe, the Butuan City Council for Culture, Heritage and the Arts (BCCCHA)-Heritage Committee, tourism students from the Merchant Marine Academy of Caraga Incorporated (MMACI), and other guests.
A Glimpse into Butuan's Past and Present
The photographs on display reveal what Butuan looked like in years past and how it has evolved into the vibrant city it is today. Butuanon advocate Hermilando Paque Jr. shared his reflections on the significance of the exhibit, noting that it does more than bring back memories of the past—it highlights the immense changes Butuan has undergone over time. "If we look at Butuan before and now, in the past, Butuan was known to be mostly by the river. Our commerce and livelihood revolved around the Agusan River. At that time, Butuan had already made significant progress. Now, we are a highly urbanized city, and we can truly compare Butuan to prosperous and progressive cities," he remarked.
A Month-Long Celebration of Butuan's Heritage
The gallery is part of the 76th Adlaw Hong Butuan celebration, spearheaded by the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department, and will be open to the public until September 16, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The exhibit serves as a reminder of how far Butuan has come, honoring its rich history while celebrating its continued growth and development.
