MAKATI CITY — The Yuchengco Museum is mourning the passing of former Prime Minister Cesar E.A. Virata, a founding trustee whose decades of service helped shape the institution into one of Makati’s premier cultural destinations. Virata, who served as Prime Minister of the Philippines from 1981 to 1986 and as Minister of Finance from 1970 to 1986, was also a dedicated advocate for the preservation of Philippine history and heritage. His involvement with the museum reflects a lifelong commitment to culture that extended far beyond his years in public office.
A Legacy Rooted in Heritage and Public Service
Before his passing, Virata had built a distinguished career as an economist and statesman. He graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in mechanical engineering, and in 1953 he completed his postgraduate studies in the United States, earning an MBA with a concentration in industrial management from the Wharton Graduate School of the University of Pennsylvania. His interest in history was deeply personal. As a descendant of General Baldomero Aguinaldo, he donated the Baldomero Aguinaldo house in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite to the National Historical Institute in 1984, ensuring that an important piece of Philippine heritage would be preserved for future generations.
A Founding Trustee of the Yuchengco Museum
For more than two decades, Virata has served on the Yuchengco Museum’s Board of Trustees since its founding in 2005. He offered invaluable guidance on its programs, policies, and institutional development, helping to establish the foundation upon which the museum now stands. The museum was established to display the art collection of Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco and to enhance public appreciation of art through international and local exhibits and programs. Today, it spans three floors of exhibition space, featuring works by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo, pre-colonial gold artifacts, and rotating exhibits by prominent and emerging Filipino artists.
A Cultural Destination in the Heart of Makati
The Yuchengco Museum is located at RCBC Plaza, corner Ayala Avenue and Senator Gil J. Puyat Avenue, placing it at the center of Makati’s business and cultural district. The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with admission fees that include discounts for students, teachers, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Its location makes it easily accessible for tourists exploring Makati’s cultural corridor, which also includes the Ayala Museum, the Filipinas Heritage Library, and the historic Poblacion district with landmarks like Museo ng Makati and St. Peter & Paul Church. For visitors, the museum offers a meaningful way to engage with Philippine art and history. The Yuchengco Museum regularly presents exhibitions revolving around themes such as Sino-Filipino expressions, and it serves as a cultural bridge to regional Asian and Pacific Rim communities. With its central location, accessible hours, and diverse programming, it remains a vital stop for anyone seeking to understand the depth of Filipino creativity and heritage.
