Setting up a public library and museum in my hometown of Padada, Davao del Sur, is my ultimate dream.

Currently, there are no public museums in Padada. The only libraries belong to the town’s two private schools. Because of this, finding someone who reads for fun is rare. Smartphones offer instant gratification, easily winning out over books. Without other local recreation options, people often default to idle chatter or drinking to pass the time.

Why Padada Needs a Public Library and Museum

Small-town libraries and heritage museums exist in other countries, but they are incredibly rare in the Philippines. We see great initiatives like free pop-up libraries in Metro Manila, but you rarely see these projects reach the provinces.

For someone living in a rural town like Padada, there is little incentive to read. Books cost money. For many locals, spending hard-earned cash on a novel feels impractical compared to buying everyday necessities.

Museum culture is just as scarce. Major cities have the grandeur of the National Museum, but rural towns lack spaces to preserve their own local history. Without local examples, it is hard to convince people to spend time looking at historical artifacts.

My Vision for the Padada Library-Museum

But what if the people of Padada had the option? Imagine a vibrant community center just a few blocks from home. Here is what I envision for this space:

• Free Access for All: No entrance fees. Everyone is welcome. The space will be bright, well-ventilated, and filled with everything from history books to children’s stories.

• Outdoor Reading Nooks: Step outside into a garden dotted with reading spots. You can read a book inside a gazebo or enjoy the breeze under the shade of a mango tree.

• Interactive Heritage Exhibits: The garden will feature outdoor historical exhibits. Visitors will find a karomata (farmer’s cart), a preserved araro (plow), and a fully functional kaguran (coconut grater).

• Local History: Clear signs will explain the origin of each artifact and how the early inhabitants of Padada used them in daily life.

A Hub for Community Activities and Livelihood

This space will be more than just a quiet place to read; it will be a place bustling with activity.

As you sit by the mango tree, you will see children playing traditional Filipino games like piko or luksong-baka, guided by local volunteers.

Nearby, a multimedia hall will host free livelihood training. For example, local farmers could attend a seminar on cacao farming and receive free seedlings to start their own crops. By offering practical workshops, we give people a tangible reason to visit. Hopefully, after a seminar, they will feel encouraged to pick up a book.

Inside the main exhibit hall, visitors can view community showcases. One planned exhibit, A Slice of Life in Padada, will feature old photographs sourced from local residents. It will offer a glimpse into how our grandparents lived and preserve the collective memory of our town.

The Next Steps for Lower Limonzo

It is thrilling to dream about these possibilities. Right now, I am grounded in the realities of planning. I am figuring out the building structure, securing permits, and finalizing the layout.

This library-museum will be built in Lower Limonzo, on my family’s kumon (communal land). This is where I was born, and transforming it into a space that enriches my neighbors’ lives is my way of giving back.

My immediate priority is laying the groundwork. I am currently seeking input and advice on the building’s overall layout. If all goes well, the physical structure will be ready by next year.

Most importantly, seeing this project come to life will give me the best possible reason to finally come back home.