Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Ilocos Norte: From ancestral home to museum
The Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Presidential Center, commonly known as the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum, in Batac, Ilocos Norte houses a large collection of Marcos Memorabilia, possibly the largest in the country. It shows Marcos through the years, all the way until he ran for president in 1965.
AN APPROPRIATE SIGNBOARD. A tarp will welcome you into the small compound of the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum, but this sign is a better fit for the complex.
Prior to becoming a museum and housing the late dictator’s remains, it was the ancestral home of the Marcoses. The two-storey building has its main gallery upstairs while the ground floor houses the souvenir shop on the right and a mini-film showing area just before the staircase.
AN ACCOMPLISHED EQUESTRIAN. Not many people are aware, but the late strongman was an accomplished equestrian.
THE NALUNDASAN CASE. Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. figured in a murder case while he was a student in UP. Shown here is a mock up of his supposed cell.
The museum itself can be seen without a guide, as arrows will help you navigate the museum. Some of the best parts of the museum include Marcos’ early years in Batac, including his childhood.
THE NUMBER 8. In the Philippines, district representatives are given the privilege of using the number 8 as their license plate.
It also details his journey to politics and public service, starting out as the representative of the 2nd district of Ilocos Norte before becoming Senator. There’s also an area dedicated to his 11-day romance with Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, who he wooed into marriage in just 11 days.
NO CAMERAS ALLOWED. For some reason, no cameras are allowed inside the mausoleum.
The highlight of the Marcos Museum is a visit to the late dictator’s mausoleum. It’s an eerie black mausoleum that houses Marcos’ remains. People have said that it’s not really his body under the glass, but most of the people say otherwise. It is forbidden to take photos or videos inside, and any attempt at doing so will mean having to deal with the police.
Getting to the museum is not that difficult, as it is close to the city center of Batac. You can find the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum at #10-N Lacub, Marcos Ave., Batac, Ilocos Norte. It’s open from Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Please note that they are closed every first Tuesday of the month.
Entrance fees are at P50 for adults, P30 for students and senior citizens with their ID, and P10 for children aged 10 and below. If you arrive in a group of more than 10 people, the eleventh person is free of charge.
Details:
Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Presidential Center
#10-N Lacub, Marcos Ave., Batac, Ilocos Norte
Operating hours: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm; Monday to Sunday
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FerdinandEdralinMarcosPresidentialCenter/
