The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) was recognized by the Cebu City government for its extensive culture and heritage advocacy work, including the preservation of the city’s heritage assets and resources. The awarding was held on May 25, 2023, during the 1st Cebu City Heritage Gala.

The Cebu City Government likewise cited the foundation’s work in “pioneering the rehabilitation and preservation of the late-Spanish period.” RAFI, through its Culture and Heritage Unit, runs and operates the house museum, Casa Gorordo, a colonial-era house locally known as balay nga tisa (house with tiled roof).

The Casa Gorordo Museum also received an award from the Cebu City Government for “being a pioneering model in the successful rehabilitation and preservation of a late-Spanish period balay nga tisa and its adaptive reuse into a period lifestyle museum.” The Casa Gorordo Museum evokes the lifestyle of a family experiencing the transformation of the Philippines from a colonial to a modern society.

“It is with great honor that RAFI’s advocacy to preserve and promote Cebuano culture and heritage has been recognized by the Cebu City Government. RAFI is just one of several stakeholders who have been working towards building a community that values Cebu’s rich history and a culture that will foster the next generation of Cebuano excellence. Our programs’ success is a product of collaboration with our partners, and we look forward to continuing to advocate for Cebuano culture and heritage with all of you,” shared RAFI President and Chief Executive Officer Amaya Aboitiz-Fansler through a video message.

RAFI acquired the Casa Gorordo from the Gorordo family in 1979 and later opened the house museum to the public in 1983.  As a House of Traditions, the Casa Gorordo continues the traditions of the Gorordo family, which embody many aspects of the culture of the Old Parian community and Cebu.

In time for the National Heritage Month celebration, the Cebu City Government also signed into law the Cebu City Heritage District, an ordinance aimed at preserving the city’s heritage structures in downtown Cebu City. RAFI supports this groundbreaking ordinance. The foundation has been advocating for the conservation and promotion of the historic value of the downtown area for 40 years.