“A night to remember the cultural heritage of Cebu.”
Gabii sa Kabilin is a Cebuano term that means “Night of Heritage.” It is an annual event held every May that offers an opportunity to experience and explore Cebu’s rich cultural heritage through guided tours, exhibits, and interactive activities at various museums in Cebu City.
Gabii sa Kabilin Featured Schools
This year’s theme is “Batan-ong Bahandi” (Youthful Treasure), which highlights the role of Cebu’s schools and the youth in shaping the region’s culture and history. The event aims to raise awareness of the importance of cultural participation among Filipino youth.
Here is the list of schools featured in this year’s Gabii sa Kabilin 2025:
Cebu Institute of Technology – University (CIT-U)
Founded in 1946 by Dr. Nicolas G. Escario, Sr., a physician and former mayor of Cebu, along with engineers Fidel C. Dagani, Amancio A. Alcordo, and Jose A. Cavan, CIT was established in response to the country’s post-war educational needs.
CIT-U’s exhibit may feature the school’s rich history and honor its visionary founders.
University of San Carlos Museum
One of the oldest educational institutions in the Philippines, the University of San Carlos traces its origins to 1595, when it was founded by Spanish Jesuits as Colegio de San Ildefonso.
After the Jesuits were expelled in 1769, the school was closed, but it was reopened in 1783 and later renamed Colegio de San Carlos. The seminary separated from the institution in 1924.
The museum, located on Pelaez Street, Cebu City, showcases archaeological artifacts, ethnographic materials, and religious relics.
University of the Philippines Cebu (UP Cebu)
Established on May 3, 1918, as the Junior College of Liberal Arts, UP Cebu aimed to expand higher education in the Visayas region. The Cebu Provincial Government donated a 13-hectare site in Lahug for the campus.
For this year’s event, UP Cebu may feature exhibits on Visayan history, similar to last year’s showcase.
University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R)
Formerly Colegio de San Jose-Recoletos, this private Catholic institution was founded by the Order of Augustinian Recollects in 1947. Classes were initially held in part of a historic convent dating back to 1621.
During Gabii sa Kabilin, USJ-R often highlights its Augustinian Recollect roots and contributions to Cebu’s cultural and educational development.
University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF), Jose Rizal Museum
USPF was founded on May 14, 1927, by a group of visionary community leaders with the goal of providing accessible quality education. It was renamed The Southern College in 1937, then University of Southern Philippines in 1949, and finally became USPF in 1959.
The Jose Rizal Museum at USPF showcases an impressive collection of Rizaliana, including authentic clothing, letters, sketches, and photographs of Dr. Jose Rizal.
St. Theresa’s College
Originally established as St. Theresa’s Academy of Cebu on June 1, 1933, by the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the institution began offering college courses in 1935.
During World War II in 1941, the school was heavily damaged by bombings but was later reopened in 1945.
St. Theresa’s College may feature exhibits that honor its educational contributions and historical legacy in Cebu.
The schools featured in Gabii sa Kabilin 2025 each tell a unique story and hold deep cultural significance. So, are you ready to explore the heritage of Cebu through its historic schools?
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