XU - Museo de Oro

In August 1967, Fr. Francisco R. Demetrio, S.J. started and founded the Xavier Folklife Museum, initially as an audiovisual aid in teaching Cultural Anthropology and Folklore, which eventually evolved into what is known today as Museo de Oro.

In 1968, the Museum was moved to a two renovated rooms in the first floor of the Lucas Hall building, one of which became the office and library of the Philippine Studies Department. Over the Years, the Museum collection had increased and after seventeen years, a three-story modern building was constructed through the donations and help of Fr. Demetrio's former students and friends, as well as the support of Xavier University administration. It was inaugurated in July 6, 1987 by the late President Corazon C. Aquino. The new building became the permanent house for the museum collections together with the archival documents on local history and folklore. The Museo de Oro was also intended to serve as a Research Center on Ecumenism and Inculturation, besides folk literature.

After the demise of Fr Demetrio in 1996, the Museo de Oro continued to open its doors to valried visitors -- students and interested public, however, there were not much activity except for viewing of the exhibits.

In 2005, Fr Jose Ramon T. Villarin S.J., former president of X.U., gave full support for the renovation and revival of Museo de Oro. In 2011-2012 Fr. Roberto C. Yap S.J., the new President of X.U. approved of the final phase of the museum renovation. The museum aligns its mission to the cultural formation thrusts of the University: to engage in the education of the young people specifically the students; to preserve and conserve the traditional cultural heritage of Mindanao and archival documents on local history; and to serve as a center for Indigenous People's Studies and Local History in Mindanao.

The newly renovated Museo de Oro Building Completed in September 2014, now exhibits the two most important sections: the Ethnohistory of Northern Mindanao and the Ethnology of Mindanao.