Historic Bacarro Money-Printing Machine Unveiled in Jimenez
by Department of Tourism Northern Mindanao
The historic Bacarro Money-Printing Machine has been unveiled at the Casa Bacarro Heritage Museum & Restaurant in the Heritage Town of Jimenez, Misamis Occidental, on December 12, 2024.
This unveiling marks the return of the original printing press, a piece of equipment that came all the way from the United States and holds great historical significance for Jimenez and the people of Mindanao during the Second World War.
During the war, the Bacarro Printing Press played a critical role in producing emergency and guerrilla notes authorized by President Manuel L. Quezon to address increased military and government expenditures. Commissioned by General Douglas MacArthur through Sgt. Sam Wilson, the press printed Misamis Occidental Emergency Notes and Mindanao Notes.
However, with the Japanese invasion, these currencies were outlawed, declared "enemy notes," and possession was punishable by execution. Many Filipinos sacrificed their lives, refusing to abandon these currencies, driven by their loyalty to the nation.
After 80 years, this historic printing press has returned to honor its role in Mindanao's wartime history and to educate future generations about the sacrifices made during this challenging period.
Department of Tourism Northern Mindanao Regional Director Marie Elaine S. Unchuan toured Casa Bacarro and was captivated by how the museum preserves the way of life in the 1800s. She expressed deep appreciation for the rich culture and heritage of Jimenez, reinforcing the town's standing as a cultural treasure in Misamis Occidental.
The historic Bacarro Money-Printing Machine has been unveiled at the Casa Bacarro Heritage Museum & Restaurant in the Heritage Town of Jimenez, Misamis Occidental, on December 12, 2024.
This unveiling marks the return of the original printing press, a piece of equipment that came all the way from the United States and holds great historical significance for Jimenez and the people of Mindanao during the Second World War.
During the war, the Bacarro Printing Press played a critical role in producing emergency and guerrilla notes authorized by President Manuel L. Quezon to address increased military and government expenditures. Commissioned by General Douglas MacArthur through Sgt. Sam Wilson, the press printed Misamis Occidental Emergency Notes and Mindanao Notes.
However, with the Japanese invasion, these currencies were outlawed, declared "enemy notes," and possession was punishable by execution. Many Filipinos sacrificed their lives, refusing to abandon these currencies, driven by their loyalty to the nation.
After 80 years, this historic printing press has returned to honor its role in Mindanao's wartime history and to educate future generations about the sacrifices made during this challenging period.
Department of Tourism Northern Mindanao Regional Director Marie Elaine S. Unchuan toured Casa Bacarro and was captivated by how the museum preserves the way of life in the 1800s. She expressed deep appreciation for the rich culture and heritage of Jimenez, reinforcing the town's standing as a cultural treasure in Misamis Occidental.
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