The Macapagal-Macaraeg Ancestral House has been declared a heritage house by the National Historical Institute last August 14, 2002. It is considered as the first house in the Philippines where two of the country's Presidents lived – Diosdado Macapagal, the 9th President of the Philippines and his daughter Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the 14th President of the Philippines.
The house was constructed in 1950 and it is made of wood and concrete cement. Since it was donated by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the city government of Iligan has exerted its best efforts for the maintenance of the house.
During Arroyo's administration, many cabinet meetings were held here. Occasional activities such as seminars and birthdays were also held here as it was considered as a resthouse for friends and families of the Macaraeg, Macapagal and Arroyo.
The Macapagal-Macaraeg Ancestral House is the most popular historical landmark in the City of Iligan. The house boasts of its rich history and grand style. It contains several precious items and memorabilia of the Macapagal and Arroyo families. Different pictures of the Macapagal-Arroyo family are found here. Notable pictures are Gloria together with Bill Clinton; baby Gloria together with her father; and the wedding of Gloria and Mike Arroyo. Rooms of Diosdado and his wife, Gloria, and Gloria’s grandmother still looks very nice and are well-maintained.
Flashbacks and memories roam the house. Going here will let you have a glimpse of the life of a former Philippine president before her rule. You will also realize that she was once an ordinary child who walked the path to success. In light of the recent events in Gloria Arroyo's life, you might be torn between two different opinions about her. But, this house will surely remind you that before all those controversies, Gloria's childhood and teenage years might have been similar to ours.
The house also symbolizes the modernity of governance during the 1950s. It is a fitting home for those whose lives were influential in a community like Iligan City. Many locals, mostly students from nearby provinces, are eager to see this place for their school projects or research works. It is usually included in the itinerary for school fieldtrips.
How to get here
The Macapagal-Macaraeg Ancestral House is located 20-30 minutes away from the city center of Iligan. Take a Buru-un route jeepney and tell the driver to drop you here. It is an easy landmark as it is along the highway. It is less than 5 minutes away from Maria Cristina Falls and seconds away from nearby swimming pools such as El Lauriento, Dela Mar and Timoga Spring Pool. Fare is about P13-P15 per person.
Visiting hours at Macapagal-Macaraeg Ancestral House is every Monday-Friday at 8:00am-5:00nn and Saturaday-Sunday at 9:00am-4:00pm with lunch breaks from 12:00nn-1:00pm every day. Admission is free or by donation.