Kärcher, National Museum team up to preserve Gomburza Monument

Insider Spotlight

• Kärcher Philippines teams up with the National Museum to clean the Gomburza National Monument
• The project marks Kärcher PH’s 10th conservation effort in its 10th year
• Conservation-safe cleaning showcases how technology protects heritage
  
  

Kärcher Philippines, a leader in professional cleaning technology, has partnered with the National Museum of the Philippines to carry out a conservation-safe cleaning of the Gomburza National Monument, a symbolic tribute to faith, courage, and freedom.

The initiative aligns with Museum and Galleries Month and demonstrates how innovative cleaning technology can safeguard cultural heritage. It also forms part of Kärcher’s global 90th-anniversary challenge to complete 90 cleaning projects worldwide in 2025.

Modern cleaning technology

“This initiative reflects Kärcher’s belief that technology should serve memory and meaning ... we are safeguarding cultural heritage by using careful, science-informed methods to bring back details time had obscured,” Darwin Banez, general manager of Kärcher Philippines, said in a press release on Oct. 24, 2025.

The cleaning used advanced low-pressure, high-temperature techniques to revive the monument’s artistry while preserving its bronze patina, ensuring both cleanliness and structural protection. 

The process involved steam cleaning at 80–90°C and low pressure of 0.5–1.0 bar, effectively removing pollutants without damaging the monument’s material integrity.

“Through this collaboration, Kärcher demonstrates a strong commitment to preserving our historical treasures while supporting the museum’s ongoing efforts in conservation and public education,” said Jeremy R. Barns, director general of the National Museum of the Philippines.

The project also included the deep cleaning of the surrounding plaza using Kärcher’s Dirt Blaster system and other conservation-grade tools, underscoring how modern engineering can serve as a guardian of history.

Kärcher Philippines’ “10-10-10” milestone 

Kärcher Philippines celebrates a “10-10-10” milestone this October—its 10th conservation project in its 10th year and the 10th month—further cementing its legacy in cultural stewardship.

This year’s collaboration with the National Museum of the Philippines on the Gomburza —created by Filipino sculptor Solomon Saprid —National Monument marks the 10th heritage site in the country to benefit from Kärcher’s conservation cleaning, joining Fort Santiago, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Silang Church, San Sebastian Basilica, Plaza Miranda, Bonifacio Shrine, San Agustin Church, People Power Monument, and Rizal Monument.

From the Rizal Monument to San Sebastian Basilica, the company continues to show that technology, guided by respect for heritage, can preserve the nation’s identity for generations to come. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma