MANILA, Philippines — National artist for architecture Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) on Sunday with family and friends attending the state funeral.
After a necrological service held at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the remains of the 88-year-old renowned architect were brought to his final resting place at the Libingan ng mga Bayani with full state honors, complete with a 21-gun salute.
Mañosa was conferred the rank and title of a national artist in 2018 in recognition for his contribution to the arts and culture and for championing the Filipino design aesthetic in 2018.
President Rodrigo Duterte, in his official message at the ceremony read by National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, said Mañosa was conferred the highest honor for an artist in recognition of his illustrious career that spanned more than six decades.
“Throughout his life, he put his heart and soul in everything he did, expressing his own philosophy and love of country through his heart,” he said.
The President acknowledged that Mañosa was innovative in creating regional Filipino forms and spaces using indigenous designs and details, highlighting the unique Filipino identity.
Some of Mañosa’s famous works include the Coconut Palace, the San Miguel Corporation headquarters in Mandaluyong and the Our Lady of Peace Shrine along Edsa.
“As we pray for the eternal repose of his soul, we also express our highest regard for his entire body of work,” the President said.
READ: Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa, tireless champion of modern Filipino architecture
“In an era when Filipinos want their house to look western, the late architect was the lone crusader of indigenous Filipino architecture,” said CCP Chairman Maria Margarita Moran-Floriendo in her tribute.
“He once said that there are three factors to make an authentic Filipino architecture — Filipino values, Philippine climate, and the use of indigenous materials. Hence, he explored the use of local building materials such as the bamboo, coconut lumber, rattan, capiz and other indigenous materials,” she added.
“Mapalibutan man ng mga gusali and mga istruktura ni Mañosa, mangingibabaw pa rin and mga ito sa pagka Pilipino,” said Rogelio D. Caringal, Chair of the Committee on Architecture and Allied Arts, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
The order of the National Artists of the Philippines is bestowed on Filipinos who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine art. It is administered by the CCP, by virtue of President Ferdinand Marcos’ Proclamation № 1001 of April 2, 1972, and the NCCA.
Among the benefits of the rank include a state funeral and burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
The other Filipinos declared as national artists for architecture include Pablo Antonio (1976), Juan Nakpíl (1973), Leandro V. Locsín (1990), I. P. Santos (2006), and José María Zaragoza (2014). /je
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