Angono LGU unveils historical marker in honor of National Artist Carlos 'Botong' Francisco

The Angono, Rizal municipal government on Monday, April 8, unveiled a historical marker at the home of National Artist Carlos "Botong" Francisco in Barangay Poblacion Itaas as the town's way of  honoring his life, works, and contribution to Filipino art.

"Pagkilala ito sa kanyang buhay na nagkaroon ng malaking bahagi sa kasaysayan ng ating bansa at ng ating lalawigan na talagang hindi mapagkakaila lalo na sa larangan ng sining (This recognizes his life that became a big part of the history of our county and our province, most especially in the art scene)," Rizal Governor Nina Ynares said during the ceremony.

"Matatandaang nakilala si Botong Franciso sa kanyang mga sikat na obrang-sining tulad ng "Bayanihan," “Filipino Struggles Through History,” at “The Fiesta of Angono.” Siya rin ay nabigyan ng posthumous award bilang National Artist for Visual Arts taong 1973 (Botong Francisco is famous for his artworks such as the "Bayanihan," "Filipino Struggles Through History,” and “The Fiesta of Angono.” He also received a posthumous award as a National Artist for Visual Arts in 1973)," she added.

The governor extended her gratitude to the city government of Angono and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCHP) for making the marker and event possible.

Born on November 4, 1912, Francisco was one of the first Filipino modernists along with Galo Ocampo and Victorio C. Edades who broke away from Fernando Amorsolo's romanticism of Philippine scenes. According to restorer Helmuth Josef Zotter, Francisco's art "is a prime example of linear painting where lines and contours appear like cutouts."

Francisco was also well-known as the production designer for the 1961 film adaptation of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tángere, the discovery of the now famous Angono Petroglyphs in 1965, and was also greatly involved in Costume Design in Philippine cinema.

His other great art works include portrayals of the Blood Compact, First Mass at Limasawa, The Martyrdom of Rizal, Bayanihan, Magpupukot, Fiesta, Bayanihan sa Bukid, Sandugo, Portrait of Purita, The Invasion of Limahong, Serenade, and Muslim Betrothal.

His mural "The Progress of Medicine in the Philippines," was restored for the 3rd time in 2007 and is currently residing in the National Art Gallery of the Philippines. A high-quality replica of the mural is also located at its previous location at the lobby of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

The 56-year-old artist died on March 31, 1969.