THE City Government of San Fernando on Wednesday paid tribute to architect Fernando Hizon Ocampo, dubbed the “father of modern architecture” by unveiling his monument at Heroes Park of Heroes Hall here.
According to Arkicamp founder Architect Edgardo Castro, Ocampo worked hard to finish his career as an engineer and architect before putting himself in line to bring out his exertion of efforts for the world to see.
Castro said Ocampo left a mark to his fellow townsfolk, who all deemed him as the cultural emblem of Kapampangan since he introduced his views through his works like art decos, beaux arts, and international designs into the minds of the Filipinos in his beloved country.
His creations turned into masterpieces due to his promotion of his culture and his commitment in conserving and restoring the beauty of the historical structures and residential houses situated around his motherland.
Castro said his group has done research, interviews and designs about Ocampo. Castro submitted a proposal and competitive grants to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), which in turn, approved his pitch and gave out contributions together with the City Government of San Fernando to create their monumental tribute for the now famous Kapampangan architect who made a mark in history.
The man behind the sculpture is Jose Dacame, who wields classical realism style from Filipino sculptor Anastacio Caedo, a devotee of Guillermo Tolentino, National Artist for Sculpture.
City Mayor Edwin Santiago emphasized that Ocampo is an example of a true Filipino. Residents in Pampanga are proud to call themselves Kapampangans because of him and his contributions. Ocampo’s heritage marker falls under the cultural property inventory.
“Fernando Hizon Ocampo is truly an Arkitekto ning Balen, Sagisag ning Kultura. Ocampo’s talent in architecture did not only contribute to the business sector, but also to the religious and cultural sectors having designed buildings, bridges, institutions, and cathedrals in Manila and in the City of San Fernando,” said Santiago.
Some of Ocampo’s prominent works were the Arguelles, Paterno, and Cu-Unjieng buildings in Manila, Ayala Bridge in Pasig City, University Theatre in Taft Avenue, and Central Seminary of the University of Sto. Tomas. He also undertook the restorations of the war-damaged Manila Metropolitan Cathedral in the mid-1950s and the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando, Pampanga which was destroyed by fire in 1939.
For their part, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) expressed that through his masterpieces, Ocampo is considered as one of the greatest architects in the 20th century.
Meanwhile, Maria Pilar Ocampo-Hernandez, daughter of Ocampo, shared that the whole family is thankful to the city and to Santiago, and to the NCCA for erecting a monument for their late father.
The unveiling of the monument and wreath-laying ceremony were also witnessed by Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, City Councilor BJ Lagman, National Artist for Literature and NCCA chairman Virgilio Almario, NCCA’s Ramon Alberto Garilao, Ar. Fernando Ocampo, Jr. of United Architects of the Philippines-Pampanga Chapter, Ar. Edgardo Mar Castro, and Pyestang Fernandino 2018 Executive Committee.
The activity is in line with the celebration of Pyestang Fernandino and National Heritage Month 2018.