“Fernando Hizon Ocampo is truly an Arkitekto ning Balen, Sagisag ning Kultura,” said Mayor Edwin ‘EdSa’ Santiago during the unveiling of the late Fernandino architect’s monument in May 30 at the Heroes Hall.
Santiago, during his speech, highlighted the contributions of Ocampo, who was born in the City of San Fernando in 1897, to the Philippine architecture such as the designs of several buildings and historical structures making him a notable Fernandino architect and an icon of culture.
ONE GREAT FERNANDINO ARCHITECT. The newly-unveiled monument of the late Fernandino architect Fernando Hizon Ocampo is built at the Heroes Hall in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.
“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,” expressed 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 Mayor ‘EdSa’, 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 L. 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.