Angono eyes ‘art capital’ title

The local government of Angono, Rizal has formally requested President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare the lakeshore town — commonly known as the artists’ haven — the “Art Capital of the Philippines.”

Through Resolution 152, series of 2024, the Sangguniang Bayan cited its long list of prize-winning artists, including national artists Carlos “Botong” Francisco (Visual Arts) and Maestro Lucio San Pedro (Music).

The Sangguniang Bayan also noted that the ancient art form, the Petroglyphs, is found in Angono and, according to experts, dates back to 3000 BC.

Tracy Vicente from the Municipal Tourism Office said the town’s art has flourished, particularly with the yearly “Higantes Festival,” which began in 1950.

According to data from the Municipal Tourism Office, more than 2,000 local artists are actively engaged in painting, sculpture, architecture, music, dance, theater, literature, photography and film.