The inaugural National Painting Competition, a landmark event for the visual arts community, has crowned its first champions. Organized by the Andrea Domingo Foundation Museum of Philippine Arts and Culture (MOPAC) and the Art Association of the Philippines (AAP), the contest saw three outstanding painters secure the top awards.
Celebrating Filipino Artistic Excellence
The competition drew an impressive 220 entries from painters across the archipelago, showcasing the vibrant and diverse talent present in the Philippines. The challenging task of judging the submissions fell to a panel of esteemed artists: Romulo Galicano, Fil de la Cruz, and Mario de Rivera. Their deliberations took place on December 5, 2025.
During the awarding ceremony held at MOPAC in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, on December 12, 2025, foundation chair Andrea Domingo announced the results. Alongside the three major prize winners, at least 13 other artists received honorable mentions for their exceptional work.
A Dream Realized for Philippine Art and Culture
Domingo shared the inspiration behind the foundation and the competition, which she established with her husband, Rolando, three years prior. "We believe young Filipinos need to be exposed and be made more aware of our beautiful Philippine art and culture," she stated. She described MOPAC as the realization of a "45-year-old dream."
"Finally, we are able to hold this competition," Domingo expressed. "It is quite an amazing experience to see how much talent, intelligence and creativity exist in our society. We would like to continue to support the arts and the artists for as long as we can."
MOPAC: A Treasure Trove of Philippine Heritage
Opened to the public on June 4, 2023, the MOPAC serves as a vital custodian of the nation's artistic legacy. The museum's collection is a journey through modern Philippine art history, featuring masterpieces by National Artists, including:
- Fernando C. Amorsolo (1972)
- Carlos V. Francisco (1972)
- Victorio C. Edades (1976)
- Vicente S. Manansala (1981)
- Cesar T. Legaspi (1990)
- Hernando R. Ocampo (1991)
- Arturo D. Luz (1997)
- Jerry Elizalde Navarro (1997)
- Ang Kiukok (2001)
- Jose T. Joya (2003)
- Federico Aguilar Alcuaz (2009)
It also displays works by Presidential Medal of Merit awardees like Anita Magsaysay-Ho and Mauro "Malang" Santos. Beyond paintings, a second building houses a significant collection of cultural artifacts, such as:
- Metal age pottery
- "Santos" sculptures
- Excavated Chinese tradewares
- Spanish-era jewelry
- Pre-war furniture
- Tribal cultural objects from the Cordilleras and Southern Philippines
MOPAC is located across St. Scholastica's Academy in Barangay Agustin, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. This first national competition marks a significant step in the foundation's mission to nurture appreciation and provide a platform for the country's artistic talents.
