PH flags flying at half-mast for Mañosa burial

The Office of the President has instructed that all flags displayed in the country and in Philippine embassies abroad be flown at half-mast for the interment of the late National Artist for Architecture Francisco "Bobby” Mañosa today.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that the order is pursuant to Republic Act No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

"The Office of the President has ordered the National Flag to be flown at half-mast, as a sign of mourning, in all places where it is displayed in the country and in Philippine embassies abroad on Feb. 24, Sunday, the day of the late National Artist Mañosa’s interment," he said.

Malacañang has expressed grief over the recent passing of the National Artist. Mañosa died of a lingering illness at the age of 88.

According to Panelo, the influence and legacy of the “Father of Philippine Neo-Vernacular Architecture” will continue to live on.

"May perpetual light shine upon him as we pray for the repose of his soul," Panelo said, referring to Mañosa as a nationalist who championed Filipino architecture in a career spanning more than 60 years.

Mañosa popularized the “bahay kubo” (native hut) and the “bahay na bato” (stone house) that became motifs in contemporary Filipino architecture. His most famous work, he noted, was the “iconic” Coconut Palace in Pasay City that became the former office of the country’s Vice President.

“Architect Mañosa was a known nationalist who had been quoted as saying, ‘I design Filipino, nothing else.’ Indeed, the so-called Father of Philippine Neo-vernacular Architecture devoted his lifetime work championing the extensive use of indigenous Filipino materials in his design,” Panelo said.

Among his major works are the Our Lady of Peace Shrine on EDSA, Quezon City, San Miguel Building in Ortigas, Pasig City; Light Rail Transit 1 stations, circa 1980s; Quezon Memorial Circle Development Plan; and Chapel of the Risen Lord in Las Piñas City.

Mañosa was among the seven national artists President Duterte proclaimed in October last year.