Silay City: Negros Occidental’s provincial government has hailed the return of the ‘Mango Harvesters’ painting of National Artist Fernando Amorsolo to the Hofile±a Museum in Silay City, Negros Occidental. The 1936 painting, stolen from the museum on July 3, 2024, was recovered by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) days later and turned over to the National Museum in Manila on July 12.

According to Philippines News Agency, on Friday afternoon, the masterpiece was unveiled and displayed anew in a ceremony led by the Hofile±a family and joined by city officials, law enforcers, culture and history advocates, artists, and tourist guides. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, in his message delivered by provincial tourism head Cheryl Decena, expressed that the event marked more than just the return of a lost painting but also the return of a story, a memory, and a piece of cultural heritage.

Lacson thanked the Hofile±a family for their commitment to preserving the cultural wealth of Silay and Negros Occidental. He also acknowledged the NBI, the Philippine National Police, and all those who contributed to the successful recovery of the painting, praising their dedication and coordination.

Decena stated that the province’s tourism sector joins the Hofile±a family in celebrating the painting’s return, emphasizing the serious commitment to preserving local heritage in Negros Occidental.

During the ceremony, museum manager Rene Hofile±a awarded a tourist pedicab driver who provided a crucial lead to authorities identifying the thieves. The NBI reported that two individuals, who have been charged, attempted to sell the 12″ x 18″ masterpiece to undercover agents for PHP3 million.

National Museum Director General Jeremy Barns expressed anticipation for the return of ‘Mango Harvesters’ to the Hofile±a Museum and the successful prosecution of those involved in the theft of this valuable cultural and artistic piece.