Palace grieves the loss of ‘Father of Modern PHL Sculpture’ Napoleon Abueva

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Friday extended condolences to the family and friends of National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva in behalf of the Palace.

"We join the entire nation in mourning the passing of an exemplary artist, known as the Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture," Roque said in a statement shared with the press.

"Mr. Abueva’s unparalleled contributions in the realm of arts will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of every Filipino.

He is remembered as the youngest Filipino to become a National Artist, who shaped the local sculpture scene to what it is now, utilizing almost all kinds of materials indigenous or native to the Philippines," the statement continued.

Abueva passed away on Friday at the age of 88.

He was conferred the National Artist Award for Sculpture in 1976 when he was only 46 years old.

National Commission for Culture and the Arts in a statement shared on social media called Abueva's passing a "great loss to the whole country."

"As the nation celebrates National Arts Month, we also celebrate the life and works of Abueva, whose legacy enriched us and will continue to enrich and inspire us as a people as well as the whole world. Abueva helped shape the art of sculpture in the country, ushering in a new mode and era in Philippine sculpture and visual arts in general," the statement read.

Details of state necrological honors at the Cultural Center of the Philippines will soon be announced. —Aya Tantiangco/KG, GMA News