NCCA receives petition to remove ICP status for Botong Francisco’s artwork amid proposed export to Singapore
A petition has been filed with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts seeking to remove the presumption of "Important Cultural Property" status from Kalantiao at Lubluban, a 1946 painting by National Artist for Visual Arts Carlos “Botong” Francisco.
The petition, submitted by Jaime Alfonso Larence Ponce de Leon of Leon Gallery, aims to clear legal hurdles for exporting the artwork to the National Gallery Singapore, which expressed interest in acquiring the piece in early 2026.
Under Republic Act No. 11961, amending the National Cultural Heritage Act, works created by National Artists are automatically presumed to be Important Cultural Properties unless officially declared otherwise by cultural authorities.
The petition outlines four grounds for lifting the protection. It says that the artwork falls outside the strict operational definitions set by NCCA Resolution No. 2017-309. It also claims that it does not possess the "exceptional cultural, artistic, and historical significance to the Philippines" required for ICP status under NCCA regulations.
Moreover, Kalantiao at Lubluban, it said, has not been formally declared an ICP outside of the standard automatic presumption.
The petition also said that selling and conveying the piece to the National Gallery Singapore "will not deplete the prevalence of Carlos "Botong" V. Francisco's artwork in the Philippines nor diminish its National Patrimony."
Art experts and curators submitted supporting statements attached to the petition. June Dalisay, head conservator of Artemis Art Restoration Services, noted that the piece lacks "the ability to unify the nation and to raise pride in our common identity" required for national significance.
Art critic Cid Reyes also stated that the painting "cannot be regarded as one of Francisco’s major works" or an indispensable element of cultural patrimony, while curator Lisa Guerrero Nakpil affirmed that despite its beauty, it does not match the threshold of major masterpieces in government collections.
And finally, Prof. Patrick Flores, chief curator of National Gallery Singapore, argued that acquiring the work would "significantly strengthen the representation of Francisco's independent artistic practice and Philippine modernism in the National Collection." It would be displayed in the new Southeast Asia Gallery permanent galleries exhibition slated to open in November 2027.
"The proposed acquisition of Kalantiao at Lubluban would enable National Gallery Singapore to continue presenting Carlos "Botong" Francisco's work on long-term display while strengthening the representation of one of the Philippines' most important modern artists in Singapore's National Collection," Flores said in his letter addressed to the NCCA in July 28, 2026.
In response, the NCCA has issued a notice to the public on Monday, stating it is accepting comments and positions regarding the petition. The public and interested stakeholders may submit written positions of support or opposition regarding the delisting to the NCCA through dphs@ncca.gov.ph on or before Sept. 30.
DOT opposes
Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism on Tuesay issued a statement acknowledging the petition but expressed its opposition to the permanent export of the artwork, while advocating for a compromise that keeps the artwork accessible in the Philippines.
"The Department acknowledges the National Gallery Singapore’s interest in acquiring the painting and the opportunity this presents for Philippine art to be seen and studied internationally," the DOT stated. "At the same time, we hope that such recognition can be pursued in ways that also preserve meaningful access to these treasures for the Filipino people."
The agency urged the NCCA to consider alternative compromises, such as allowing the painting to be shared in exhibitions and scholarly exchanges abroad while keeping its permanent home in the Philippines.
“We therefore respectfully enjoin the Commission to consider the petition in light of the cultural significance of Kalantiao at Lubluban, the objectives of the National Cultural Heritage Act, and the importance of safeguarding the country’s artistic heritage for future generations,” it said.
“We also encourage consideration of arrangements that may support the painting’s continued presence in the Philippines while allowing it to participate in international exhibitions, scholarly exchanges, and other initiatives that promote Philippine art and culture abroad,” it added.
The DOT argued that Francisco's painting belongs to the nation's living heritage, identity, and cultural tourism.
"As we celebrate National Tourism Month, we are reminded that cultural heritage is an essential part of the Philippines’ identity and the story we share with the world. The works of our National Artists are not merely valuable objects. They are records of our history, expressions of our identity, and sources of inspiration for generations of Filipinos," it wrote.
