The head of the Baguio City Tourism Office has issued a formal apology to local artist, Angelo Aurelio after his 2020 mural was replaced and discarded without notice, triggering widespread discontent.
City Tourism Officer Alec Mapalao released a public statement, November 27 saying he takes “full responsibility for that lapse” tagging the incident as a mistake.
Mapalo said the disposal and replacement was not deliberate act of disrespect but a result of a rush to complete preparations for the opening of the 2025 Ibagiw Creative Festival.
The artwork was dismantled to make way for a different installation.
Mapalo said, “There was absolutely no intention to disrespect him or his work, but I understand that the hasty removal of the artwork for another installation without informing the artist was a mistake.”
Mapalao noted that when concerns were raised on the dismantling, a directive was given to the office to apologize to Aurelio, confirming the artist received the apology, though Aurelio was reportedly “not yet interested in retrieving the mural.”
Mapalao explained the silence of the tourism office silence on the issue is because of the focus on managing the multiple works required for the festival opening. He stressed that the silence was “not meant to ignore or diminish anyone’s concerns.”
The Tourism Officer reaffirmed the city’s commitment to its cultural workers, emphasizing that the city “genuinely value the work of all our artists, including Aurelio. His contribution, like so many others, plays a meaningful role in the story of Ibagiw and our creative community.”
Mapalao vowed the office “Is reviewing our internal protocols to ensure we put a clearer system in place,” as he called for cooperation, hoping the city and the creative sector can move forward together stressing, “[the city] learn from this, and build a better, kinder, and more supportive environment for the creative community of Baguio.”
The public apology follows days of intense scrutiny on social media platforms, where community members voiced deep-seated concerns not only about the handling of Aurelio’s piece but also about “broader matters involving the creative community and the city.”
Local artists have mounted a Change.org petition asking for the resignation of Baguio City Tourism Officer, Alec Mapalo, with a public apology over a perceived mishandling of the recent Ibagiw festival.
The artists cited a perceived undervaluing of artistic labor and the lack of consistent, transparent engagement with creatives, as well as the growing sentiment that art is being used primarily for tourism promotion without adequate recognition of its cultural significance.
The petition has so far garnered hundreds of signatures hours since it was made via the world’s largest online petition and social change platform.
Mapalo added “I understand that many have their own views of me, and that’s part of the job but I will continue doing the work with as much honesty and integrity as I can. Since 2018, I’ve worked side by side with our creatives to support them and improve our system while aligning with the boundaries of city rules, audit requirements, and the processes we need to comply with. I’m far from perfect, but my commitment to serve Baguio and its creative community has always been real, and it remains just as strong today.” Maria Elena Catajan