Kin of Telesforo Sucgang, Rizal’s friend to hold a series of commemoration activities

BATAN, Aklan- The descendants of Telesforo Sucgang y Alayon, known to his relatives as a friend of Dr. Jose Rizal are organizing a series of activities hoping to commemorate his artistic works.

Unknown to many, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has certified Sucgang as the artist who painted the most precise image of Rizal. His original painting remains at the Museo ni Jose Rizal, Fort Santiago Intramuros.

The painting of Sucgang of Rizal’s image is used as a reference for the Philippine P1 coin. Historian Ambeth Ocampo also mentioned the friendship of Rizal and Telesforo in several of his articles.

Rebecca Sucgang Ocampo, great granddaughter of Telesforo said that the NHCP is conducting a portraiture art workshop at the Museo ni Rizal on December 30 this year.

In a Facebook page of the NHCP dated November 22, it calls for artists ten years old and above to participate in the said workshop using “Coffee as a Medium.” “In commemoration of the 128th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Jose Rizal and in anticipation of the 170th Birth Anniversary of renowned artist painter Telesforo Sucgang (5 January 1855), the Museo ni Jose Rizal Fort Santiago invites all interested students and aspiring visual artists ages 10 and above to participate in the upcoming art workshops “Hagod Rizal”,” the FB post said.

Also, on January 4, 2025, the Museum will hold “Paint a Sucgang Painting” at the Plein Air/Acrylic Painting Workshop to commemorate Sucgang’s 170th birth anniversary.

Rebecca said that Telesforo’s birthday was January 5, but the activity is on January 4025. Telesforo is said to have been born in Banga, Aklan. “We are also organizing a concert in memory of Telesforo in Iloilo City in 2026,” she added.