TESDA receives NCCA heritage marker for Ang Kiukok mural

March 05, 2023

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has received the heritage marker of Ang Kiukok’s “Men at Work” mural from the National Commission on the Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Last February 20, Director General Danilo P. Cruz personally accepted the marker from NCCA's Chief of the Cultural Properties Protection and Regulation Division Joseph Patrick Lee.

According to DG Cruz, the mural, created in 1979, was originally commissioned for the then National Manpower and Youth Council of the Department of Labor and Employment.

“The mural symbolizes the strength of the Filipinos and is a depiction of the resiliency of our skilled workforce,” DG Cruz said

“This work of art now further emphasizes the significance of TESDA's mandate of providing relevant, accessible, high-quality, and efficient technical education and skills development training programs,” he added.

Last April 28, 2021, TESDA filed a petition with the NCCA to declare “Men at Work” as an Important Cultural Property (ICP). The mural was declared a National Cultural Treasure and ICP by the NCCA last November 25, 2021.

The mural, which is scheduled for a complete restoration, is currently on loan to the National Museum of the Philippines and can be viewed at the Spoliarium Hall.

Ang Kiukok was declared as National Artist for 2001 by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 32 Series of 2001.