The section on ILOMOCA in the “Iloilo Art Book 2021–2022″ is being republished in commemoration of the 8th anniversary of the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art on March 18, 2026.

This profile feature is part of the article “The Museums, Galleries, and Art Spaces of Iloilo: Vignette of a Noble Past, Flamboyant Present, and Vibrant Future” by Ted Aldwin Ong, published in the Iloilo Art Book 2021–2022 and chronicled by the Iloilo Art Life archives. The book was published by the Iloilo City Government during the term of Jerry P. Treñas, in partnership with the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc.

The sobriquet of Iloilo when it comes to contemporary art stems from the enormity and diversity of its collection of paintings, sculptures, and prints by revered local, national, and international artists.

The three-story art nouveau museum has five galleries, with a regularly changing exhibit hall on the ground floor; three well-curated galleries on the second floor intended for rotating shows from its in-house collection by cutting-edge Filipino and international masters; and the Adoracion Valencia Gallery on the third floor, which features the varied personal preferences in art of its benefactor, Ilonggo art collector Edwin Valencia.

ILOMOCA was established through the partnership of Kevin Tan of Megaworld Corporation and Edwin Valencia, who were united by the belief that art represents the social and human condition. Hence, the museum carries the mission of exhibiting works that promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of individuals and societies across time and space, in the hope of contributing to positive transformation.

The museum introduced visitors to works by Joan Miró together with Marc Chagall; prints by Salvador Dalí; drawings by Pablo Picasso; and rare works by National Artists such as Arturo Luz, BenCab, Gerry Navarro, Ang Kiukok, and Napoleon Abueva.

It also features a significant selection of works by women artists such as Anita Magsaysay-Ho, Brenda Fajardo, Araceli Dans, Lydia Velasco, Moreen Austria, Ofelia Gelvezon-Tequi, and Nelfa Querubin.

The momentous opening of ILOMOCA on March 17, 2018 brought Iloilo to the consciousness of art connoisseurs worldwide. Its cohesive programming has since bolstered art education, generated new audiences for contemporary art, and encouraged emerging artists to pursue and persevere in the fine arts.

ILOMOCA in the Iloilo Art Book

The “Iloilo Art Book: Art in the Heart of the Philippines” is a 200-page compilation featuring the masterpieces of Iloilo’s artists, profiles of art groups, an artists’ directory, a historical timeline of Iloilo arts, and a section on the Iloilo Arts Festival 2021–2022.

It also features an article by arts, culture, and heritage writer Vic Salas titled “Art in Iloilo City’s Public Spaces.”

In the foreword of the book, former Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas emphasizes the role of culture in the city’s development. He writes: “Arts revitalization has been infused into the continuing transformation of a livable, sustainable, and inclusive metropolis for all. These initiatives are not solely those of the city government but are the result of collaboration among artists, national government agencies, the academe, and private sector partners.”

Revisit: ILOILO ART BOOK to reveal why Iloilo possess the heart and soul for the arts

“Ilonggos are fortunate to experience a thriving arts and culture scene in the metro—one that has served as an antidote to the adversities of the pandemic and a boost to mental wellness. By providing avenues for the promotion of arts awareness and appreciation, we benefit not only artists and enthusiasts but the general public as well.” he said. 

For her part, former Iloilo First Lady Rosalie S. Treñas, who chaired the Iloilo Arts Festival 2021–2022, said, “I have always believed that supporting local talents provides a great opportunity for cultures to connect and for communities to grow together. By giving them a platform to showcase their creativity and artistry, we help them thrive, further inspiring them to pursue the creative profession.”