QC eyes purchase of Quezon portraits

The Quezon City Council is seeking funds for the acquisition of at least 50 portraits of the late President Manuel Quezon now in the possession of a private collector in Marikina City.

In a proposed ordinance introduced by Councilor Antonio Inton, the city council said some P950,000 is needed to pay for the rare portraits owned by the Sagip Ka 2000 Foundation Inc., which is represented by Prof. Rufino Policarpio of Marikina City.

The proposal, signed by 23 councilors, said the collection can be used for permanent display in the Quezon City museum as "a testimonial and visual memorabilia not only of the founder of Quezon City but the father of the country as well."

"The present generation as well as the succeeding generations will be afforded the opportunity to see for themselves a glimpse of history with our charismatic MLQ, who steered our country at the crucial point of Philippine nationhood," the proposed ordinance said.

Councilor Eric Medina of the city’s second district and one of the authors of the proposed measure said the deliberation of the bill for second reading has been scheduled for the next session of the city council.

He said Inton has consulted with Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. regarding the proposed purchase.

"Mayor Belmonte was informed prior to the filing of the ordinance," Medina said.

He said the collection of wall paintings of the late president would be displayed once the city museum is finished. — Perseus Echeminada