Baguio City Tourism Officer Mapalo apologizes following petition for his resignation over removal of Ibagiw 2020 mural

Baguio City, Philippines – Known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, Baguio City recently faced backlash from local artists after a petition titled “Petition for Accountability” was launched calling for the resignation and public apology of City Tourism Officer Engr. Alec Mapalo.

Launched on November 26, the petition had already gathered 353 signatures as of December 1, 2025.

The controversy stemmed from the removal of creative artist Angelo Aurelio’s “Ibagiw 2020” mural during the Ibagiw Creative Festival (ICF) 2025, which officially opened with a gala on November 14, 2025 at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center. The artwork was reportedly removed without prior notice to the artist, prompting calls for accountability.

In an interview with local media on November 27, 2025, Aurelio expressed disappointment that his mural, created for the 2020 Ibagiw Creative Festival, was taken down without his knowledge.

He added that the mural appeared to have been roughly dismantled, with its back frame torn off. Aurelio said that, in his view, it would be more honorable for the tourism officer to resign than to issue a public apology, as trust from local artists had already been lost.

“…Kapag wala nang tiwala ang mga taong pinagsisilbihan mo, what’s the sense of staying in the position? Parang mas honorable na siguro kung mag-resign na si Engr. Alec kaysa mag-public apology siya,” Aurelio said.

The Ibagiw Creative Festival is Baguio City’s month-long celebration of arts and culture, named after the Ibaloi word “bgiw” (moss), symbolizing rooted traditions and creative growth.

Baguio City as a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art

On October 31, 2017, Baguio City was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, joining over 300 cities worldwide in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), according to Esquire.

Of these, only 50 cities worldwide fall under the Crafts and Folk Art category, with just three Philippine cities recognized under the network: Baguio City (crafts and folk art), Iloilo City (gastronomy), and Cebu City (design).

This distinction carries standards comparable to those of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Ifugao Rice Terraces.

Meanwhile, Mapalo later issued a public apology through his personal Facebook account on November 27, acknowledging Aurelio’s contribution to the city’s creative identity and taking responsibility for the incident.

“…I would like to sincerely apologize for the removal of Mr. Aurelio’s artwork. There was absolutely no intention to disrespect him or his work. While it is not an excuse that our team was rushing to complete preparations for the opening of the Ibagiw Creative Festival, I recognize that the hasty removal of the artwork for another installation—without informing the artist—was a mistake. I take full responsibility for that lapse,” Mapalo said.