National Museum exec, 56

MANILA, Philippines — The National Museum of the Philippines on Tuesday mourned the passing of its facilities management division head Nelson Aquino, who died on Monday at the age of 56.

«With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Nelson L. Aquino, architect and head of the Facilities Management Division of the National Museum of the Philippines,» it said.

The Tarlac native had a 20-year career with the Intramuros Administration before joining the National Museum, after receiving his license in architecture.

Among his contributions included the conversion of the former Department of Tourism Building into the National Museum of Natural History.

Aquino also played a key role in the expansion of the National Museum's reach across the country through the establishment of regional component museums.

«He was doing his part in programming future NMP component museums in Paoay, Ilocos Norte; Baguio City; Kalibo, Aklan; Talisay and Victorias, Negros Occidental; Tacloban City; Koronadal and Lake Sebu, South Cotabato; Maitum, Sarangani, and in ensuring a successful opening of NMP-Davao City later this year and NMP-Baler, Aurora in the middle of next year, among many other things,» the National Museum said.

He was also behind the restoration of heritage sites that were destroyed in natural disasters, including churches in Bohol that were damaged during the 2013 earthquake, the Guiuan Church in Eastern Samar following the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda, also in 2013, and the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay in Taal, Batangas after the 2020 eruption of Taal Volcano.

«All the while, Nelson led his team in upgrading and sustaining the physical repair and maintenance of virtually all the facilities of the National Museum throughout the country, which was greatly appreciated and enjoyed by the public and employees alike, and has become a source of pride for everyone. He gave expert technical assistance in instances too numerous to mention. He was a greatly accommodating person, who manifestly gave his all to his job and the multitude of tasks that fell within his purview, and he inspired many with his example,» the National Museum said.

«Nelson's