Fernando Amorsolo’s recovered painting, “Mango Harvesters,” has finally returned to the Hofileña Heritage House and Museum!

Months after it was recovered by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the National Artist’s painting was proudly unveiled at the museum last week. The Negros Occidental Tourism Division's Facebook post stated that the unveiling was attended by the Hofileña family, local officials, art lovers, tour guides, and members of the community who gathered to celebrate the homecoming of the cultural treasure.

“The Hofileña Museum extended its heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the recovery and emphasized its ongoing mission to protect and promote Philippine arts and culture,” its caption read.

The National Artist's “Mango Harvesters” is known for its depiction of Filipino rural life–a theme visualized by the former with his other works–masterfully crafting the hues of the “Philippine sunlight.”

According to the museum, the painting’s return marks a “significant moment for both the museum and the cultural heritage of Silay City and Negros Occidental.”

In July 2024, the museum reported that one of its most cherished pieces in Philippine art history was stolen. Based on its social media post, they presumed it was snatched on the day when two groups of tourists visited the museum and only had one tour guide on duty.

On July 11, 2024, the NBI - Special Task Force (STF) conducted an entrapment operation in Quezon City, after receiving a tip that someone was selling the painting in the area. This resulted in the arrest of two suspects for possession and selling stolen property, citing the Anti-Fencing Law.