National Artist awardee dies of pneumonia

MANILA, Philippines - National Artist for Architecture and Allied Arts Ildefonso Santos died of pneumonia yesterday morning at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

IP Santos, as he was popularly known, pioneered the practice of landscape architecture in the country for more than 40 years and was recognized in 2006 for his exemplary work by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Santos’ notable works include the outdoor shopping concept in Makati Commercial Center, the seminal public landscape in Paco Park, the Tagaytay Highlands Resort and the Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Batangas and the Orchard Golf and Country Club in Imus, Cavite.

He also established in 1960 the prestigious landscape architectural firm that bears his name.

Born on Jan. 23 in Malabon before the Pacific War, Santos studied at the University of Santo Tomas and finished with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 1954. He also pursued a second degree in architecture and industrial design in 1956 and later a master’s degree in 1960 at the University of Southern California School of Architecture in Los Angeles.

Schedules for necrological services and National Artist honors will be announced later.