General Andrei Dizon, PNP Bicol Regional Director, esteemed guests, friends, art lovers, ladies and gentlemen.
First off, let me thank the Jesse Robredo Museum for hosting our initiative to bring the artworks of a native of Camarines Norte to a wider audience. And so, today we gather not merely to celebrate the opening of a one-man art exhibit, but to witness the potent force of visual art in action.
Within these walls of the Robredo Museum, the works of Police Executive Master Sergeant (PEMS) Ryan Morales stand as a testament to the transformative power of creativity, a bridge connecting hearts and minds across the divides that often separate us.
Executive Master Sergeant Morales’ art isn’t simply a collection of aesthetically pleasing images. It is also a powerful narrative, a visual symphony that speaks to the human condition.
Each brushstroke, each carefully chosen color, each composition, is a deliberate act, a conscious effort to engage with the world around us and to offer a unique perspective.
In a society often fractured by differences, art serves as a unifying force.
It transcends language barriers, cultural divides, and socio-economic disparities.
Art speaks directly to our shared humanity, reminding us of our interconnectedness and our common aspirations for a better future.
The visual arts, in their ability to evoke emotion, inspire empathy, and ignite the imagination, have the remarkable capacity to move hearts and minds, fostering understanding and compassion where once there was only division.
The Jesse M. Robredo Museum, a beacon of progress and good governance, provides the perfect setting for this exhibit.
Jesse Robredo’s legacy—one of integrity, service, and unwavering dedication to the people—mirrors the artist’s commitment to using their talent to uplift and inspire.
Just as Robredo sought to bridge societal gaps through compassionate leadership, so too does the artworks of Ryan Morales strive to connect us through the shared experience of beauty and emotion.
Fellow Bicolanos, just a digression, I just wish to extol here the values and advocacy of a great Filipino and Bicolano, Jesse M. Robredo, a man whose life embodied the very essence of mahuhay, matapat, and matino.
These three words that can be seen upon the entrance to this museum – skillful, honest, and upright – are not merely descriptors. They are the pillars upon which a strong and thriving community is built. They are the values that define the spirit of Bicolandia, and Jesse Robredo exemplified them with unwavering dedication.
Mahusay speaks to competence, to the skillful application of one’s abilities for the common good. Jesse Robredo was a master administrator, a visionary leader who understood the intricacies of governance and applied his knowledge with unwavering diligence.
He didn’t just talk about progress. He delivered it. He transformed Naga City into a model of efficient and responsive local government. His mahusay approach serves as an inspiration for us all to strive for excellence in our own endeavors, to utilize our talents for the betterment of our communities.
Matapat speaks to integrity, to unwavering honesty and transparency in all actions. In a world often marred by corruption and deceit, Jesse Robredo stood as a beacon of honesty, a testament to the power of ethical leadership.
His commitment to transparency and accountability instilled trust in his constituents and demonstrated that good governance is possible.
His matapat spirit reminds us that honesty is not just a virtue; it is the foundation of a just and equitable society.
Finally, matino speaks to uprightness, to a steadfast commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult. Jesse Robredo faced numerous challenges during his career, but he never wavered in his commitment to serving the people.
He prioritized the needs of his constituents above his own, demonstrating a selfless dedication that is truly inspiring. His matino character reminds us that true leadership requires courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice and fairness.
Again, let us embody upon ourselves the battle cry of this museum, mahusay, matapat, matino!
Let us, therefore, draw inspiration from Jesse Robredo’s life and strive to live these values in our own lives.
Let us be mahusay in our work, matapat in our dealings, and matino in our character. By embracing these principles, we can honor his memory and build a Bicolandia that is prosperous, just, and truly reflective of his enduring legacy. Let his example be a guiding light, illuminating the path towards a brighter future for all Bicolanos.
Finally, let us, therefore, celebrate this exhibit not just as a showcase of individual talent but as a testament to the power of art to transform society into a better one.
Let us embrace the opportunity to engage with these works, to reflect on their meaning, and to allow ourselves to be moved, inspired, and ultimately, transformed.
I am pretty sure that later we will all leave this museum today with a renewed sense of hope, a deeper understanding of our shared humanity, and a commitment to building a more just and equitable world, one brushstroke at a time.
May we all savor the depths of Bicolano creativity through the artworks of Sir Ryan Morales.
On behalf of Honorable Governor Dong Padilla and Vice-Governor Joseph Ascutia of the province of Camarines Norte, let me thank each one of you for coming over to witness this powerful force for social transformation, the One-Man Art Exhibit of Executive Master Sergeant Ryan Morales.
God bless each one of you. God bless Bicolandia. God bless the Bicol artists!
A pleasant afternoon, everyone. And thank you for your attention.
The header features a collage of selected paintings by PEMS Ryan P. Morales. All featured photos are courtesy of NHCP Museo ni Jesse Robredo. The artist’s opening reception was held on June 6, 2025 in Naga City. The solo art show will run through June 30, 2025.
About the author
ABEL C. ICATLO is a Cum Laude graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Philippine Studies, major in Political Science and Philosophy. He was faculty at the University of the Philippines and the University of Asia and the Pacific. He attended Ateneo de Naga University for master’s in public administration and Philippine Christian University for Master in Management. He is an advocate of inclusivity and accessibility of education with an emphasis on the enrichment of culture, fostering ethical judgment, and the development of the total human person. He is the Director of Museo Bulawan in Daet, Camarines Norte.
About the artist
“Sari-saring Sining ng Pag-ibig” at the NHCP Museo ni Jesse Robredo is RYAN P. MORALES’ 2nd solo art exhibit. A native of Daet, Camarines Norte, he is by nature and by instinct a lover of the arts. He started sketching when he was only nine years of age and completed his secondary education with special curriculum at the Philippine High School for the Arts at the National Arts Center, Mt. Makiling, Los Baños as a government scholar. He took up BS in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nueva Caceres, Naga City. A Napolcom Scholar, he was commissioned artist/assistant to the curator of the UNC Museum and the Lay-out Artist and Cartoonist of the university’s student paper “The Democrat.” He competed in numerous art events and won awards and commendations, including Finalist at the 29th Shell Students Arts Competition on October 1997. He has actively participated in numerous regional and national art exhibits since 1994.
Ryan P. Morales has served the police force for 23 years and currently has the rank of Police Executive Master Sergeant assigned with the investigation division. He is the President of the Camarines Norte Visual Artists association, member of the Board of Advisers of Daet Society of Arts Enthusiasts and a member of the Kintab Artists Group Inc. of Naga City. He serves as facilitator/instructor for the Summer Art Workshop which is conducted regularly by the Camarines Norte Provincial Government through Museo Bulawan, Archives and Shrine Curation Division from 2005 to present.