By Lana Laurel

In celebration of Galo Ocampo’s 112th birthday, Far Eastern University (FEU) organized ‘Brave Heraldry, Beyond Signs: Celebrating FEU’s Institutional Insignias by Galo B. Ocampo,’ a memorial lecture and exhibit launched at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Administration Building last October 14. 

The exhibit launch was hosted by the Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts (IARFA) in honor of the Father of Philippine Heraldry's deep-rooted contributions to the University. 

Ocampo, the first Filipino to study heraldry in Madrid, Spain, served as the Director of the National Museum from 1962 to 1968, the first Associate Dean of IARFA in 1970, and the first Head of the Fine Arts Department in 1971.

He also created the coat of arms for FEU, the Philippines, and Archbishops of Manila as well as the seal of the President, among many state symbols.

Accordingly, University of the Philippines Diliman Assistant History Professor and Author Ian Christopher Alfonso delivered a lecture named ‘Imagining the Nation in Galo Ocampo’s Legacy to FEU,’ which tackled the history and creation of the University’s seal. 

Alfonso explained that in 1961, Ocampo was inspired in creating the University’s overall coat of arms because of FEU’s Filipino-rooted values.

“Sabi niya [Ocampo] na-inspire siya sa lakas ng promotion ng kultura at history dito sa FEU. Kaya ni-reflect niya sa mga simbolong ginawa niya ang kasaysayan ng Pilipinas (He said that the power of promotion in culture and history in FEU inspired him to embody the history of the Philippines in his creations),” he quoted. 

He also emphasized that FEU’s insignia was the first to utilize a Baybayin-inspired font as its official typeface. 

“‘Yung typeface ng FEU, although naka-Roman numeral at Roman alphabet, ‘yan ay disenyo para habulin ang stroke ng sinaunang sinulat ng mga Pilipino—ang Baybayin (Although FEU's used typeface is in the Roman numerals and alphabet, it is still designed after the ancient script: the Baybayin),” Alfonso described. 

Additionally, Alfonso illustrated how the creation of the FEU logo made it become the pioneer insignia in the Philippines with the Baybayin-inspired font in every design.

“Never niyang [Ocampo] ginamit sa gobyerno ang Baybayin-inspired na typeface—sa FEU lang… Ang mga susunod na simbolo ng gobyerno ay nakabatay na sa seal ng FEU (He never used the Baybayin-inspired typeface during his time in the government, he only used it in FEU. Then, the government started recreating their symbols from the FEU seal),” he expanded.

The speaker also tackled that the University’s insignia became the blueprint for the Philippine coat of arms.

“Naging laboratoryo ng mas Pilipinong simbolo ng bansa ang FEU (FEU became the laboratory of Filipino-centered heraldry),” he said. 

Furthermore, Professor Alfonso reminded students of the vision of Nicanor Reyes Sr. in producing well-informed students who embrace Filipino culture.

“Technically, ito ang vision ng inyong founder na isang educational institution na hindi lang mag-educate ng tao kun’di magpo-produce ng isang Pilipinong edukado. Ang dali mag-produce ng educated na tao, pero ang hirap mag-produce ng isang edukadong tao na ramdam niya—bitbit niya kung ano ang Pilipino (Technically, this is the vision of your University's founder of an educational institution that not only educates but also produces a Filipino that is educated. It’s easy to produce an educated individual but it's difficult to produce one that feels and carries what it means to be Filipino),” he noted. 

The lecture closed with the official launch of the exhibit, which showcased the institutional insignias and coat of arms of the University.

The Brave Heraldry, Beyond Signs: Celebrating FEU’s Institutional Insignias by Galo B. Ocampo exhibit is part of the University’s centennial anniversary celebration in 2028 and is open for the public from October 14 to 17 but will permanently be available for the green-and-gold community.

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)