The National Historical Commission of the Philippines Board of Commissioners has issued a resolution correcting the date of birth of prominent Filipino painter Juan Luna.

According to NHCP Board Resolution 18, Series of 2023, Luna’s baptismal record in Badoc Church stated that Luna was three days old when he was baptized on 27 October 1857. During the conventions of the era, the day of birth was already regarded as the first day of birth of an individual. Based on the findings of the NHCP, Luna was born on 25 October 1857, as opposed to 23 or 24 October 1857.

Luna is known for his iconic painting Spoliarium, which won a gold medal at Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in 1884 in Madrid, Spain. The Ayala Museum recently mounted the exhibit “Splendor: Juan Luna, Painter as Hero” to showcase a long-lost work, Hymen, oh Hyménée!

The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote and preserve Philippine history and heritage through its administration of national shrines, museums, research and publication, heraldry works, conservation, and marking of historic sites and structures, including the resolution of historical issues and controversies.