Hilarion “Larry” Henares, Jr.
(10 April 1924 – 14 December 2024)
The National Museum of the Philippines mourns the passing of Mr. Hilarion “Larry” M. Henares, Jr. last December 14, 2024, at the age of 100.
Mr. Henares served as the NMP’s second Chairman of the Board of Trustees, appointed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to succeed Mr. Antonio O. Cojuangco in March 2010.
While Chairman Henares’ term lasted only five months until his courtesy resignation tendered to then newly-elected President Benigno S. Aquino III was accepted in August 2010, it nevertheless saw the approval and launch of far- reaching measures, including bringing new leadership to NMP with the appointment of then-Malacañang Museum head Jeremy Barns as NMP Director; the public unveiling of the restored National Cultural Treasure Una Bulaqueña by Juan Luna; the opening of new permanent exhibitions that still exist to this day at the National Museum of Fine Arts featuring the Far East Bank and Trust Company donation of the works of Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo as well as the Amorsolo family bequest of sketches by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo; and the opening of the once-only exhibition National Cultural Treasures of Philippine Archaeology on the occasion of the declaration of 30 most important archaeological objects in the Philippines that were brought together for display.
The NMP also began the restoration of the Old Senate Session Hall of the former Legislative Building; the significant exhibitions on Philippine biodiversity, collectively known as Sanlaksang Buhay, held at the Museum of the Filipino People (now the National Museum of Anthropology) that would help pave the way for the future National Museum of Natural History; and many other important initiatives that contributed to the progress of the institution in later years.
Chairman Henares will be much missed by his many friends from throughout his long life, including many here at the NMP who remember him with great fondness. The NMP is deeply grateful for his service and contributions and conveys its sincere condolences to his family.