Achacoso, Ronald

Ronald Achacoso is a multi-awarded visual artist, art critic, and plant conservationist. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in Painting, from the University of the Philippines in 1988. Mentored by the acclaimed conceptual artist Roberto Chabet, Achacoso launched his career with his thesis-turned-solo exhibition, On the Origin of the Species, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) that same year.

His career expanded beyond painting into curation, art criticism, and deeply rooted environmental advocacy. A pivotal meeting with eminent field botanist Leonardo Co formally introduced Achacoso to Philippine botany. This relationship led him to become a founding and board member of the Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society, Inc. (PNPCSI) in 2007. Today, his ecological and artistic interests converge at the Pinto Museum, where he has designed a dedicated arboretum that stands as a living testament to his environmental advocacy.

Career Highlights & Awards:

1988: Graduated BFA in Painting (UP) and held his first solo exhibition at the CCP.

1993 & 1994: Won the prestigious Leo Benesa Award for Art Criticism.

2000: Received the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ 13 Artists Award.

2007: Founding member and six-year board member of the Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society, Inc. (PNPCSI).

Recent Work: Creator and curator of the Pinto Arboretum at the Pinto Art Museum.