Three decades after helping restore Clark’s roads in the aftermath of Mount Pinatubo’s eruption, Mabalacat-based artist Dodjie Arellano Aguinaldo is once again leaving his mark on the former American airbase—this time through art.

Commissioned by Clark Water, Aguinaldo is transforming ordinary manhole covers into vibrant works of public art that depict the rich history and heritage of Clark. Using the metal covers as his canvas, the veteran artist brings to life stories of the former airbase, the devastation and recovery following the Pinatubo eruption, and Clark’s evolution into a thriving economic hub.

“Working in Clark and living near the place has made me embrace the heritage—from the airbase, Pinatubo, recovery and its current role as a source of livelihood for tens of thousands. This is part of our history,” Aguinaldo said.

Together with fellow artist Lloyd Dacayanan, Aguinaldo has already completed 15 painted manhole covers around the Clark Parade Grounds. The artworks are part of a larger initiative that could eventually extend to many of the approximately 2,000 manhole covers spread across the 4,400-hectare Freeport.

According to Aguinaldo, the idea originated from Mayflor Candelaria of the Clark Development Corporation’s Environment Division and was later adopted by Clark Water, a utility company under Prime Infra of businessman Enrique Razon.

Before each artwork is executed, Aguinaldo first submits concept paintings on paper for approval. Once cleared, the designs are carefully transferred onto the manhole covers through hand-painted murals.

The project carries special significance for Aguinaldo, whose connection to Clark dates back to the early 1990s. Following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, he volunteered to help repaint road and highway markings that had been buried under ash and debris.

His relationship with Clark deepened further when he joined the Clark Development Corporation, where he served as an artist, photographer, and video editor from 1995 until his retirement in 2021.

Aguinaldo is known as a multi-platform artist whose talents span traditional painting, digital art, sculpture, and diorama-making. Throughout his career, he has mounted various exhibitions while continuing to celebrate local history and culture through his work.

Today, his latest creations offer residents and visitors a unique way to experience Clark’s story—one manhole cover at a time.