By: Vanessa Bugtong
Art knows no limits, and for 34-year-old Mark Bernardo Agcaoili from Isabela, this holds true, even if he paints not with his hands, but with his feet.
The foot-drawn masterpieces on display have left many passersby stunned, not just by the strokes and colors, but by the story behind each piece.
One viewer, Luz Canlas, shared her amazement, “We feel blessed. Despite his condition, God gave him an incredible talent. Even the young lady with us wanted a photo with the artworks.”
Agcaoili’s love for art started when he was just 11 years old.
But in 2002, he was diagnosed with meningitis, which eventually left him paralyzed and unable to speak.
His neck also bent permanently due to the condition.
“Since then, he could no longer use his hands or talk,” said Michael Castillo, president of the Isabela Artist Circle. “But over the last 20 years, he mastered using his feet to paint.”
Despite his physical limitations, Agcaoili persisted.
With patience and resilience, he learned to sketch and blend colors with his feet.
His dedication earned him a spot in the Isabela Artist Circle, a group that supports rising local artists.
“When it’s a small piece, he can finish in just two days. But it depends on how many figures are involved,” Castillo said. “His determination and skill inspire not just us, he uplifts the spirit of our entire organization.”
Mark’s artworks are not just displayed, they’ve also become a source of income. “He’s even managed to invest in a car using earnings from his art,” Castillo added. “That’s what he uses for transport to his scheduled exhibits, and he now has access to art materials.”
Mark’s achievements include being named one of the Most Outstanding Isabela Artists in 2020, Outstanding Ilagueño Visual Artist in 2024, and most recently, ICON of Isabela Visual Arts for 2025.
He is now on a nationwide mall tour, carrying nothing but paper, pencils, and an unshakable spirit. Through each piece he paints, Mark shares a reminder: being a PWD doesn’t mean “person with disability,” but “person with dreams.”
