National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera, 89

MANILA, Philippines — National Artist for Literature Bienveniro Lumbera has passed away. He was 89.

According to a report from The Varsitarian, the official student publication of the University of Sto. Tomas, Lumbera's daughter Tala confirmed that he died at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday.

Born in Lipa, Batangas on Apr. 11, 1932, Lumbera was a renowned poet, critic and dramatist.

He was a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature and Creative Communications, as well as the Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for Literature.

The Alyansa ng mga Tagapagtanggol ng Wikang Filipino (Tanggol Wika) expressed its condolences and declared a day of mourning in honor of Lumbera.

"Taus-pusong pakikiramay ang ating ipinapaabot sa kanyang pamilya. Mananatili pong inspirasyon sa amin ang inyong buhay, mga sinulat, at adhikaing makabayan," Tanggol Wika said.

(We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family. Your life, writings, and patriotic aspirations will continue to inspire us.)

According to The Varsitarian, he finished his Litt. B. Journalism as cum laude from UST in 1957. He was Literary editor of The Varsitarian in 1953.

Lumbera was arrested in January 1974, following the declaration of Martial Law. Upon his release in December of the same year, he married his former student Cynthia Nograles.

In 1977, he served as editor of the Diliman Review, one of the most critical publications during the Marcos regime.

The late national artist also taught at the Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, University of the Philippines Diliman and UST. — Patricia Lourdes Viray