Villanueva, former PSA president, passes away

MANILA, Philippines — Journal Group of Publications publisher and editor-in-chief Augusto “Gus” Villanueva, considered the doyen of local sportswriters and a pillar in Philippine journalism, passed away yesterday morning. He was 83.

Villanueva, married to the late Arlyne Magsaysay Romero, was survived by his children, Dr. Armando “Mandy” Villanueva, Antonette “Baby” Villanueva-Rodriguez, their respective spouses and two grandchildren. Interment will be announced later.

There was an outpouring of tributes and praises from friends and acquaintances in the sports community whose lives were touched by the late great journalist after being informed of the death of Villanueva, a former PSA president and recipient of the PSA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

“Sir Gus was a revered and well-liked member of the sportswriting fraternity. He was a mentor to a generation of sportswriters and journalists. He was humble, approachable and an inspiration to us all. The PSA mourns the passing of our much-admired and respected colleague,” said Philippine Sportswriters Association president Rey Lachica.