Mojares lauded for nat’l artist title

Following the recognition of Cebuano author Dr. Resil Mojares as national artist for literature, Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella said it deserves citywide celebration.

“It’s truly joyful news. That honor is overdue as Dr. Mojares has long been considered an undisputed master of the essay form and of cultural critique,” portion of Labella’s press statement reads.

With this, as the chairman of Cultural and Historical Affairs Commision (CHAC), he is willing to make a recommendation before the council to acknowledge Mojares.

“I will recommend to the council that he should be duly acknowledged,” he told The FREEMAN.

Mojares is a literature professor, a historian, and critic. He has authored several books and received many awards for his literary compositions.

“For me, it has been a long overdue. We are glad that finally he has been recognized for his literary works. As a fellow Cebuano, we are proud of the recognition him at long last,” he said.

In a separate interview, Councilor Margarita Osmeña, chairwoman of the committee on tourism, sister cities relations, arts, and culture, said Mojares’ award is something that Cebuanos should be proud of.

“It’s so good to have an honor given when the person is still around to be able to receive it. We are extremely proud and grateful,” she said.

Like Labella, Osmeña is also willing to initiate for the acknowledgement of Mojares from the city government.

“We should acknowledge the honor that has been given to him but if I am not mistaken, I think he has been given by the city in the past, he is something that Cebaunos should be grateful and acknowledge his contribution,” she said.

At the Capitol, Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said that Mojares is one of the persons who made the Cebu History Collection which featured the roots of the 51 local government units in the province.

"Nagplano ko to draft a resolution congratulating him and for his contributions," she told reporters.

Governor Hilario Davide III said that he personally knew Mojares because he was also the editorial consultant of a book about the life of his father, Chief Justice Hilario Davide. He said that it was a gift of his mother to his father.

Last Tuesday, the awarding ceremony took place at the Malacañang wherein other six national artists were also recognized.

They are Ryan Cayabyab for Music, Francisco Mañosa for Architecture, Ramon Muzones for Literature, Larry Alcala or Visual Arts.

Others are Amelia Lapeña Bonifacio for theater and Kidlat Tahimik for Film. —