Journalism titan’s wisdom touched many
By now, you must know that Mr. Icban was ‘our walking stylebook and encyclopedia
The passing of former press secretary and illustrious journalist Crispulo Julio “Jun” Icban Jr. will definitely leave a shoe that will be very difficult to fill.
Mr. Icban, 85 at the time of his demise on 5 April 2021, will be truly missed, particularly by those inspired by his wisdom. He served as the Manila Bulletin’s (MB) editor-in-chief (EIC) for the past 18 years and was named concurrent publisher in 2020.
Mr. Icban’s role in the development of Philippine journalism will never be forgotten, especially by the privileged few who directly worked under him at the editorial department of the newspaper, where he worked for 47 straight years, about 18 years as its EIC.
His presence had been a daily part of the lives of those in the industry.
“By now, you must know that Mr. Icban was ‘our walking stylebook and encyclopedia,’” MB assistant EIC Ed Bartilad said of their chief.
He never called an editor to his office for corrections or remarks on the current paper. Instead, Mr. Icban went to a particular editor or an employee, or maybe call him or her by phone about certain matters.
Indeed, one can never feel intimidated because if ever he approached you, it will be a treasured learning experience, as Mr. Icban will always impart his encouraging and reassuring words.
And whenever he called it a night, he will impart his most revered instruction to the night editor to take charge of tomorrow’s newspaper.
Although he was an authoritative figure in the editorial department, no one can ever forget his wit and humor.
Mr. Icban was always very accommodating to share his precious time with anybody, in and out of the editorial department.
In 1954, Mr. Icban graduated magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree
in English, and started his career in journalism when he joined the Manila Times in the same year.
Mr. Icban also served as press secretary under former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2010.
Truly, Mr. Icban will never ever be forgotten, especially by those
who still continued to be a part of the industry, and by those who still treasure his timeless and valuable guiding words.
He was born on 3 August 1935 in Tondo, Manila to Crispulo Manansala Icban of Lubao, Pampanga and Mercedes
Villanueva Julio of Pura, Tarlac.
He was married to Zenaida Pamintuan Icban with whom he has six children — Susan Icban Amores, Mercedes Icban Hermogenes, Crispulo Icban III, David Icban, Zenaida Flor Icban and Michael Ben Icban.