National Artist for Literature, Bienvenido Lumbera, died at the age of 89.

Tala Lumbera, the daughter of the great poet, confirmed through her Facebook post that he died on Tuesday, September 28.

Lumbera is a Filipino poet, critic, and dramatist. He graduated from the University of Santo Tomas, where he earned his Bachelor of Literature in Journalism and also served as the literary editor of the Varsitarian, the official student publication of the University.

Various recognitions were awarded to Lumbera, in honor of his great contributions to Philippine literature. He was awarded as the National Artist for Literature in April 2006, received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communications in 1993, and the Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for Literature in 1975.

The Filipino writer was best known for his works Tales of the Manuvu, Rama Hari, and Hibik at Himagsik nina Victoria Laktaw, as well as his poetry collection Likhang Dila, Likhang Diwa.

Lumbera was also known as a great mentor and Professor. He taught in the top four prestigious universities in our country, where he was loved and respected by most of his students and writers.

Fellow poet and National Artist, Virgilio Almario wrote a short verse to mourn for his friend.

“BIEN

Paano kita tatawagin?
Guro? Patnubay? Uliran?
Kaibigan, kalahati ng danas ko’y nagunaw
Sa iyong pagpanaw.

Rio Alma
28 Setyembre 2021”

Several universities and friends have extended their deepest condolences to the Lumbera family and commemorate his excellency in the field of Philippine Literature.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/tala.lumbera, https://www.facebook.com/vsalmario