CEBU — The Cebu Provincial Government held a necrological service on September 10, 2026, to honor National Artist for Literature Dr. Resil B. Mojares, who passed away on September 5, just a day after his 83rd birthday. A Holy Mass preceded the memorial tribute at the Capitol.
A Visayan Titan of Letters
Governor Pamela Baricuatro led the tribute, describing Mojares as the Visayan Titan of Letters. She recalled him as a lean, serious-looking professor during her political science days at the University of San Carlos. Despite his imposing intellect, he treated student activists with kindness rather than scorn.
She remembered a time when she and fellow students were running from the quadrangle after being chased by priests. Mojares simply grinned at her, a gesture that surprised her. That memory captured his gentle nature and his quiet support for youth finding their voice.
A Scholar Who Put Cebu on the Map
Mojares was a historian, literary critic, and cultural scholar whose work illuminated Cebu's past. He served as founding director of the Cebuano Studies Center at USC, establishing a research institution that placed Cebu on the map of scholarship. His efforts advanced the study of Cebuano culture and identity.
He was also a former director of the center and Professor Emeritus at USC. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines called him a true titan of local history. In 2018, he chaired the panel that reviewed accounts of the first mass in the country, with the NHCP upholding Limasawa as the historical site.
A Legacy of Over 120 Titles
Mojares authored more than 120 titles, including over 100 sole-authored and co-authored works. Among his major works were The War Against the Americans, House of Memory, and Brains of the Nation. His writing was described by fellow writer Danton Remoto as peerless, massive in quantity and high in quality.
He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including National Book Awards, the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards, and the CCP Centennial Honors. He was also a visiting professor at universities in Wisconsin, Hawaii, Michigan, Kyoto, California, and Singapore. His influence extended far beyond Philippine shores.
A Family Man and Humble Giant
Despite his towering achievements, Mojares remained a devoted family man. His daughter Leigh shared that he was a pillar of their family and expressed comfort knowing he is reunited with his wife Sally, who passed in 2022. He left behind four children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and five grandchildren.
Governor Baricuatro said his sudden demise robbed Cebu of so much more that could have been learned from his erudite mind. She expressed hope that his life and work would inspire many more National Artists from Cebu. His eldest child, Kim, thanked everyone for the kindness and prayers shown to their family.
