Last Page: Cirilo Bautista passes at 76

News of his passing at 76 was brought to social media by the De La Salle University’s (DLSU’s) Department of Literature, an institution where he was a professor. (Photo: DLSU The Department of Literature/Facebook)

The world of Literature has lost another one of its color-bringers as it turns to the last page for National Artist for Literature Cirilo Bautista.

News of his passing at 76 was brought to social media by the De La Salle University’s (DLSU’s) Department of Literature, an institution where he was a professor.

“It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our beloved professor/mentor and perhaps the greatest poet in the annals of Philippine literature – Dr. Cirilo F. Bautista,” the page wrote on May 6, Sunday.

Dropping metaphoric references to some of the wisest and iconic mentors of some literary pieces, the page continued with, “Rest in peace, our Moses, Gandalf, Nero Wolfe, Obi Wan Kenobi. Till we meet again in Paradise.”

Malacañang through a statement extended its deepest condolences to the renowned National Artist’s family, friends, and colleagues.

“We remember him as one of the country’s most passionate authors, whose devotions to the study of Literature paved the way for more Filipinos to develop their creative talent,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr. said.

“Dr. Bautista’s contribution to the continuous growth and progress of Philippine Literature will always be inscribed in the pages of our nation’s history. His teachings and literary works will live on forever,” he continued.

In 2014, former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III conferred Bautista for the National Artist for Literature award.

The late poet graduated as a magna cum laude from the University of Santos Tomas’ (UST’s) AB Literature program. He also served as the Literary Editor of the university’s official publication, the Varsitarian. He took his MA Literature in St. Louis University in Baguio City also as a magna cum laude.

Bautista received his Doctor of Arts in Language and Literature degree from DLSU-Manila.

He became a professor in all of his mentioned alma maters and received various awards from the alumni associations of the said universities.

Some of his contributions to the literary world included “Summer Suns,” “Words and Battlefields: A Theoria on the Poem,” “Galaw ng Asoge,” “Tinik sa Dila: Isang Katipunan ng mga Tula,” and “The Trilogy of Saint Lazarus.”