Writers, students mourn deaths of PHL ‘literary mothers’

The deaths of two noted Filipino female writers over the weekend have left the Philippine literary community with deep sadness. National Artist for Literature Edith Tiempo passed away late afternoon Sunday at the age of 92, while Palanca awardee and journalist Kerima Polotan Tuvera died Friday at the age of 85. Fellow writers, literary groups and literature students expressed their grief online. In his Facebook post, writer Danton Remoto said he was left speechless by the loss of two “literary mothers" in a span of two days. Poet Marne Kilates agreed, saying: “An era passes." Palanca awardee Isagani Cruz also expressed his deep sadness over the passing of the two. “What a sad, sad weekend," one of his Facebook posts said. Poet Mila D. Aguilar extended condolences in reply to Cruz’s post. Writer Lakambini Sitoy reflected on Tiempo’s life and said: “Oh, a sad, sad day. But such a full life, and how she touched and inspired so many people — her students at (Silliman) University, over 50+ years, many of whom had never truly appreciated a poem before, and those of us who have dedicated a huge part of our lives to words." The officer-in-charge of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Literature Division Ed Cabagnot tweeted and thanked “Mommy Edith" for inspiring him and other “children of the word." Palanca awardee Susan S. Lara reposted on her Facebook an essay she wrote in 2008 that celebrated Tiempo’s life. It chronicles Tiempo’s childhood up until founding the famous Silliman National Writers Workshop in Dumaguete. In a statement Monday morning, Silliman University President Dr. Ben S. Malayang III considered Tiempo’s legacy “an eternal flame, a permanent fixture in Silliman history." Malayang extended sympathies to both the Tiempo and Tuvera families. Malacañang, in a statement, also mourned the deaths of two of the country’s esteemed writers. "The Aquino administration is united in grief with a country that mourns their passing," it said. CCP Artistic Director Chris Millado said a necrological service and tribute to Tiempo will be held at the CCP, date and time to be announced. - KBK, GMA News