In Memoriam: The People We Lost in 2023
As the final pages of 2023 turn, we remember prominent figures who left their mark on the country's cultural landscape. Among them: a veteran entertainer who illuminated the silver screen, dedicated public servants who ardently championed the welfare of Filipinos, and tenacious journalists and authors who fearlessly exposed wrongdoings within the government. These luminaries have bequeathed legacies that persist, serving as enduring sources of inspiration.
Let us take a moment to remember some of the notable Filipinos we lost in 2023.
1| Lualhati Bautista (December 2, 1945 - February 12, 2023)
The celebrated Filipina author and activist garnered literary accolades for her groundbreaking novels like Dekada '70; Bata, Bata, Pa’no Ka Ginawa?, and GAPÔ, which tackled sensitive social and political issues under Ferdinand Marcos’ regime. She received numerous awards, including the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, the Philippine National Book Award, and the Fukuoka Asian Cultural Prizes, solidifying her position as a literary giant. Her writing ranged beyond novels, encompassing short stories, poetry, screenplays, and children’s literature, showcasing her versatility and mastery of various forms. Her work continues to inspire critical thinking, social awareness, and artistic expression, earning her a well-deserved place among the most notable figures in Philippine literature and society.
2| Rodolfo Biazon (April 14, 1935 – June 12, 2023)
Rodolfo “Pong” Biazon was a prominent figure in Philippine history with an outstanding legacy spanning military service, politics, and public service. He rose through the ranks of the Philippine Marine Corps, becoming Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 1991. He served in various conflicts, including the Moro Rebellion and the Communist insurgency, earning respect for his courage and leadership. Biazon received numerous military awards for his service and leadership. He was elected to the Senate three times, holding leadership positions in committees on national security, defense, and foreign relations. He actively engaged in issues like the South China Sea dispute and regional security, advocating for Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity.
3| Mario Dumaual (July 31, 1958 - July 5, 2023)
A respected and influential figure in Philippine entertainment journalism, Mario Dumaual was widely appreciated for covering sensitive stories like drug scandals and controversies with professionalism and impartiality, breaking celebrity death news with sensitivity and accuracy, championing lesser-known artists, and mentoring and inspiring the new breed of entertainment journalists. For his contributions in uplifting local entertainment journalism, ABS-CBN’s Star Patroller was granted the Joe Quirino Memorial Award at the 5th EDDYs or Entertainment Editor’s Choice and was also honored with a five-point brass star on the Eastwood City Walk of Fame.
4| Mike Enriquez (September 29, 1951 - August 29, 2023)
In his more than 50 years as a broadcast journalist, 30 years with GMA Network, Mike Enriquez earned the public’s respect for his hard-hitting investigative reports, tackling sensitive issues like corruption, social injustices, and human rights violations. His investigative work earned him respect for his courage and dedication. Enriquez gained numerous accolades from various award-giving bodies including the 1999 Golden Dove Award for Best Male Newscaster, the 1999 Ka Doroy Valencia Broadcaster of the Year Award, the Best Newscaster award at the Asian Television Awards in 1999; a gold medal at the New York Festivals in 2003 for Saksi; and Silver Camera Award in the 2004 US Film and Video Festival in Hollywood for a documentary about war-torn Iraq.
5| Bayani Fernando (July 25, 1946 - September 22, 2023)
Filipino politician Bayani Fernando’s legacy is marked by his achievements in local governance, urban planning, and public service. He’s responsible for transforming Marikina from a fourth-class municipality into a model city, hailed for its cleanliness, orderliness, and efficient infrastructure. He implemented impactful urban planning initiatives like the Save the Marikina River project and pioneered innovative waste management practices, earning Marikina recognition as the cleanest city in Metro Manila. Fernando also served as chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), where he introduced the iconic Metro Gwapo campaign, emphasizing cleanliness and beautification in public spaces. He remained actively involved in public life even after leaving politics, offering his expertise and mentoring young leaders.
6| Edward Hagedorn (October 12, 1946 - October 3, 2023)
The former mayor of Puerto Princesa, Edward Hagedorn was known for his transformational leadership. He’s credited for reshaping Puerto Princesa from a smuggling haven to a clean, green, and tourist-friendly city. He implemented environmental initiatives like the Ilog-Ilog River clean-up, resulting in its designation as the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines in 1994. Hagedorn championed sustainable tourism, establishing the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and promoting responsible tourism practices. He also promoted peace and development in Palawan, working with indigenous communities and advocating for responsible resource management.
7| Susan “Toots” Ople (February 9, 1962 – August 22, 2023)
Susan “Toots” Ople dedicated her career to promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). She founded and led the Blas Ople Policy Center, providing assistance and resources to displaced OFWs worldwide. She also advocated against exploitation and abuses faced by OFWs, leading to policy changes and improved protections. In 2022, she was appointed as the first Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers and focused on streamlining migration processes and ensuring better services for OFWs. She also previously served as undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment.
8| Conrado de Quiros (May 27, 1951 - November 6, 2023)
Legendary Filipino journalist Conrado de Quiros’ columns in publications like the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Manila Standard were celebrated for their biting wit, incisive analysis, and passionate arguments on Philippine politics and society. He was recognized with awards like the Best Column citation from the Catholic Mass Media Awards and the Society of Publishers in Asia Editorial Excellence Award. De Quiros also wrote several books including “Flowers from the Rubble: Essays on Life, Death and Remembering” (1990), “Dance of the Dunces” (1991), “Dead Aim: How Marcos Ambushed Philippine Democracy” (1997), and “Tongues on Fire” (2007), showcasing his depth of knowledge and engaging storytelling skills. His powerful writings, which shaped public opinion and influenced politicians, and inspired Filipinos to speak out against injustices and stand up for their beliefs, are his lasting legacies to Philippine society.
9| Albert Del Rosario (November 14, 1939 - April 18, 2023)
During his stint as Foreign Affairs Secretary from February 2011 to March 2016, Albert del Rosario led the Philippines’ legal challenge against China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, a landmark case that went to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. The Philippines won the case in 2016, with the court invalidating China's “nine-dash line” claim and upholding the country’s sovereign rights in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Del Rosario dedicated the final years of his career as chair of the independent research organization Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute (ADRi), a vital source of in-depth analysis and critical perspectives on issues shaping the Philippines and the Indo-Pacific region. He is remembered as a courageous and patriotic leader who stood up for the Philippines’ interests on the world stage.
10| Ronaldo Valdez (November 27, 1947 - December 17, 2023)
Consummate actor Ronaldo Valdez starred in over 100 films across his five-decade career, leaving a rich and diverse filmography for generations to enjoy. He seamlessly traversed genres, mastering roles in comedies, dramas, action films, and even historical narratives, and excelled in portraying father figures, earning a reputation for warmth, authority, and emotional depth. He garnered numerous awards, including Grand Slam recognition as Best Supporting Actor in 1994 for his role in the romance movie May Minamahal. His legacy is one of versatility, longevity, and dedication to the Philippine film industry. He entertained generations with his captivating performances, leaving behind a treasure trove of cinematic memories.
