Negros Occidental loses fierce historian-journalist Modesto Sa-onoy

WELL-RESPECTED. Modesto Sa-onoy (in yellow) greets Bacolod Bishop Emeritus Patricio Buzon at the San Sebastian Cathedral.

Contributed photo/Maria Theresa Nacolangga

At his peak as a journalist, Modesto Sa-onoy co-founded The Visayan Daily Star on April 12, 1982

AT A GLANCE

• Modesto Sa-onoy, an esteemed historian and journalist from Negros Occidental, passed away at the age of 88 due to pneumonia.
• He was a prolific writer and co-founder of The Visayan Daily Star, receiving numerous awards for his contributions to journalism and the community.
• Sa-onoy's legacy includes his active role in preserving the history and culture of Bacolod, as well as his dedication to various organizations and his family.

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NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Negros Occidental mourns after losing an acclaimed historian and fierce journalist.

Modesto Sa-onoy, known for his many authored books on the Negros revolution and history, as well as founding two community papers in Bacolod City, succumbed to pneumonia on Thursday, September 10, his son, Aufred Paul, announced on Facebook. 

He was 88.

Sa-onoy was a decorated keeper of the flame, and a courageous, hard-hitting, yet objective columnist. With his writing prowess that truly brought great impact to Bacolod and Negros communities, Sa-onoy was a recipient of the Ang Banwahanon and Outstanding Negrosanon awards — both of which are the highest citations given to an outsanding citizen of the city and the province, respectively.

Active in the Diocese of Bacolod, Sa-onoy was conferred knighthood in the Equestrian Order of Pope St. Sylvester. Pope Benedict XVI also elevated him to the rank of Commander and awarded him the Great Medal in recognition of his work and service to the Diocese of Bacolod

At his peak as a journalist, Sa-onoy co-founded The Visayan Daily Star on April 12, 1982, alongside fellow journalists, the late Ninfa Leonardia and Primo Esleyer, and the surviving Ruperto Toga.

After nearly 45 years of operation as one of the most respected and sought-after community papers in Bacolod and Negros Occidental, The Visayan Daily Star, suspended its print publishing operations on June 6.

Aside from The Visayan Daily Star, Sa-onoy was also the man behind the birth of Today News and Views, which later merged with SunStar-Bacolod in 2008.

SunStar-Bacolod also transitioned to a digital-only format in 2024.

Sa-onoy served as president of the Negros Press Club (NPC), the oldest press club in the country, for two terms, from 1982 to 1984, and from 1989 to 1990.

Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya, who was a broadcaster before he entered politics, described Sa-onoy as a brilliant journalist and historian and an esteemed member of the Bacolod City College Board of Trustees.

“His legacy and the history he preserved for us will live on forever,” the mayor said, adding, “His love for Bacolod and Negros was clear in everything he did, working tirelessly for decades to write, share, and protect the history and culture of our people.”

Meanwhile, La Consolacion College-Bacolod (LCC-B) is also mourning the passing of Sa-onoy, its distinguished alumnus and former faculty member.

In 2015, LCC-B conferred the Sor Evangelista de San Agustin Award upon Sa-onoy, an honor reserved for its outstanding alumni who exemplify the ideals of the institution through distinguished achievement, selfless commitment, and significant contribution to the advancement of their alma mater.

Aufred Paul, also a past president of the NPC, described his father as so many things — an author, a journalist, a teacher, a consultant, an Army reserve officer, and an active member of so many organizations.

“But most importantly, he was a father to Angel and me, a father-in-law to Ephie and Stephen, the loving husband of Verobina Abeto Sa-onoy, a grandfather to Alran, Gabrielle, Sam, and Jaez, and a great-grandfather to Ali and Rafa,” he added.

Sa-onoy’s wake will be held at Acropolis Gardens – Aisle 4 in Barangay Bata, Bacolod, starting at 3 pm on Saturday, September 12, until Monday, September 14.

Interment mass will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday, September 15, at the Bacolod Cathedral, before he is laid to rest at the Cathedral Ossuarium Crypt. – Rappler.com