Philippines declares national mourning for literary icon Resil Mojares

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared September 12, 2026, as a Day of National Mourning to honor the passing of National Artist for Literature Resil Mojares. Mojares passed away on September 5, shortly after his 83rd birthday.

Under Proclamation No. 1434, the Philippine flag will be flown at half-mast at all government buildings and installations from sunrise to sunset on the designated day. The proclamation recognizes Mojares as a vital teacher, scholar, essayist, and historian whose work significantly advanced regional literature, history, and the formation of Cebuano and national identity.

Named a National Artist for Literature in 2018, Mojares was a central figure in Philippine cultural studies, particularly noted for his documentation of Cebu’s history and culture.