Resil Mojares, Philippine National Artist for Literature, dies at 83

Resil Mojares, a renowned Cebuano author, historian, and 2018 National Artist for Literature, died in the early hours of Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the age of 83. His family confirmed his passing, noting that he had celebrated his birthday just one day prior.

A prolific educator and writer, Mojares was a founding director of the Cebuano Studies Center at the University of San Carlos and authored at least six National Book Award-winning works. His academic expertise earned him visiting professorships at institutions including Kyoto University, the National University of Singapore, and UCLA.

Mojares was also a significant figure in Philippine historical scholarship. He chaired the panel convened by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to resolve the long-standing dispute regarding the site of the first Holy Mass in the country. His panel’s findings recommended that Limasawa be recognized as the historical site, a decision later formalized by the NHCP in 2020.