By Keziah G. Huelar
Atty. Rex Muzones presents the medallion of Order of National Artist to Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, Chairman, CPU Board of Trustees, Atty. Zacarias D. Bedona, Dean, CPU College of Law and Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, Vice President for Student Affairs. The Muzones family has decided to donate the National Artist medallion and some of the original works of Atty. Ramon L. Muzones to Central Philippine University.
Recognizing the contributions of Atty. Ramon L. Muzones not only to Philippine literature but also to the prestige of the University, the Central Philippine University Alumni Association Inc. held a testimonial banquet in his honor at Conference Room 2, 4th Floor, Henry Luce III Library, on February 26, 2019.
The opening prayer was led by Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director, CPU Office of Communications.
On behalf of Engr. Isagani J. Jalbuena, President, CPUAAI, Atty. Joshua C. Alim, Councilor, City of Iloilo, gave the welcome remarks. In his message, Atty. Alim highlighted Atty. Muzones as a public servant and an advocate of Ilonggo culture: “Atty. Muzones was a public servant, he was councilor of Iloilo City from 1963 to 1971. That’s why after he died on August 17, 1992, the City Government in 2002 issued Ordinance No. 00-121 in September of 2000 to recognize him as one of the outstanding Ilonggos.”
Atty. Rex Muzones shares his recollections of his father, Atty. Ramon Muzones, National Artist for Literature.
Sharing her insights on why Atty. Muzones was given the distinction of the Order of National Artist for Literature, Dr. Cecilia Locsin-Nava talked about the life, love, and works of Atty. Muzones and his deep appreciation for the Hiligaynon language: “Iloilo waited for 20 years before it could get one of its own [National Artist], and this was Ramon Muzones in 2018.”
After which, Atty. Rex Muzones, son of Atty. Muzones and an alumnus of the CPU Elementary School, talked about his recollections of his father. Atty. Rex remembered his father as a man humor, zest, and passion.
As a writer, legal practitioner, and advocate of Hiligaynon, Atty. Muzones was a man of great depth and appreciation, especially of his own native tongue: “My father and I were brothers. There are many stories to tell about him. [He] has come a long way and the award should rest with CPU where he earned his law degree.”
Atty. Rex Muzones and his wife, Gloria Muzones together with CPU officials.
CPU awarded a posthumous citation to Atty. Ramon L. Muzones. It was presented by Atty. Joshua C. Alim; Atty. Von Lovel D. Bedona, Chairman, CPU Board of Trustees; Atty. Zacarias D. Bedona, Dean, CPU College of Law; and Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico, CPU Vice President for Academic Affairs.
In response, Atty. Rex Muzones thanked the CPU Administration and the CPUAAI for honoring and preserving the legacy of his father. The Muzones family has decided to donate the National Artist medallion and some of the original works of Atty. Ramon L. Muzones to Central Philippine University.
Engr. Vitini Edhard Idemne then led the singing of the Alma Mater Song. It was followed by the closing prayer led by Engr. Rey Balogo, Trustee, CPUAAI.