De Lima urges Senate honor for late Carmen Guerrero-Nakpil

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has urged the Senate leadership to honor the late national artist Carmen Guerrero-Nakpil for her profound legacy and admirable work in shaping and nurturing the fields of Philippine literature and history writing.

De Lima has filed Senate Resolution No. 826 which seeks to bestow esteemed recognition to Guerrero-Nakpil - touted as the Grand Dame of Philippine letters and Grand Old Lady of Public History -- following her demise last July 30 at the age of 96.

"It is fitting for the Senate of the Philippines to give due recognition to Carmen Guerrero-Nakpil, whose work and legacy have significantly promoted and advanced the nationalism and patriotism of the Filipinos, and have fostered and inspired the artistic and creative avocations of our people, especially among the youth," she said.

De Lima noted that as a journalist, memoirist and historian, Guerrero-Nakpil's works not only reflected her personal experiences, but also mirrored the rich history of Manila and what it was like to be a Filipino during the 20th and 21st centuries.

With Guerrero-Nakpil's unparalleled contributions and impact in Philippine Literature, De Lima said the former earned the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas (National Disciple of Balagtas Prize), Lifetime Achievement from the Unyon ng mga Manunulat ng Pilipinas (Umpil) in 1988, and SEA (Southern Asian) Writer Award in 1990.

"Aside from her journalistic prowess, Guerrero-Nakpil also held important leadership positions in government," De Lima shared.

Among these leadership positions include her being the Chairperson of the National Historical Commission, the Chairperson for the Cultural Committee of the Philippine Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Education, and the Director General of the Technology Resource Center.

The Senator from Bicol maintained that the outstanding and unrivalled feat of Guerrero-Nakpil in Philippine literature, journalism and history writing has infused nationalism and pride in every Filipino.

"She pioneered in bringing history closer to the Filipino people through the creation of profound literature partnered with the ardent understanding and exploration of Philippine's diverse heritage and culture," she said.

Guerrero-Nakpil's most remarkable works were Woman Enough and Other Essays (1963), The Philippines and the Filipinos (1977), The Philippines (1989) and Rice Conspiracy (1990).

Guerrero-Nakpil, who finished her Bachelor of Arts Degree in St. Therese College 1942, was also known for a trilogy based on her life comprising Myself, Elsewhere (2006), Legends and Adventures (2007) and Exeunt (2009).