The University of Santo Tomas (UST) and University of the Philippines (UP) mourned the passing of National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera.

Lumbera passed away on Sept. 28. He was 89.
UST expressed grief over the loss of alumnus Lumbera. He earned his Bachelor of Literature in Journalism from UST in 1954 and also served as editor of the Varsitarian, the official student publication of the University.
"To generations of writers and students, he was a beloved mentor and a model rightful of respect and admiration -- someone generous with his God-given talent and wisdom," UST wrote.
UP also lamented his passing and bid goodbye to the acclaimed poet and literary critic.
"With his passing, National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera left behind a legacy of fearless activism, harnessing the power of literature and the arts for the cause of freedom, truth, and nationalism."
Lumbera taught at the Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and the University of Santo Tomas.
He was also a professor emeritus at the Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas of the University of the Philippines where he has taught since 1976.
The national artist was feted with the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communications. He also won numerous literary awards, including the National Book Awards, Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas, and the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards.
He was proclaimed National Artist for Literature in 2006.
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