ILOILO CITY -- The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the Iloilo City government led the celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Rosendo Mejica, who is known as the ‘Dean of Visayan Journalists.’

“Because of his pioneering work and his commitment for the community, he sparked Visayan authors and publishers,” said Carminda Arevalo of the NHCP.

It was in 1913 when Mejica founded the Makinaugalingon, the longest-running newspaper in the Hiligaynon language.  He was also its founding editor.

Mejica also translated the works of Jose Rizal, Graciano Lopez Jaena and Marcelo Del Pilar from Spanish to Hiligaynon.

“It is our hope that the current generation of authors and publishers take up the mantle in continuing working [with local languages],” said Arevalo during the commemoration on Wednesday, March 1.

Cheryl Anne del Rosario, president of the Western Visayas Association of Museum, reminded everyone that Mejica’s contribution was beyond the written word as he was also credited for establishing Baluarte Elementary School, which was believed to be the first public elementary school during the American period.

Mejica was also a certified public accountant (CPA), a civic leader and a philanthropist.

The celebration was highlighted with the launch of the digitized collection of the Rosendo Mejica Historical Landmark, which is the ancestral house-turned-museum in Molo district.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Noel Mejica Servigon and his sister Dr. Chairmaine Servigon Malata, expressed gratitude to the NHCP for digitizing the collection of their grandfather.

Pilar Mejica Martinez, another descendant who manages the museum, said visitors and researchers are always welcome.