• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Negrense community is mourning the passing of Modesto Sa-onoy, a veteran journalist, author, and prominent local historian, and fondly known to colleagues as “Tito Mode”, who died Sept. 10.
He was 88 years old.
Past presidents, and the current officers and members of the Negros Press Club (NPC) gathered at his wake to honor Sa-onoy’s decades of legacy, and share fond memories from their years of working alongside the past president.
Among his numerous honors were the Ang Banwahanon and Outstanding Negrosanon awards, the highest recognitions bestowed by Bacolod City and the Negros Occidental provincial government.
He authored numerous books including “A history of Negros Occidental”, and the history of various municipalities and cities in the province.
Sa-onoy was elevated to a Papal Knighthood in the Equestrian Order of Pope St. Sylvester by Pope Benedict XVI for his service to the Church, and historical contributions to the Diocese of Bacolod.
“We give thanks to God for the gift of his life, his wisdom, and his enduring contribution to our community. May his legacy continue to inspire generations to value truth, history, faith, and service,” the San Sebastian Cathedral said of Sa-onoy.
The school community also celebrated the life of Sa-onoy, who not only kept the history alive, but helped shape the landscape of Negros Occidental.
The Bacolod City College honored Sa-onoy, a member of the Board of Trustees, not only as a respected chronicler of Negros’ history but also as a trusted adviser, mentor, and steadfast supporter of the college.
The same goes for La Consolacion College Bacolod, noting that the late journalist was a distinguished alumnus, former faculty member, historian, and civic leader, whose life’s work helped preserve the story of Negros, and whose service left an enduring mark on the institution and the wider community.
“Sa-onoy devoted much of his life to ensuring that Negros would not lose its stories — the stories of its people, its families, its churches, its institutions, its conflicts, its triumphs and its transformation through time. In doing so, he gave future generations something deeply important: a record of themselves,” LCC said.
In 2015, LCC Bacolod conferred on him the Sor Evangelista de San Agustin Award, an honor reserved for outstanding alumni, who exemplify the ideals of the institution through distinguished achievement, selfless commitment, and significant contribution to the advancement of their alma mater.
“To the world, he was a distinguished historian, writer, journalist, teacher, and a man of meaningful service. To us, he was simply Lolo — a source of wisdom, strength, stories, and love. His curiosity, passion for our people and our island, and unwavering faith inspired us and will always be a part of who we are,” Sa-onoy’s family said. “His many achievements and recognitions are a testament to a life well-lived, but his greatest legacy to us is the love, values, and lessons he passed on – the importance of faith, family, education, and always striving to make a positive difference in the world.”
Sa-onoy’s remains lie in state at the Acropolis Gardens in Barangay Bata, Bacolod City. He will be laid to rest tomorrow, Sept. 15, following an interment mass at the San Sebastian Cathedral, after which, he will be interred at the Cathedral Ossuarium Crypt. | TMD
