De Lima files Senate resolution to honor Carmen Guerrero Nakpil

Senator Leila de Lima filed a Senate resolution urging the Senate leadership to honor the late Chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines Carmen Guerrero Nakpil.

Resolution No. 826 seeks to bestow esteemed recognition to Guerrero Nakpil, the Grand Dame of Philippine letters and Grand Old Lady of Public History after her passing on July 30 at the age of 96.

In a statement, De Lima noted Guerrero-Nakpil's works and accomplishments that mirrored the rich history of Manila and her contributions to Philippine Literature as a journalist, memoirist, and historian.

“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.

Guerrero-Nakpil has been awarded 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.

The senator also listed her leadership positions including, 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.

“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.

Carmen Guerrero Nakpil was born on July 19, 1922 in Ermita, Manila. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1942 at St. Therera’s College.

Some of her remarkable works include  "Woman Enough and Other Essays" (1963), "The Philippines and the Filipinos" (1977), "The Philippines" (1989), "Rice Conspiracy" (1990), and a trilogy based on her life — "Myself, Elsewhere" (2006), "Legends and Adventures" (2007) and "Exeunt" (2009). — LA, GMA News