KALIBO, Aklan – Former Aklan vice governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino died of a lingering illness. He was 77.
A lawyer, Tolentino had served, too, as member of the Sangguniang Bayan of Kalibo.
A staunch advocate of press freedom and the vital role of community journalism, Tolentino was elected president of the Aklan Press Club, Inc. for many years and maintained the column “Reason and Concern” in Panay News, the No. 1 regional newspaper, for over two decades beginning in 1984.
He also served the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) and the Federation of the Provincial Press Clubs, Inc. (FPPCI) as director representing the Visayas.
In December 2018, Tolentino released a book named after his Panay News column. “Reason and Concern: Writings of a Filipino Journalist” was a compilation of his column articles that touched on a myriad of subjects – law, politics, local governance, economy, etc.
“I decided to compile these writings in book form since many of my writings (hard copies/newspaper clippings) were destroyed when typhoon ‘Frank ravaged’ the province in 2008,” said Tolentino at the book launching.
“Frank” brought unprecedented flooding in Panay Island in June 2008.
Popularly known as “Kel”, Tolentino was a youth leader during his student days.
He also received various awards as chairman of the Philippine Red Cross, Aklan chapter.
“Kel was a great loss. His record as a public official, humanitarian service leader and as journalist was unblemished. He will always be remembered as an upright and outstanding citizen,” said former Kalibo mayor Juan P. Dayang, also the PAPI chairman emeritus.
PAPI president Nelson Santos and FPPCI’s Allan Sison are set to arrive in Kalibo to pay tribute to their fallen comrade.
The bereaved family of Tolentino is expected to announce the date of internment and schedules of necrological service./PN
