03/10/2021
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) announces with great sadness the passing of National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera in the morning of Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at the age of 89. State necrological services and funeral details to follow.
National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera was a poet, librettist, and scholar.
As a poet, he introduced to Tagalog literature what is now known as Bagay poetry, a landmark aesthetic tendency that has helped to change the vernacular poetic tradition. He is the author of the following works: Likhang Dila, Likhang Diwa (poems in Filipino and English), 1993; Balaybay, Mga Tulang Lunot at Manibalang, 2002; Sa Sariling Bayan, Apat na Dulang May Musika, 2004; “Agunyas sa Hacienda Luisita,” Pakikiramay, 2004.
As a librettist for the Tales of the Manuvu and Rama Hari, he pioneered the creative fusion of fine arts and popular imagination. As a scholar, his major books include the following: Tagalog Poetry, 1570-1898: Tradition and Influences in its Development; Philippine Literature: A History and Anthology, Revaluation: Essays on Philippine Literature, Writing the Nation/Pag-akda ng Bansa.
He was conferred the Order of National Artist in the year 2006.