TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines: Marianito Jose Luspo, a beloved Bohol-based historian, playwright, writer, and cultural worker, died on Wednesday (Feb 26). He was 65.
The province’s culture and arts community described Luspo’s death as “an immeasurable loss.”
The Center for Culture and Arts Development (Ccad)-Bohol and the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage (Bach) Council said Luspo, as a cultural researcher, left an indelible mark on Bohol’s rich cultural heritage.
“Bohol has lost one of its greatest champions” being a devoted advocate of Boholano heritage, the National Museum of the Philippines-Bohol said.
“His unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Bohol’s rich cultural identity has left an indelible mark on the province and beyond,” it said in a statement.
Luspo served as professor and Cultural Affairs Officer of the Holy Name University for several years until retirement.
He also served as the chairman of Bach for several terms. He was a consultant to Ccad.
He also worked with the Diwanag Dance Theatre and Cultural Troupe, and with Kasing Sining, which has presented his musical play about Dagohoy, “Dagon sa Hoyohoy,” in the country and overseas.
Luspo wrote books about Bohol’s heritage.
In 2023, Luspo was a recipient of the 2nd Kaisa Ini sa Sining, Lunsay nga Artistang Pilipino Awards by the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
He was a President Carlos P. Garcia Awardee for Culture and Arts in Nov. 2024. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
