Iloilo City Pays Tribute to Esteemed Historian and Journalist Demetrio Sonza

ILOILO CITY — The city council dedicated its session on Wednesday to honoring the memory of the late Demetrio Sonza, a revered Ilonggo historian, journalist, and political figure, for his invaluable contributions to the cultural and historical fabric of Iloilo City.

According to Philippines news Agency, Sonza’s efforts, including his pivotal role in establishing October 5 as “Adlaw sang Ciudad sang Iloilo” (Iloilo City Day), have left an indelible mark on the community.

Sonza’s dedication to preserving Iloilo’s rich cultural heritage through his scholarly work was highlighted by Ganzon, who praised the historian’s extensive output, including 13 published books. His literary contributions, such as “Sugar is Sweet: The Story of Nicholas Loney,” “Mightier than the Sword: Biography of Graciano Lopez Jaena,” and “Adriano Hernandez: A Hero in War and in Peace,” were lauded as a testament to Sonza’s passion for documenting the unique narrative of the region.

The city council unanimously passed a resolution expressing condolences to Sonza’s family, recognizing his profound impact on the city and province. Sonza, who passed away on January 22 at the age of 89, was laid to rest Wednesday morning, following a distinguished career in public service. He served as a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for two terms from 1988 to 1995 and for another three terms from 2010 to 2019. Additionally, he held the position of vice governor of Iloilo from 1995 to 2001.

In 1999, Sonza was honored with the Gold Medallion Gawad Centenario by the Philippine Centennial Commission, reflecting his significant contributions to the nation’s history and culture. Vice Mayor Ganzon, in his speech, extended the city’s collective condolences, emphasizing the community’s loss of a prominent figure whose legacy is destined to inspire future generations.

The provincial capitol employees also paid their respects to Sonza, holding a eulogy at the Casa Real, where his remains were kept overnight, further underscoring the deep respect and admiration for Sonza within the community.