Pozorrubio mourns passing of ‘Mel’ Jovellanos
CHAMPION OF PANGASINAN LANGUAGE, HISTORY
THE town of Pozorrubio mourned the passing and paid tribute to one of its most beloved sons, Emiliano “Mel” V. Jovellanos, who passed away on February 9, 2025 at the age of 87.
In an emotional address delivered during the Sangguniang Bayan session last week, Councilor Dennis Uy spoke fondly of the life and legacy of the late historian, educator, poet, and public servant.
“His passing is not just the loss of a beloved citizen, but the passing of a true pillar of our community, a man whose dedication to public service, historical preservation, and cultural enrichment has left an indelible mark on our town and province,” Uy said.
Born on May 14, 1937, Jovellanos served as municipal secretary from 1988 to 1992, and was a member of the Sangguniang Bayan from 1993 to 1999.
His most enduring contributions, though, were in his work as a historian and linguist. He authored the Pangasinan-English Dictionary, which became a definitive reference for the preservation and promotion of the language, which he passionately advocated for throughout his life.
“He was, first and foremost, a historian, a writer, and a poet — a man whose passion for documenting and celebrating our past ensured that future generations would always remember the roots and identity of Pozorrubio,” Uy added.
Jovellanos’ scholarly contributions to the town’s heritage also included writing books and poems celebrating the local tongue.
In addition to his scholarly work, one of his most cherished legacies was the composition of the Pozorrubio Hymn, which encapsulates the pride and spirit of the town.
In a tribute to his life, the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) acknowledged Mr. Jovellanos as a “Champion of the Pangasinan Language” and highlighted his lasting impact on the cultural and linguistic heritage of the province. The PTCAO shared a touching excerpt from one of his poems, “Kurang na Bilay,” which remains a cherished piece of literature in the Pangasinan community. (Eva Visperas)
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