In 1998, on the ground floor of the old Mindanao Times newsroom at the UMBN Media Center, the Philippine News Agency shared a workspace with the late Satur P. Apoyon, who was then serving as the agency’s editor. Even then, we were in awe of his Binisaya works; we often dropped by his office under the pretext of seeking Binisaya translations for our news stories just to be in his presence.
As a Mindanao Times columnist, Apoyon’s pieces were captivating masterclasses in the Bisayan language, rich with vivid imagery and metaphors. Alongside fellow prolific columnist Rene Bartolo, who also wrote in Binisaya every Sunday, these writers helped us truly appreciate the inherent beauty of our local tongue.
Though Apoyon has passed, his works remain a vital legacy for the next generation. They offer lessons not only in form and style but in the authentic storytelling that defines the Mindanao experience. His influence was deeply intertwined with the Davao Writers Guild (DWG), organized on May 11, 1999, by the prominent writer Ricardo de Ungria. Apoyon described his involvement with the Guild as the fulfillment of a dream to produce Mindanao stories through the Tubao Chapbook Series.
This movement led to the publication of Apoyon’s celebrated short stories, such as “Mga Gutom” and “Dili Alang kang David ang Baboy Ihalas,” the latter of which won first prize in the 1999 Bathalad Mindanao literary competition. His book, Ang Gakit ni Noebong Ug Ubang Mga Sugilanon, edited by Rachel Dorotan, remains essential reading for any aspiring Binisaya writer. In his foreword, Apoyon expressed a humble hope:
“Hinaot unta nakaabot sa panukdanan ang akong mga sugilanon sa binag-ong lagda sa pagsulat. Labaw sa tanan, unta kining tipik sa akong naumol nga mga obra sa arte sa mamugnaong imahinasyon makadulot ug kalingawan ug katagbawan sa inyong diwa.”
Apoyon is now an indelible part of Davao’s literary history. His stories have fed our creative imagination and enriched the cultural landscape of Mindanao. To ensure this flame continues to burn, the Davao Writers Guild and the Davao Historical Society will conclude National Arts Month on February 28 by honoring his memory.
The 7th Satur P. Apoyon Tigi sa Mubong Sugilanong Binisaya was organized to nurture creative writing and sustain local literary practices. According to DWG President Jade Mark Capiñares, it is currently the region’s longest-running literary program, designed to encourage new voices and affirm the enduring relevance of regional storytelling. Naming the contest after Apoyon honors his lifelong commitment to language, place, and the cultivation of local talent.
Like many Davaoeños, Apoyon was a settler, moving from Maribojoc, Bohol, in 1960 to make Davao City his home. He spent the rest of his life dedicated to journalism and literature. This year, the Davao Historical Society partners with the DWG to strengthen the documentation of the city’s intangible cultural heritage, connecting writers who can translate the soul of the past into poems and prose.
The upcoming occasion will also feature the launch of the Guild’s latest anthology, The Best of Dagmay 3, and the induction of its new set of officers.
]The Davao Historical Society meanwhile resumes it program Throwback Thursday on Feb 12, a few days before the Chinese New Year, to share the contribution of the Filipino-Chinese community to the life o the city. DHS members, history afficionados and students are invited to join the forum at Star Hotel. This will also be streamed live over Mindanao Times Facebook. page
