Mata family donates 846 books to UST library

MANILA, Philippines — The family of the late journalist Nestor Mata yesterday donated to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Library more than 846 books from his collection.

Among the donated books is a signed copy of “One Came Back,” Mata’s account of the 1957 plane crash that left then president Ramon Magsaysay and 24 others dead.

In a statement, UST said most of the books the Mata family donated were about politics, journalism, history and geography. These books could be easily accessed by students and library patrons, the university said.

Mata’s children Jan, Francis and Mike were present at the book donation ceremony.

UST recognized Mata’s work as a Thomasian journalist for six decades. He covered a wide range of historical events, including political upheavals, wars and natural disasters.

He worked for a government radio station before becoming a reporter of the Philippine Herald newspaper and covered the Korean War as a war correspondent.

Mata obtained his bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s degree in foreign affairs at UST and taught political science and journalism subjects at his alma mater.

“Throughout his career, Nestor Mata maintained a strong bond with UST, often returning to the university to share his experiences and insights with aspiring journalists. He served as an inspiration and role model for students, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and make a difference through their chosen profession,” UST said.

UST prefect of libraries Fr. Angel Aparicio thanked Mata and his family for the donation.

“In doing this, you are following the example of other writers and journalists, like Paz Latorena and Nick Joaquin (Quijano de Manila), whose niche is carved in the Esaquinita de Manila on the fourth floor of this building,” Aparicio said.

He said UST has a heritage library with books that “survived many calamities that happened in the country. Our Filipiniana collection is unique because it survived wars such as the Japanese occupation and the (Battle for the) Liberation of Manila.”

Aparicio said he believes that with the advent of the internet and e-books, printed books remain “irreplaceable.”

He added that books reflect the education of Filipinos such as those written by the national hero Jose Rizal, Mata and others.

“We keep them (books) here because they connect. Life is a personal relationship. We relate only not only with the actual person but we relate also with the persons who came before us,” Aparicio said.