“Ang Suga” editors and staff (Part 1)

Cebu’s first newspaper in Cebuano was called “Ang Suga.” It was published by Don Vicente Yap Sotto, thus making him the Father of Cebuano Journalism, Language and Literature. Its first copy was printed on June 16, 1901. Here are their editors and staff:

Francisco V. Arias - CEBUpedia wrote an article about him entitled “Mayor, Lawyer, Publisher and Writer” dated January 18, 2015. Arias, who was the editorial assistant of Don Vicente Yap, became the latter’s vice presidential tandem on the election held on November 5, 1907. Sotto, Arias and their entire slate won, but since Sotto was in Hong Kong during the election on self-imposed exile, Arias assumed the Presidency of the Municipality of Cebu. Arias also became the editor of “Ang Suga” while Sotto was in Hong Kong. He died on March 25, 1932.

Leoncio Avila - He became editor of “Ang Suga” in 1909. He used the pen names Avi and Azucena. He was born on September 12, 1870 and studied at the Colegio de San Carlos and worked as Chief Clerk of the Municipal Secretary of Cebu.

Uldarico Alviola - CEBUpedia wrote two articles about him dated August 26, 2013 and July 22, 2015. A street in Barangay Tinago formerly called as J. Villagonzalo II is named after him. Aside from being editor of “Ang Suga,” his other publications were “El Nacionalista,” “El Precursor” and “El Espectador.” In his book “Cebuano Literature” Professor Resil B. Mojares provides additional information on him, such as being a Deputy Governor of Cebu and writing the books, “Felicitas,” “Ang Gugma sa Lalaki” and “Ang Gugma sa Babaye.” He was given the title as Dean of Cebuano Writers. He was born on July 4, 1883 and died on April 29, 1966.

Tomas R. Baguio (also spelled as Tomas Bagyo) - Aside from being a staff member of “Ang Suga,” he was also a public servant, he became Records Chief of the Cebu Provincial Government and chief of police of the then Municipality of Cebu. Tomas belonged to the Baguio Clan of Cordova, many of whom served as its municipal leaders, like Lope Baguio and Juan Baguio as municipal presidents and Sergio A. Baguio as municipal mayor. A veteran lawyer and former Mayor of Cordova and presently a presidential adviser of President Rodrigo Duterte by the name of Adelino belongs to the Baguio Clan of Cordova as his parents were Maximo Menguito Sitoy and Romana Amores-Baguio (CEBUpedia wrote an article about them on October 17, 2015 entitled “Public School Teachers who produced leaders of Cordova.” (to be continued)