European Union Ambassador Franz Jessen paid tribute to one of the country's living literary treasures, National Artist for Literature, F. Sionil José, at the Europe Day reception on Wednesday night, by conferring an award of distinction for strengthening cultural links between the EU and the Philippines to José.
In his speech, Jessen said that José has contributed significantly in bringing Filipinos and Europeans closer through his acclaimed writings, and he continues to bring hope and light to an increasingly complex world.
The award given to José also marks the celebration of the 2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage.
Accepting the award, José, for his part, thanked Jessen and the EU and dedicating the plaque to his fellow writers or novelist during his generation.
“I am not going to be coy about it. I’m 93 years old and after all these many years of hardwork, I know I deserve this award,” José said.
“It’s not only I who deserves it, however. There are others in my generation who do—Nick Joaquin and Salvador Lopez and beyond them—the Spanish writer of the early 1900s, Rafael Palma, to Marcelo del Pilar and most of all Jose Rizal. I also add to this distinguished list our vernacular writers, who like most of us were rooted in the profound humanist tradition of the West,” he added.
Hail from Rosales, Pangasinan, José is known for his novels with relevance to the Philippine history, culture and politics.
Some of his novels tell a story during the Japanese and Spanish occupations, like Ermita and Po-On (Roots) for instance; short stories; and non-fiction including Why Are We so Poor?
During the European Day, José in his speech said the essence of Asian tradition is harmony and respect for hierarchy, whereas western tradition enshrines revolution and freedom.
“I propose instead that we look deeply into our Western heritage, and perceive the strengths that have made Europe endure. Therein lies the answer to the many problems we face today and why this award should have more meaning, not only for me but to all my countrymen,” he said.
Most of F. Sionil Jose’s novels have been translated into European languages.
He is also a publisher, lecturer on cultural issues, and the founder of the Philippine chapter of the International PEN. He was bestowed the CCP Centennial Honors for the Arts in 1999; the Outstanding Fulbrighters Award for Literature in 1988; and the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts in 1980.