Peter La Julian, former Inquirer correspondent, writes 30
RAMON, ISABELA—Former Philippine Daily Inquirer correspondent and Ilocano literary writer Peter La Julian died on Tuesday at his home in Barangay Oscariz here, his family confirmed. He was 87.
La Julian covered La Union province for the Inquirer in the 1990s and previously retired from government service as an employee of the Philippine Information Agency.
He also held the post of information head for the Department of Information in Ilocos Sur and Baguio.
But beyond journalism, La Julian’s life was steeped in literature.
A prolific writer, he authored numerous Ilocano and English novels, including “Casa Fernandez,” alongside a vast collection of short stories, essays, features, and poems published in Bannawag, Pangasaan, Aranaar, Philippine News and Features, and other publications.
He was also part of a seven-member ecumenical team that translated the Bible into Ilocano from its original Hebrew and Greek texts.
Born in 1938 in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, La Julian pursued his studies in several schools, including the University of the Philippines, where he took up journalism.
Retirement
After retiring from government service, he spent much of his life in California, United States, with his wife Estelita and their son, continuing to write in both Ilocano and English.
La Julian is survived by his wife and seven children. The wake is held at the family residence in Oscariz.
Colleagues and friends have expressed profound sorrow at his passing.
Arthur Urata Sr., former president of the Ilocano Writers’ League and fellow Cagayano writer, recalled La Julian’s “brotherly friendship,” especially during writers’ conventions. “
“Your nuggets of wisdom will linger forever,” Urata said.
Lianne Rarangol, a family member, remembered him as “a good and gentle soul … Your teachings and wisdom will forever be etched in my heart. May you find eternal peace in His hands, Lolo.”
Architect and writer Julio Belmes described La Julian as “an icon in Ilocano poetry, as well as a masterful journalist,” celebrating his enduring contributions to Philippine letters.
