The Legacy of a Cebuano Literary Giant
On November 2, 1947, as the sun rose over the beautiful city of Aloguinsan in Cebu, a child was born who would become a beacon of light for the Cebuano language and literature. Cesar Kilaton Jr. emerged not just as a writer, but as a teacher, lawyer, editor, and genuine servant of words throughout his dedicated life.
His commitment to the Cebuano language shone through multiple forms of service. In 1990, during Cardinal Ricardo J. Vidal's time, Kilaton served as a Cebuano language consultant and Bible translation supervisor. Later in 2009, he became executive editor for the English-Visayan Dictionary published by Sun.Star Publishing Inc., while also contributing to publications like Bag-ong Balud.
A Prolific Literary Career
Kilaton's writing journey began unexpectedly with the poem "Lapok," published in 1971. The piece was inspired by a fall down stairs where he landed in mud, transforming this ordinary experience into a spiritual exploration of Cebuano identity and struggle.
He proved to be an exceptionally productive writer across multiple genres:
- Poetry: Award-winning works including Harana, Dalagang Sugboanon, Bag-ong Tuig, and Sabong
- Collections: Published in Mga Tuaw Sa Kamingaw and the English Footnotes To Solitude
- International Recognition: Honored by the International Society of Poets in 2002
His storytelling talent flourished through short stories like Buang, Basura, May Adlaw Pa Ang Kahaponon, and Tuga Sa Kahadlok, which earned numerous awards from prestigious organizations including Magsusulat Inc., DAGANG, and Bisaya magazine. His cultural and linguistic essays also received recognition from LUDABI and DAGANG Foundation.
Beyond Creative Writing: Language Preservation
Kilaton's play Pagkapukan sa Kangitngit earned second prize in competition, while his impressive output of 13 novels was published by ABC Publications and serialized in Bag-ong Lungsoranon.
His contributions extended far beyond creative writing. Kilaton tackled complex issues of Cebuano orthography through his significant work Panitikan: Mga Lagda sa Ortograpiya. He also played a leading role in developing the English-Cebuano Dictionary and initiated work on the Cebuano-Cebuano-English Dictionary, a project that remains eagerly anticipated by language enthusiasts.
Cesar Kilaton Jr. stood as a pillar of language—a man who proudly declared that Bisaya deserved respect, active use, and promotion. Throughout his life, he upheld the dignity of the local tongue and elevated it to extraordinary literary heights.
Though he passed away on November 12, 2024, at age 77, his voice continues to resonate through the pages he wrote. In every word he crafted, every poem that explored life's depths, and every story that shaped truths about the human experience, Cesar remains alive—standing eternally as a pillar of Cebuano literature.
