Quezon city: Veteran journalist Severino C. Samonte, a prominent figure in Philippine journalism, passed away at his residence in Novaliches, Quezon City, last Saturday. Samonte, who was affectionately known as Viring, was just shy of his 87th birthday, which he would have celebrated on May 20.

According to Philippines News Agency, Samonte is survived by his wife, Luzviminda, and their children Annaliza, Israel, Leilani, and Christine, along with several grandchildren. His educational journey spanned several institutions, including Caybiga Primary School, Novaliches Elementary School, Novaliches Academy (now Metro Manila College), Feati University, Philippine School of Journalism, and International Correspondence School.

Samonte's journalism career spanned over six decades, during which he worked with notable publications such as Liwayway and Bulaklak magazines, Philippine News Service, Manila Bulletin, and Data Asia Magazine/Press Foundation of Asia. Beyond journalism, he served as a village councilor of Barangay Nagkaisang Nayon in Novaliches from 1982 to 1988.

Throughout his career, Samonte received numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Presidential Communications Operations Office and Philippine News Agency in 2012. He was also recognized as the Outstanding Citizen of Novaliches in the Field of Journalism in 1997 and received various certificates of merit and recognition from other institutions.

Samonte was a vocal supporter of the Novaliches cityhood movement, a proposal that was ultimately rejected in a 1999 plebiscite. Reflecting on Novaliches' growth, Samonte noted significant changes in the area over 50 years, transforming from rural rice fields and forests into a bustling urban hub filled with housing, factories, and business establishments.