An icon of the student paper for almost 50 years, Dr. Bernardita Castillo Cortes, was honored last night, June 26, by the staff and past editors of The Varsitarian as she retired from the academe.
Ma'am Bern, ever since anyone could remember, served as English consultant and then as Technical consultant of The Varsitarian, the official student publication of the University of Bohol.
A fierce defender of the publication's autonomy and independence, she has endeared herself to the "Varsians" both then and now whom she helped mold to become what they are today.
Ma'am Bern started as Literary editor of the Rafael Palma Collegian (the precursor of the Varsitarian when UB was then known as Rafael Palma College), circa 1960s, with Erico B. Aumentado (who later became Bohol Governor) then as chief editor. At that time, her fellow Varsi staff included Board Member Dionisio Balite and City Councilor & Past PCL Pres. Urbano Lagunay.
Past editors-in-chief of the student paper who gave tribute to Ma'am Bern with their testimonial and presence were Judge Jorge Cabalit, Atty. Handel Lagunay, Ediliza Macalandag and Kit Bagaipo. Paul Vistal, past editor-in-chief of The Word, official student publication of Holy Name University (formerly Divine Word College), was also in attendance. Ma'am Bern's cousins, Carmen Mae and Gloria Castillo were the surprise guests for the honoree.
Escorted by her husband, Boy, Ma'am Bern gave her response recounting the challenges the paper has went through and overcame all the years and expressed confidence that the Varistarian will continue to be in good hands with her chosen successor, Mrs. Emilita Cresencio-Lim (BS MassCom, Silliman University, 1981).
Ma'am Bern's two sons, Jasper and Cromwell, are working in Thailand. Jasper was also a past editor-in-chief of the Varsitarian and a prolific and profound writer just like his mom.
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