HATAW! D'yaryo ng Bayan hatawtabloid.com
VETERAN journalist and staunch advocate for truth, Johnny Dayang, was honored during a 40th-day memorial mass on Saturday at Serendra One Social Hall. Family, friends, colleagues, and public figures gathered to celebrate his life and contributions while renewing a call for justice after his tragic assassination.
Dayang’s distinguished journalism career included roles as Publisher of Philippine Graphic magazine, Former President and Chairman Emeritus of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI), former President of the Manila Overseas Press Club, and Secretary of the Catholic Mass Media Awards. He also served as a UNESCO Commissioner and was recognized as a youth leader early in his career.
Beyond journalism, Dayang demonstrated public service as Governor of the Philippine Red Cross, a volunteerism advocate and friend of current Chairman and former Senator Richard Gordon. He also served as Officer-in-Charge Mayor of Kalibo, Aklan, and worked in public relations for the Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Group of Companies.
The memorial drew notable attendees including former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, a close family friend who was Ninang at Johnny and his late wife Ofelia Dayang’s wedding anniversaries and at their son Juan Jr.’s wedding.
Johnny and Ofelia’s children—Bernadette; Juan Jr., with wife Maria Francesca; and Geraldine, with husband Atty. Jose Roderick Fernando and their children—were joined by extended family and supporters.
The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Alex Colmeiro, who spoke about compassion and justice in the face of tragedy.
Following the service, guests shared a merienda cena and viewed a memorial table featuring Johnny’s book Echoes from the Woodwork, a collection of columns chronicling two decades of Philippine history.
The Dayang family calls on authorities to intensify efforts to bring justice, as the hired gunman remains at large and the mastermind has yet to be identified.
Though his voice has been silenced, Johnny Dayang’s legacy endures as a symbol of truth, integrity, and service.
