Ex-PSA prexy passes away

Journal Group of Publications Publisher and Editor-in-chief Augusto “Gus” Villanueva, considered the doyen of local sportswriters and a pillar in Philippine journalism, passed away at home early yesterday morning. He was 83.

On behalf the Philippine Sportswriter Association, PSA President and Tempo Sports Editor Rey Lachica issued the following statement: “Sir Gus was a revered and well-liked member of the sportswriting fraternity. He was a mentor to a generation of sportswriters and journalists. He was humble, approachable and an inspiration to us all. The PSA mourns the passing of our much-admired and respected colleague.”

There was an outpouring of tributes and praise from friends and acquaintances in the sports community whose lives were touched by the late great journalist after being informed of the death of Villanueva, a former PSA President and who received the PSA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

“He (Villanueva) was an amiable man and friendly. He was full of ideas, especially in sports. He was one of our sources of inspiration and guidance when we became commissioner of the PSC in 2000,” recalled PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez.

He was the media relations officer of the POC under the terms of Gen. (ret.) Rene Cruz and Cito Dayrit and also served as the media attaché of the PH delegation in the 1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Summer Games.

Villanueva, who was married to the late Arlyne Magsaysay Romero, is survived by his children, Dr. Armando “Mandy” Villanueva, Antonette “Baby” Villanueva-Rodriguez, their respective spouses and two grandchildren. Interment will be announced later.