The Baguio media community is mourning the passing of Baguio journalist Cesar Reyes after a brief battle with Covid-19 complications. He was 61.
Reyes tested positive for Covid-19 on May 18. Prior that week, he had an on-and-off fever and had difficulty in breathing. While at the hospital, he sought for prayers on Facebook on May 20. It was his last post in social media.
His wife, Isabelita, shared to reporters her husband was comatose when he passed away. His remains were cremated that same day and the urn was brought to their residence.
Of the more than 12 journalists in Baguio and Benguet who contracted Covid-19 since last year, Reyes was the first who succumbed to the infection.
Reyes, a senior correspondent of the Journal Group’s People’s Tonight, was known in the Baguio media circle as the soft-spoken and amiable “kuya Cesar” who was a friend to all.
“Tahimik pero masipag magtrabaho and always with a smile,” said veteran journalist Marilou Guieb of Business Mirror.
“He was patient and listened to other people first before speaking. He was also willing to give a listening ear to those in need of someone to talk to,” said Aldwin Quitasol of Daily Tribune and president of Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club (BCBC).
Born on Sept. 2, 1959 in San Fabian, Pangasinan, Reyes first landed a career in media in Manila before he and his family transferred to Baguio more than two decades ago.
He served as an officer of the BCBC in varied capacities, a member of the National Press Club, and former president of the Philippine National Police Cordillera Press Corps. – Ofelia C. Empian
