By Alec Go
Malacañang and several officials have sent condolences to the family of the late veteran journalist and former Press Secretary Crispulo Julio “Jun” Icban, Jr., who passed away on Monday (April 5) at the age of 85.
In a statement, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar honored the legacy of Icban, saying he “played a pivotal role in the development of Philippine journalism.”
“Rendering 47 years in Manila Bulletin, 18 years of which [were] spent as its editor-in-chief, his works and presence have been a daily part of the lives of those in the industry and those who consume news and information,” Andanar stated.
“As someone who has had a distinguished career in and has devoted his life to journalism, Mr. Icban will be truly missed, especially by those who have been cultivated with his vocation,” he added.
Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who was the chief executive during Icban’s term as press secretary, described him as a “fighter” and an “embodiment of old school journalism.”
“Even when Covid-19 was rampaging in NCR [National Capital Region], he still consistently reported to work at the Manila Bulletin. Such was his devotion and commitment to his profession,” Arroyo said.
“When he served as my Press Secretary during my presidency, he showed his outstanding mettle not just in media affairs but in people management. He was well-loved and respected by reporters and his peers,” she added.
Meanwhile, AnaKalusugan Party-list Representative Mikel Defensor filed a resolution at the House of Representatives to honor the late veteran journalist and his contributions.
Icban graduated from the University of the Philippines in 1954, where he served as the editor-in-chief of the Philippine Collegian for a year. He was the Manila Bulletin’s editor-in-chief for the past 18 years and concurrent publisher since 2020.
