By Marisol Bo-oc | 01:53 PM March 08, 2022
Family and friends of former journalist Antonietto “Boy” Pernia paid their last respects as he was laid to rest at Dampas Catholic Cemetery on Tuesday, March 8.
Pernia passed away on Feb. 27. He was 70.
He started as proofreader, writer and disc jockey at the Bohol Chronicle-DYRD in 1971. He eventually became a senior reporter of DYRD who anchored top rating public affairs programs.
Pernia’s first coverage was the 1971 proclamation rally of the late President Ferdinand Marcos at Agora Market in Tagbilaran City. His first interview was with the late Gov. Lino Chatto.
He expanded his horizon and became a medical representative of Mead Johnson. Years later, he became vice president of
SPGC Sterling Paper Group Of Companies.
He retired and went back to Bohol. He was hired by the late Gov. Erico Aumentado to head the Provincial Government Media Affairs Office (PGMA).
He also became a consultant and strategist on political affairs of Bohol 2nd district Rep. Aris Aumentado.
In his eulogy, Aris thanked Pernia for his encouragement and wisdom.
In a separate Facebook post, Aris said he was saddened by his death.
“Saddened by your death Nong Boy 😭 My heart is broken once again. First, when I lost my Papa Erico. Nisunod pa gyud si Esboy, Tomas ug Sampol. And now, ikaw. Sakit kaayo Nong Boy. Sugod day 1 paglansad nako ug Congressman in 2013 naa raka kanunay nga nagpalig-on nako ug isa ka sa niingon nga kaya nato daugon kay naa ramo kanunay sa akong luyo,” he said.
“Sakit ug bug-at gyud kaayo sa akong heart ang imung pagpanaw Sir Boy Antonieto Pernia. Nawad-an mi ug laing haligi sa among pamilya. Mentor, tatay sa opisina, friend, listener, adviser… anything we could ask for. Usa sa pinaka-kalmadong tawo nga akong nailhan,” Vanessa Aumentado said in her Facebook.
“Thank you so much for everything. You stood by Aris Aumentado ever since he chose this public life and never let go. And I know you’re still not letting us go even if you’re not physically here with us. It hurts that you’re not here anymore. Sobra ka sakit Sir Boy. But I know in my heart you are with us every step of the way. Paningkamotan namo maglig-on ug dili namo kalimtan tanan nimung mga advices,” she added. With a report from Helen Castaño