Mariano Perfecto

Mariano Perfecto (1853 - November 3, 1913) was the fifth Governor of Ambos Camarines (1910–1912). Known as a prolific writer, he is considered as the "Father of Bikol Literature," and the "Father of Bisayan Literature." He published the first newspaper in the Bikol language, An Parabareta (1899–1900) and set up the first printing press in the Bikol region, the Libreria y Imprenta Mariana. His literary output ranged from translations of religious tracts, novenas to poems, short dramas and linguistic works both in the Ilonggo and Bikol languages.

Salvador Pons, an Augustinian friar, stated in one of his works (Sacerdotes Del Clero Secular Filipino Escritores. 1900) that Perfecto was a secular priest and likewise Fr. Pablo Fernandez in his book History of the Church in the Philippines (1521-1898) said the same thing but the source he cited was the same Agustinian friar.^[1]

References

1. Fernandez, Pablo. History of the Church in the Philippines (1521-1898), O.P. Life Today Publications, San Juan, Metro Manila. Philippines, 1988, vide, p. 433.

Governors of Camarines Sur

George Curry • James Ross • Juan Pimentel • Mariano Abella • Mariano Perfecto • Mariano Fuentebella • Jose Fuentebella • Andres Garchitorena • Manuel Crescini • Ramon Felipe, Sr. • Julian Ocampo • Gerardo Cea • Paz Cea de Conde * Ramon Imperial • Manuel Del Gallego • Ignacio Meliton • Mariano Villafuerte • Mariano Garchitorena • Gabriel Prieto • Jose Del Gallego • Juan Triviño • Apolonio Maleniza • Armando Cledera • Felix Alfelor • Felix Fuentebella • Jose Bulaong • Luis Villafuerte, Sr. • Luis Raymund Villafuerte, Jr. • Miguel Luis Villafuerte