The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) Negotiating Panel extends its condolences on the passing of Francisco “Dodong” Nemenzo, 89, on December 19 due to complications from various illnesses. Nemenzo was a renowned social scientist, a brilliant activist, and a former president of the University of the Philippines.

NDFP Negotiating Panel chairperson Ka Julie de Lima said Nemenzo’s dedication to the struggle for social justice and national liberation leaves an indelible mark on the revolutionary movement in the Philippines. “Dodong’s journey as an intellectual Marxist and activist is deeply intertwined with the history of the national-democratic struggle in the Philippines,” said Ka Julie.

She shared that her late husband Comrade Jose Maria Sison recommended and recruited Nemenzo into the old Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas in the 1960s, where they became comrades. The two were elected as the youngest members of the old Party’s central committee and later as part of the Politburo.

“Their collaboration was instrumental during a critical period when the proletarian revolutionaries were repudiating the revisionist leadership of the Lava brothers to re-establish the Party,” Ka Julie further shared. She added that initially, Nemenzo chose to remain with the old Party but eventually broke away when disillusioned with its direction.

Beyond his activist life and involvement in the revolutionary movement, Nemenzo made significant contributions as an academic and educator. At UP, he served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (1976-1981); UP Faculty Regent (1987-1989); Chancellor of UP Visayas (1989-1992); and eventually became the university’s president (1999-2005).

“His intellectual rigor, courage, and dedication have inspired countless individuals within the revolutionary movement and beyond,” Ka Julie said. She added that while we mourn Nemenzo’s passing, we should also celebrate his life and legacy. Ka Julie hopes that Nemenzo’s memory will continue to inspire the ongoing struggle for national liberation and democracy.

Nemenzo was born on February 9, 1935, in Cebu City. He is survived by his wife and fellow veteran activist Ana Maria “Princess” Ronquillo, their three children, and grandchildren.