The 111th birth anniversary of Renato “Katoks” D. Tayag, Sr. — journalist, civic leader, and philanthropist — was commemorated with a wreath-laying ceremony at the City Library and Information Center in Angeles City on October 9, 2026.
The tribute was organized by the Abacan River and Angeles Watershed Advocacy Council, Inc. (ARAW-ACI) in partnership with the local government and the Pampanga Press Club (PPC).
Tayag built a legacy that spanned journalism, public service, and education. He wrote for the Manila Times in 1964, known for his stories on Red China, and was one of the early members of the Pampanga Press Club. He later served as a director of the Philippine National Bank for 20 years until his passing on August 13, 1985.
Among his most enduring contributions was his love for learning and culture. In October 1972, together with his family, he donated a 1,690-square-meter lot for the establishment of a library that would house Filipiniana and Law sections — a gift intended to inspire the youth to embrace history, journalism, law, and the arts.
During the ceremony, ARAW-ACI presented a resolution seeking to declare October 9 as Renato “Katoks” Tayag Day in recognition of his contributions.
Present were ARAW-ACI President Ricardo Rene “Abe” O. Tayag and officers, First District Rep. Carmelo “Pogi” G. Lazatin, Jr., Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II represented by PIO Jose Aubrey “Jay” Pelayo IV, Vice Mayor Amos Rivera, Punto! Central Luzon Editor Caesar “Bong” Lacson, Pampanga Press Club President Lincoln M. Baluyut, City Librarian Erma R. Manalo, Councilor Atty. Jessel Dayrit, and Tayag’s sons Claude and Gerry Tayag.
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