Just like a mother to her children, the late Danny “Boss DF” Fajardo’s better half in life and in founding Panay News—Maria Santillan-Fajardo—only wishes the best for their brainchild newspaper and all the people behind it.
Panay News, Western Visayas’ No. 1 and undisputed regional newspaper, will mark its 42nd founding anniversary on April 7.
As it gets a year older, Madam Mary could not help but express her cheers and elation for the continuity of Panay News.
Though the Fajardo matriarch has already retired from being hands-on in the operation of the company, her guidance and wisdom remain a strong support system and inspiration to the entire Panay News workforce.
“Happy gid ako kay rigyan gihapon kita. Kabay mapa-sige ninyo,” she told this writer.
Madam Mary is proud that the No. 1 regional newspaper ably sustains its existence. She attributed this to the loyalty and hard work of all the men and women of Panay News—from the editorial, operation, circulation, marketing and admin departments.
She recalled the hand-to-mouth existence of the newspaper when it was started 42 years ago.
Madam Mary’s gratitude also goes to her children, the Fajardo siblings, for continuing their legacy, especially to Panay News Inc. Chairman Atty. Abdiel Dan Elijah “Ade” Fajardo for his guidance and to the company’s Chief Operating Officer Daniel Fajardo II for his leadership to pursue and have journalism strive and excel amid all challenges.
According to Madam Mary, the operation of Panay News has been a family affair not only because it is run by the family but also because all employees are considered part of the family.
“It is a family affair because you are considered family. We have moved back to the background na, kamo ang sa forefront nga mapa-sige ninyo ang pag pursige sang ginatawag nga fourth estate,” she stressed.
The Fajardo matriarch is confident that Panay News will continue to bank on its strength—the Panay News workforce and their consistency in delivering news and information and carrying issues with fairness and principle.
She especially hopes that the editorial department will do better.
“Kag raku pa man ang thrust naton para sa kauswagan kang aton journalism pursuits, nakasalalay ron ria sa inyo mga kamot,” she added.
In the modern era, Madam Mary believes that Panay News should also keep up with the digital world.
“Let us stick to our ground nga wara taton ti ginadampigan. But we have to upgrade. We are now in the digital age, and we also have to upgrade our equipment para indi maurihi,” she added.
She also advised the new and young employees of Panay News to always open themselves to training and mentoring for their development.
“I know Panay News will stay long in the industry and I trust that you will continue it,” said Madam Mary.
Madam Mary assured her and the company’s Board of Directors’ support all the way.
“Happy ako nga kon ano man ang gindamgo ni Boss Danny kato, nangin reality sa tulad. Kamo kari-a ang number one nga naga-support. I am thankful for that,” Madam Mary expressed./PN
