BY MA. THERESA LADIAO, MAE SINGUAY, PIA ALYSSA GELLADA, West Visayas State University Intern, & ABYGAIL TOLEDO & ROBERT NIETES, University of Antique Interns
PHOTOS BY AJ PALCULLO
BRINGING stories that inform, educate, and inspire, Panay News has been one of the guardians of truth for 44 years. Behind its every issue delivered to homes, offices, and street corners is a network of hardworking newspaper dealers who have dedicated their lives to ensuring that the truth reaches the hands of readers.
In this age dominated by social media, where misinformation spreads easily, these newspaper dealers continue to champion the importance of credible journalism. Their stories are not just about business but about resilience, legacy, and unwavering belief in the power of the printed news.
A Family Tradition of News and Service
For Neilda Asumbra, selling newspapers is more than just a livelihood, it’s a tradition passed down through generations.
“Wala pa ‘ko nabata, newspaper vendor na si nanay ko,” says the 46-year-old vendor from Molo, Iloilo City. “Sang napatay siya tatlo na ka tuig ang nakalabay, ako ang nagsalo sa negosyo.”
Her family’s business has stood the test of time, evolving alongside the changing media landscape. Despite the rise of digital news, she firmly believes that newspapers provide a different kind of depth and reliability.
“Kung sa newspaper ka mabasa, may masaligan ka, may imagination ka pa. Sa social media, lain eh. Ma-comment ka lang, pero wala ka kabalo kung tuod o indi,” she explains.
Similarly, Felipe Uy,a 74-year-old newspaper vendor from Jaro district, has been in the business for nearly two decades. He has witnessed how people continue to trust printed news over social media, especially in a time when false information is rampant.
“Damo sa social media binutig, ‘di man tuod. Pero kita mo, bakal gihapon ang tawo sang newspaper,” he says confidently.
For older generations, reading a newspaper is more than just gathering news — it’s a daily habit, a source of discussion, and a link to the wider world.
Delivering Truth, Serving the Community
Newspaper dealers are more than just vendors; they are vital links between the publication and the community.
Marivic Librel, a Panay News dealer for nearly 30 years, knows how much people rely on the newspaper for accurate, up-to-date information.
“Ang Panay News may national, may local, makwa mo ang tanan nga balita,” she says. “Sa aga pa lang, una na gid nila ginapangita ang Panay News.”
In Antique, Demetrio Magarso Jr. has been selling newspapers since 2005. He understands how essential printed news is, especially for students.
“Amo gid ni importante sa tawo, labi na sa mga estudyante,” he shares. “Damo ya gabakal para sa ilang mga projects.”
For many newspaper dealers, their work is not just about selling news, it’s about keeping people informed, guiding students in their studies, and ensuring that the public has access to credible information.
Robert Dela Cruz, a 60-year-old newspaper vendor from Barangay Hibao-an, Pavia, Iloilo, shares the same sentiment.
“Importante gid nga magbasa sang newspaper tungod nga kinahanglan gid sang mga report nga kinahanglan sang mga estudyante kag eskwelahan,” he says. “Indi fake news ang mga balita sang Panay News, amo nga ginaamligan sang mga tawo.”
For Robert, selling newspapers has also been a means of providing for his family.
“Nakabulig gid ang pagbaligya sang newspaper tungod nakabakal ko sang mga kinahanglanon sa sulod balay.”
Building Lives, One Newspaper at a Time
Beyond providing news, selling newspapers has helped many dealers support their families and build better futures.
Aileen Himatay from Pavia town has been in the business for 21 years, and she credits Panay News for playing a big role in raising her children.
“Mas daku gid ang bulig sang newspaper sa akon. Maski may utang ko sang una, nabayran ko man,” she says proudly.
Joselito Alan from Sta. Barbara, Iloilo shares a similar experience. Selling newspapers allowed him to earn extra income while also contributing to the education of young readers.
“Importante gid magbasa sang newspaper kay ginakuhaan sang estudyante sang impormasyon,” he says. “Kag syempre, nakadugang ini sa amon pang-adlaw-adlaw nga pangabuhi.”
Diory Aplasca, a 58-year-old dealer from Barangay Cagbang, Oton, Iloilo, has dedicated 33 years to selling newspapers. For him, the credibility of print media outweighs the convenience of social media.
“Importante gid ang pagbasa sang newspaper tungod nga wala fake news sa newspaper kag sigurado gid nga ang balita ginapat-od, unlike sa social media nga damo fake news,” he asserts.
His unwavering commitment to selling newspapers has helped him secure a stable life and even build a future for his children.
“Dako gid nabulig sang newspaper, labi na ang Panay News, tungod nga amo gid ni ang akon mayor nga source of income. Nakapundar ako sa akon pangabuhi paagi sa pagpatapos eskwela sang akon mga kabataan — duha ka abogada, ang isa abogada na, kag ang isa manugkuha pa lang sang BAR exam.”
These newspaper dealers have built their lives around the newspaper industry, proving that traditional media is not just about delivering news; it’s also about sustaining families and helping communities thrive.
The Fight to Keep Print Alive
Despite the challenges brought by the digital age, many newspaper dealers continue to stand by print media.
Ma. Cruziela Dizonof Calinog, Iloilo admits that sales have declined, but she remains committed to selling Panay News.
“We’ve been selling Panay News for four years, despite facing rejection and ridicule from those who think print is dying,” she says. “But how credible is the news you see online? Social media is filled with misinformation, while newspapers uphold truth and accountability.”
She believes that as long as there are people who value accurate reporting, newspapers will never truly disappear.
“We will continue to support the Panay News renaissance, come hell or high water,” she declares.
For his part, Roberto Batiancela, a newspaper dealer in Bacolod City for more than a decade now one, says the widespread use of social media, particularly Facebook, nowadays has a huge impact in his daily source of living.
“They are now reading or browsing Facebook for updates. They will only buy newspaper for students’ projects and for Social Security System (SSS) requirement for pensioners,” he says.
Batiancela admits he can only sell a few copies of newspapers in a day nowadays.
“Before, I could sell lots of newspaper, like 30 to 50 copies a day. I had bigger sales since not everyone used a cell phone. But now I can’t even meet the quota of selling five copies for each newspaper,” he said.
Batiancela’s father was also a newspaper dealer. He replaced his father in this kind of work after he passed away.
Back in the days when smartphones were not a necessity, Batiancela recalls he earned not lower than P500 a day.
“But nowadays when I go home, I could generate sales of more than P100 only. I can’t realize my profit since I am buying rice for my family,” he says.
Despite this, Batiancela continues to sell newspaper as he already got used to this kind of job.
Other long-time newspaper dealers in Bacolod are Alex Cordero, Felix Gomez and Alexander Limbania, who lamented the same.
They said they could feel a huge difference from their sales before compared to what they are earning now.
“Pigado gid,” Cordero says.
Cordero and Gomez also recalls that their livelihood was greatly hit during the pandemic when most people relied on social media for updates.
Panay News celebrates not just its legacy of journalism but also these hardworking men and women who bring its pages to life. Theaw newspaper dealers — standing on streets, setting up their stalls, and delivering copies to loyal readers — are the backbone of this institution.
Their dedication proves that in a world of fleeting digital headlines, there is still a place for real news. Their commitment ensures that for years to come, Panay News will continue to inform, educate, and inspire generations of Ilonggos./PN
