PHOTOS BY AJ PALCULLO
FOR 44 years now, Panay News, the No. 1 Regional Newspaper, has been a trusted source of information for Ilonggos. But beyond the printed pages and headlines, this media institution — together with the Daniel G. Fajardo Foundation Inc. (DGFFI) — has quietly and consistently been doing something even more powerful: changing lives.
From medical missions that bring crucial health services to underserved communities to gift-giving activities that light up children’s faces every Yuletide Season, Panay News and DGFFI have embraced a tradition of giving that now feels as integral to the brand as its journalism.
Every April, in celebration of its founding anniversary, the duo rolls out a medical mission — supported by loyal partners and generous sponsors — as part of its corporate social responsibility. And come December, they bring the spirit of the Holiday Season to local daycare centers with their annual gift-giving event.
A Legacy of Care Rooted in the Community
According to Panay News Chief Operating Officer and current Pavia, Iloilo Sangguniang Bayan Member Daniel “Dan” Fajardo II, these efforts are not just good PR — they are a heartfelt way of giving back to the people who have supported the paper throughout the years.
“From the very beginning, corporate social responsibility has been part of who we are,” Fajardo shared. “Together with our partners, we make sure that every anniversary we give something back, especially here in Pavia, where our plant is located, in Barangay Mali-ao.”
The medical missions are expansive and inclusive. Services include general check-ups, dental cleaning, circumcision, free haircuts, massage therapy, and the distribution of medicines and hygiene kits. It’s a holistic approach to community wellness that touches the lives of children, senior citizens, and families in need.
The annual gift-giving is no less impactful. It brings joy to children in daycare centers across 18 barangays in Pavia — including Aganan, Amparo, Anilao, Balabag, the four Puroks, Cabugao Norte and Sur, Jibao-an, Mali-ao, Pagsanga-an, Pal-agon, Pandac, Tigum, and Ungka I and II.
Gratitude from the Ground
Barangay officials have become some of the most vocal supporters of Panay News and DGFFI’s outreach efforts.
One of them is Barangay Captain Noel G. Gruy of Pal-agon, where the medical mission was last held in 2022. Over 600 residents received free check-ups and medicines, and more than 100 children benefited from free circumcision services.
“We’re deeply thankful,” Gruy said. “The residents were so happy to receive free medicine and check-ups. They even gave vitamins, haircuts, and more. The turnout was huge — from Zone 1 to Zone 4, everyone came.”
For Barangay Mali-ao’s Captain Hermania Jagolino, Panay News and DGFFI have become a dependable presence in the community.
“I’m truly grateful because they always prioritize us,” she said. “Whether it’s a medical mission, gift-giving, or other programs for the young and the elderly, they never forget Barangay Mali-ao.”
Jagolino, who has been serving as barangay captain for over 11 years, says she’s lost count of how many times the team has returned to distribute gift packs to seniors and children in her barangay.
In Pagsanga-an, Barangay Captain Efren Casuncad also expressed his appreciation, recalling the successful 2024 medical mission where over 500 constituents were served.
“Our barangay is impoverished,” he said. “The medical mission gave many residents a chance to receive much-needed care. We’re also thankful for the December gift-giving, especially for our daycare children.”
And in Cabugao Norte, Barangay Captain Roberto Tubongbanua reflected on the long-term impact of their yearly partnership.
“Every December, our daycare kids receive gift packs,” he said. “It makes the children and their parents happy, and when they’re happy, we, as barangay officials, share in that joy.”
Beyond the Headlines
What Panay News and DGFFI have created is a quiet legacy of compassion that extends far beyond their pressrooms. It’s not just about writing stories — it’s about becoming part of one.
As the paper celebrates another year of service, it does so not just with headlines, but with heart. Because sometimes, the best way to tell a story is to be the reason someone smiles./PN
