BY SHY POLIDO
In celebration of its 40 years of dedicated service, Panay News once again spurred hope to the community amid challenging times.
Together with the Daniel Gumban Fajardo Foundation Inc., its corporate social responsibility arm, a gift-giving activity took place at Agmanaphao Elementary School in Mina, Iloilo on March 27.
The Foundation donated a new school gate to AES.
“You are very close to our hearts,” said Daniel Fajardo II, one of the Board of Directors of Panay News. “Indi gid kamo liwan sa amon because our founder Danny Fajardo, isa gid sa inyo.”
In partnership with various – and growing – sponsors, Panay News turned over gifts to teachers, parents and barangay officials.
Due to restrictions brought about by the pandemic, the parents were the ones who happily received the gifts for kids.
Over a hundred of school bags containing school supplies and assorted food were distributed. The kids got new slippers, too!
“We are indeed blessed,” said Ian Paul Edang, teacher-in-charge of AES. “We are really thankful to Panay News for your generosity.”
“We thought gate lang amon mabaton pero may gifts pa gid. This is the first time nga matabo ini diri sa amon… nga may maghatag sang amo sini kadamo,” he added.
Edang expressed his well-wishes to the No. 1 newspaperin Western Visayasand the Foundation, saying “madamo pa kamo sang ma-inspire and mabuligan.”
The teachers of AES also received gift packs and new recycled ink cans and gallons.
Meanwhile, Agmanaphao’s punong barangay Allan Torres and his councilmen were grateful for Panay News’ efforts “sa pagkadto gid diri sa amon sa paghatag sang sini nga mga donations.”
The crowd also cheered for Booster Boy, a winsome ball of joy courtesy of Virginia Food Inc. for his great “damoves”.
The event had this ebullient atmosphere with the smiles of everyone oozing even from their masked faces. Social distancing was also strictly observed.
The event capped off with a short photo op and never-ending wishes of regards.
“Thank you, Panay News!” yelled the attendees.
Volunteers and facilitators felt nothing but warmth and fulfillment on that Saturday morning.
Life’s full of beginnings, indeed. And service lives on. As Panay News leaps for the next chapters, it aims to inspire more people and move forward with their stories.(Photos by Jiro Sheen Emelio/PN)
Panay News would like to thank the following sponsors:
* Sir Tommy Que of Iloilo Supermart
* Jollibee
* Virginia Food Incorporated
* Optimized Customer Solution Inc
* Angelina Bakeshop
* Iloilo Central Shoe Emporium
* Gardenia Bakeries Philippines
* KTKM
* Liwayway Marketing Corporation
* Coca Cola Beverage, Ungka 2, Pavia, Iloilo
* Chowking – Molo, Iloilo City
* Dunkin Donut
* Universal Robina Corp. (URC)
* Pepsi Cola Products Philippines Inc.
* Nature Spring Mineral Water
* DAKASI
* Bread & Butter
* Yakult from Jomar Anne Health & Marketing Inc.* Tibiao Bakery
* Congresswoman Julienne “Jam-Jam” Baronda of Iloilo City
* MARINA
Panay News turns over school supplies, recycled ink cans and gallons, among others to the teaching force of Agmanaphao Elementary School. 
Panay News receives certificates of appreciation from Agmanaphao Elementary School. Photo shows (from left) Ian Paul Edang, teacher-in-charge of AES; Allan Torres, barangay captain of Agmanaphao, Mina; and Daniel S. Fajardo II, one of the Board of Directors of Panay News. 
Panay News ignites hope to Agmanaphao Elementary School amid challenging times. The gift-giving activity was one way of giving back to the community that honed Panay News’ founder Danny Fajardo. The Panay News team was warmly welcomed by teachers, parents and barangay officials.
Daniel S. Fajardo II, one of the Board of Directors of Panay News Inc., gives his message to parents, teachers and officials of Agmanaphao Elementary School. 
Volunteers distribute food sponsored by Jollibee and Dunkin Donuts.
Booster Boy, mascot of Virginia Food Inc. 
Parents from Kinder 1 to Grade 6 avail themselves of the gift packs. 
Gift bags with lots of surprises inside! Teachers of Agmanaphao Elementary School also received recycled ink cans and gallons.
