PHOTOS BY AJ PALCULLO
PANAY NEWS is more than just the leading regional newspaper; it is a home, a training ground, and a family for its dedicated employees. As part of its annual year-end celebration, the company recognizes the unwavering commitment of its employees who have served for 5, 10, and 20 years, proving that the heart of Panay News lies not just in its stories but in the people who make them happen.
This service award is not just a recognition of years spent in the company but a testament to dedication, resilience, and passion. Among the 2024 honorees are employees who have embraced the challenges of journalism, media production, and customer service, showing that working in Panay News is more than just a job, it’s a calling.
Javier Laurente in His 20 Years Journey
Two decades in Panay News have shaped Javier Laurente into more than just an employee. He is a witness to the evolution of the media industry and a part of the paper’s legacy. His journey has been filled with both triumphs and struggles, but through it all, his commitment has never wavered.
“Sa sulod sang 20 ka tuig, nakita ko kung paano nagbag-o ang Panay News kag kung paano ini nag-apekto sa kabuhi sang mga Ilonggo,” he shares. “Indi nga naga-obra lang kundi adapt man. Gapaninguha kita mag-upod sa kauswagan sang media, bisan may social media na, kay may lugar gid gihapon ang print.”
Javier takes pride in the work he has contributed to Panay News, knowing that each day brings a new challenge and an opportunity to grow. His dedication is not just about tenure but about embracing change and staying relevant in an industry that constantly evolves.
Mae Singuay’s Passion for Truth in a Decade in Journalism
For Mae Singuay, being a journalist is more than a profession; it is a commitment to truth and public service. Over the past 10 years, she has navigated the fast-paced world of news reporting, covering events, facing challenges, and making sacrifices along the way.
“Being a journalist is not just a job but a calling,” Mae reflects.
She recalls how she started as a freelance reporter earning P25 per published article, finding joy not in the pay but in the experience. From working in sales to managing a branch and returning to journalism, her journey proves that passion always finds its way back.
Through the years, Mae has learned the value of patience, sacrifice, and resilience. From dealing with uncooperative sources to balancing family life and career, she has faced it all.
“Family time sometimes turns into working hours, but this job has taught me that journalism is not just about deadlines — it’s about making a difference,” she says.
Geovanni Fajardo’s Multi-Role Experience and His Five Year of Growth
Starting in the editorial department and later moving to production, Geovanni Fajardo has seen different sides of the newspaper industry. His journey was not without challenges, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown, when balancing work and family life became difficult.
“I was newly assigned to production when the pandemic hit,” he shares. “My wife had just given birth, and the uncertainty of the times was overwhelming. But thanks to Panay News, I was able to support my family, even during the most difficult months.”
Geovanni has since embraced every role given to him, learning from his colleagues and treating every challenge as a lesson to become a better employee. He takes pride in the skills he has gained, from editorial work to production, proving that hard work and adaptability are key to thriving in any workplace.
Henry Mana-ay’s Lessons in Customer Service While Building His Career
In his years with Fajardo’s Gasoline Station, a sister company of Panay News, Henry John Mana-ay has faced various challenges, from dealing with difficult customers to handling the pressure of his job. But instead of letting these challenges discourage him, he took them as opportunities to grow.
“Na-misload ako. Iritable ang customer,” he recalls with a smile, acknowledging that in any service industry, dealing with people requires patience and understanding.
Over time, he learned how to build rapport with clients, stay calm under pressure, and work well with his colleagues.
“Dapat makisama ka sa imo mga katrabaho,” he says, emphasizing that teamwork is just as important as individual performance.
His experience has taught him not only how to work efficiently but also how to navigate the human side of the business, a skill that makes all the difference in any workplace.
For employees like Javier, Mae, Geovanni, and Henry, working in Panay News and Fajardo Gasoline Station is not just about clocking in and out; it’s about being part of something bigger. Whether it’s chasing stories, producing newspapers, or serving customers, every role plays a part in the company’s mission to inform, educate, and inspire.
As Panay News celebrates its 44th anniversary, it also celebrates the people who make its success possible. Their dedication and hard work prove that even in the fast-changing world of media, one thing remains constant: Panay News is not just a newspaper, it’s a legacy built by its people./PN
