ILOILO City — In a celebration of legacy, resilience, and unwavering commitment to truth, Panay News marked its 45th anniversary on April 18, 2026, at the Iloilo Convention Center.
The milestone event gathered the men and women behind the newspaper, alongside journalists, advertisers, partners, and political leaders who have played vital roles in its journey since its founding on April 7, 1981.
Over the years, Panay News has established itself as a trusted source of information, delivering comprehensive reporting and insightful analysis on local, national, and international issues. As it looks to the future, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to integrity, accuracy, and accountability, while embracing new technologies and evolving storytelling platforms.
The celebration also recognized outstanding contributions across various departments, including Editorial, Marketing, Administrative, Operations, Circulation, and Finance.
Atty. Abdiel Dan Elijah Fajardo, chairman of the board of Panay News, reflected on the publication’s journey from a weekly paper to a respected daily broadsheet.
“Despite challenges—libel cases, criticisms, and the rise of social media—we endured. From a weekly paper, we are now a daily publication serving not only Iloilo but the rest of Panay and Western Visayas. That alone is reason enough for us to celebrate,” Fajardo said.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Loyalty Service Award to Editor-in-Chief Rex Maestrecampo for his 30 years of dedicated service to the organization.
The Legacy Advertiser Award was conferred on Iloilo Supermart, Inc., recognizing its steadfast partnership with Panay News since 1981 and its vital role in sustaining the paper’s growth.
The Pillars of Partnership Award honored key institutional partners, including the Iloilo Provincial Government, the Iloilo City Government, represented by Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Pag-IBIG Fund, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Certificates of appreciation were also given to former Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and Alfonso “Don Fonso” Tan.
Moreover, the Leading Brand Collaborators Award recognized companies that have significantly contributed to the publication’s success through innovative campaigns. Awardees included Communities Iloilo, Inc., Camella Communities, Metro Pacific Iloilo Water, F & C Jewelry, Inc., Iloilo Supermart, Inc., Megaworld Corporation, SM City Iloilo, Cebu ASAP Advertising and Events Corp., MORE Electric and Power Corporation, Development Bank of the Philippines, BingoPlus, Supervalue, Inc., and DoubleDragon Corp.
Panay News recognized Communities Iloilo, Inc. for Camella Communities, Metro Pacific Iloilo Water, F & C Jewelry, Inc., Iloilo Supermart, Inc., Megaworld Corporation, SM City Iloilo, Cebu ASAP Advertising and Events Corp., and MORE Electric and Power Corporation as Leading Brand Collaborators.
More Panay News’ loyal clients over the years were awarded certificates of recognition.
Columnists and contributors Luis Buenaflor, Robert Ladera, Hazel Villa, Alexa Jaci Bataan, Erwin Delilan, Jed Del Rosario, and Atty. Ayin Dream Aplasca were also recognized for their valuable contributions.
In her message, Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu commended Panay News for its enduring role in informing the public.
“Forty-five years is no small achievement. That’s 45 years of telling stories, sharing the truth, and being a steady source of information for our people. Your commitment to responsible journalism is something we deeply value, especially in today’s fast-changing media landscape,” she said.
Iloilo City Lone District’s Rep. Julienne Baronda echoed this sentiment, describing Panay News as deeply ingrained in the community’s narrative and a steadfast guardian of truth.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave M. Gomez highlighted the publication’s national relevance, noting its influence beyond Western Visayas.
“Panay News has carved a name not only in the region but nationally. Early in my journalism career, I already encountered the paper and developed deep respect for its work,” Gomez said.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Clarissa “Claire” Castro, keynote speaker, also lauded the organization’s resilience.
“No matter how challenging the times may be, our country would not be the same without your light. Forty-five years is a remarkable feat, especially in journalism. Your organization has not only survived but thrived in the face of adversity,” Castro said.
More than a celebration of milestones, the anniversary served as a reaffirmation of Panay News’ mission—to remain a trusted source of information and a guiding voice for the people of Iloilo, Western Visayas, and beyond./PN
