PEACE-MAKER

The Manila Bulletin marks its 125th founding anniversary this year, a monumental milestone for an institution that has steadfastly chronicled the events and developments that have shaped Philippine history. For over a century, this newspaper has been a witness and a chronicler of the nation’s journey from its colonial past, through wars and revolutions, to the challenges of modernity and globalization.

Through its pages, we relived the defining moments of our history — the Philippine-American War, the struggles during the Japanese occupation, and the dawn of Philippine independence in 1946. It bore witness to the challenges of nation-building in the post-war era, the Martial Law years, the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, and the succeeding decades of democratic transitions and reforms.

As one of the Philippines’ oldest newspapers, the Manila Bulletin has withstood the test of time, evolving and innovating to remain a relevant and trusted source of news. In a rapidly changing world, the newspaper industry faces immense challenges. The digital age has given rise to social media platforms that often prioritize speed over accuracy, creating an environment where misinformation can proliferate. Artificial intelligence presents both opportunities and threats, reshaping journalism in ways previously unimaginable. In this landscape, newspapers like the Manila Bulletin play an even more crucial role — as bastions of truth, integrity, and balanced reporting.

Amid the noise and confusion of modern media, newspapers provide the context, depth, and clarity essential for meaningful public discourse. The Manila Bulletin’s commitment to upholding these values ensures it remains a vital institution not just for the present but for generations to come.

On a personal note, we are grateful to the Manila Bulletin for giving us the opportunity to return to our first love: journalism. Our career began in 1955 as a young journalist and columnist, and after decades of public service as a politician, lawmaker, international entrepreneur, diplomat, and five-time Speaker of the House of Representatives, we are back to where we started. In 2016, the Manila Bulletin invited us to contribute a regular column, and we have since cherished this renewed chance to share our thoughts and perspectives with the Filipino people.

The enduring success of the Manila Bulletin can be attributed to the visionary leadership and dedication of its stewards. We pay tribute to the late philanthropist-businessman Don Emilio Yap, whose guidance helped solidify the paper’s reputation as the country’s largest and most respected daily. His legacy is carried forward by his son, Basilio Yap, who now serves as chairman of the board, and his grandson, Emilio ‘Emil’ Yap III, the newspaper’s dynamic president and vice chairman. Their leadership ensures that the Manila Bulletin remains a vital and influential institution in the modern era.
We are also proud to note the involvement of our beloved wife, Gina de Venecia, who sits on the board of the Manila Bulletin. Her modest contributions, along with those of the entire leadership team, reflect a collective commitment to maintaining the paper’s high standards of journalism and service to the nation.

As the Manila Bulletin celebrates its 125th anniversary, we look back with gratitude on its rich history and look forward with optimism to its continued role as a chronicler of the nation’s triumphs and trials. Let us honor its legacy by supporting the enduring values of responsible journalism, which are so vital in these turbulent and transformative times.

Congratulations to the Manila Bulletin on this remarkable milestone. May it continue to serve as the nation’s faithful witness and voice for the next 125 years and beyond.