“One of the most fundamental freedoms accorded to citizens like us who live in a democratic country is the freedom of speech and of the press.” (Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr.)
For the first time ever, the pioneers of Cagayan de Oro’s Press and Broadcast media were honored in a ceremony held fittingly enough, on the 83rd Araw ng Kagitingan (April 9, 2025).
“We sought to recognize and honor the pioneers and trailblazers in the Cagayan de Oro press, emulate their dedication, and inculcate the values of objectivity and fairness to the present Cagayan de Oro media,” said Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro) who created the multi-sectoral committee composed of veteran journalists, academe, and prominent civic leaders which selected the posthumous recognition for the selected nominees honored during the program dubbed PAGHANDOM: Immortalizing the Legacies of Kagay-anon Media Pioneers which was also the title of a book launched on the same occasion.
“As a son of Cagayan de Oro and its duly elected Representative in Congress, I am honored to finally launch of PAGHANDOM, a project that is close to my heart—a tribute to the pioneering journalists of our beloved city,” Rep. Rodriguez remarked during his Keynote Address.
“When I first formed the Congressional Committee on the Cagayan de Oro City Pioneer Media Awards, our mission was clear: to give long overdue recognition to the men and women of media who shaped the social and cultural fabric of our city through their courage, conviction, and commitment to the truth.”
(photo by Kyla Marie Ibarra, CDO 2nd Congressional District Office)
“Our journalists have been storytellers, watchdogs, educators, and historians. Their voices have echoed through decades of trials and triumphs in Cagayan de Oro-through war, dictatorship, disaster, and recovery. Yet, sadly, many of them have not been properly remembered.”
“This is why we worked hard to document and publish a book that tells their stories-stories of sacrifice and perseverance, of triumphs and advocacies, of the pursuit of truth despite the odds. This book honors the contributions of our media pioneers, etching their legacies into the very fabric of our city’s history.”
“It contains not just names and achievements, but stories of courage, inspiration, and resilience that deserve to be told and remembered. In this journey, we honor the early torchbearers of our city’s press-to name a few, pioneers like Ramon, Felino, and Vicente Neri, who laid the foundations of local journalism; Bienvenido Cruz, Henry and Reuben Canoy, whose voices helped shape public discourse; Serafin Benaldo and Ben Emata, who pushed the boundaries of storytelling through broadcast media; Proculo Maslog, a pillar in media education; and of course, the late Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., whose journalism intertwined with public service stood hand in hand in defense of democracy. Their legacies serve not only as inspirations but also as a call to carry the torch of the freedom of expression forward.”
After a thorough field work bannered by Xavier Ateneo through English Dept Head Dr Ferdinand Cantular, and Pilgrim Christian College through Dean Annabel Nambatac, Mr Jeff Baconga, Mr. Ardizon Arsua, and Mr. Ryan B. Sanchez, 18 candidates for radio, 2 for TV, 7 for publishers and 13 for writers and columnists were classified with the assistance of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club Board of Trustees headed by President Froilan Gallardo.
Also cited with a special recognition were the ten pioneer/charter members of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club, considering the seminal role this organization played in the formation of a vibrant and working press in the then infant city of Cagayan de Oro on November 11, 1951.
Not the least, special recognitions were also for Outstanding Performers by media category with two for broadcast TV, four for broadcast radio, four for print publishers, three for print columnists, and two for print writers.
“I thank Congressman Rufus Rodriguez and the Congressional Committee on Cagayan de Oro Pioneer Media Awards for initiating this recognition. Known for championing local pride—from our rich history to the people whose quiet stories have shaped our communities—this gesture from his office honors not just my father, but all those who believe in the power of public service through words–in print, radio, and tv. This morning, I accept this award in behalf of Lorenzo de la Serna and all honorees—with deep pride, and the echo of my father’s typewriter still guiding me,” said Robert dela Serna, son of Lorenzo de la Serna in his message of acceptance.
“On July 1, 1903, my great-grandfather, then Governor of Cagayan de Misamis, established a printing press and newspaper firm called Ang Katarungan on what is now Tiano Bros. Street—still known today as the printing press lane of the city. It became the pioneering Spanish and English weekly newspaper in Mindanao. It survived war and dictatorship printing 4000 copies during its height in the 1930s,” reflected Lawyer Ernesto Neri, great grandson of Vicente Neri San Jose.
“Reflecting on this event, I realize that although I never had the chance to meet them, my grandfather and great-grandfather somehow spoke to me through the bulky, oily, and often dangerous printing machines in the basement of our house, where I used to play as a child.”
“Today, those memories have surfaced a new meaning. Those aren’t just phased out remnants of a past. It serves as an object that reminds me of the power of the written word—how it can shape minds, spark change, and, in doing so, ensure that a society remains free. As long as it is wielded on behalf of the truth.”
Cover photo: The families of the awardees take a memento for posterity with Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and Family, City Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, Atty Dionel Albina, Mr Alfonso Alamban, and members of the Media Pioneers Awards Committee. (photo courtesy of the 2nd District Congressional Office, Cagayan de Oro City).
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