VIRAC, CATANDUANES — From the printed pages of a community newspaper to the voices carried across the airwaves and the expanding reach of social media, Bicol Peryodiko celebrates two decades of public service, community journalism, and youth empowerment, marking its 20th anniversary as a newspaper and the 10th anniversary of Radyo Peryodiko 87.9 DZBP-FM, Ang Radyong Paborito!
What began in 2006 as a provincial community newspaper has grown into a multimedia news organization that embraces the changing landscape of journalism. Through print, radio broadcasting, and social media, Bicol Peryodiko continues to bring news, information, and community stories closer to the people of Catanduanes and beyond.
Its journey reflects the transformation of local journalism in the digital age, where the printed page, the radio microphone, and the smartphone screen work hand in hand to inform the public, amplify community voices, and connect people across geographical boundaries.
For Bicol Peryodiko, the evolution from print to broadcasting and digital platforms is not simply about keeping pace with technology. It is about strengthening its commitment to accessible information, public service, and responsible community journalism.
Beyond publishing stories and delivering news, Bicol Peryodiko takes pride in having served as a training ground for more than 200 students, young people, and aspiring media practitioners over the years.
Some of its former trainees have since pursued professional careers, carrying with them the knowledge, practical experience, and confidence they gained through their exposure to community journalism.
Through the Bicol Peryodiko Print and Broadcast Academy, the organization provides opportunities for students and aspiring journalists to develop their skills in newspaper writing, news gathering, broadcasting, and community reporting.
The initiative underscores the organization’s belief that local media can play a significant role in developing young people—not only as future media practitioners but also as informed, responsible, and engaged members of society.
For many trainees, the experience has provided a valuable opportunity to learn beyond the classroom, discover their potential, and gain firsthand exposure to the responsibilities of communicating news to the public.
Their expressions of gratitude serve as a reminder that the impact of community journalism extends beyond headlines and broadcast programs. It can also be measured by the people it trains, the opportunities it creates, and the careers it helps shape.
The establishment of Bicol Peryodiko in 2006 laid the foundation for its commitment to provincial journalism. Ten years later, in 2016, the launch of Radyo Peryodiko 87.9 DZBP-FM expanded that mission into broadcasting, providing another platform through which the organization could reach listeners and serve the public.
As social media became an increasingly important channel for news distribution and public engagement, Bicol Peryodiko also embraced digital platforms to extend the reach of its journalism beyond the printed newspaper and radio broadcasts.
Today, its multimedia approach brings together print, radio, and social media—three complementary platforms that allow community stories to reach different audiences in different ways.
The newspaper provides a lasting record of local events and developments. Radio delivers timely information directly to listeners, while social media allows stories to circulate rapidly, reach wider audiences, and encourage public interaction.
Working hand in hand, these platforms enable Bicol Peryodiko to adapt to changing audience habits while remaining rooted in community service.
Founder, publisher, and station manager Ferdinand Manlagñit “Ferdie” Brizo expressed his gratitude to the Lord for the guidance and blessings that have sustained Bicol Peryodiko throughout its journey.
He also thanked the organization’s loyal readers, faithful listeners, advertisers, benefactors, partners, private individuals, government agencies, public officials, and other supporters whose trust and generosity have contributed to its continued operations since 2006.
Their support has helped sustain the newspaper and radio station under Bicol Peryodiko’s media operations, including Bicol Peryodiko Broadcast Services and Palawan Broadcasting, while enabling the organization to continue providing opportunities for aspiring journalists and delivering information to the communities it serves.
For the founder, the anniversary recognizes not only the organization’s longevity but also the people who have become part of its story—from those who supported its earliest publications to the listeners, readers, online followers, and trainees who continue to engage with its work.
The milestone also recognizes the dedication of the individuals who have contributed to the organization’s mission of bringing community issues, public concerns, and human-interest stories into public view.
In an era when media organizations must navigate rapid technological changes, evolving audience preferences, and the growing demand for accessible information, Bicol Peryodiko’s 20-year journey demonstrates the continuing relevance of community-based journalism.
Its growth from a provincial newspaper into a multimedia media organization reflects its commitment to evolving without abandoning its purpose: to inform, empower, and serve the people.
As Bicol Peryodiko celebrates 20 years in print and Radyo Peryodiko marks a decade on the air, the organization looks forward to reaching more communities, training more aspiring journalists, and strengthening its presence across traditional and digital platforms.
The anniversary is both a tribute to the past and a commitment to the future—a reminder that journalism is not confined to paper, radio frequencies, or digital screens. Its true value lies in its ability to connect people, share meaningful stories, promote public awareness, and contribute to community development.
Twenty years in print. Ten years on the air. A growing presence on social media. More than 200 aspiring media practitioners given opportunities to learn and grow.
From the newspaper to the airwaves, and hand in hand with social media, Bicol Peryodiko continues its journey in community journalism—grounded in public service, strengthened by the support of its people, and committed to empowering the next generation.
𝙏𝙬𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨. 𝙏𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨. 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣: 𝙏𝙤 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢, 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚. | via Richard Santiago
