By Ferdinand Manlagñit “Ferdie” Brizo
Founder, Publisher, and Station Manager
Twenty years of challenges, sacrifices, and public service. Ten years of bringing voices to the airwaves. This is the journey of Bicol Peryodiko and Radyo Peryodiko—a story sustained by God’s mercy, the dedication of our people, and the unwavering support of those who believe in our mission.
In 2006, Bicol Peryodiko began as a community newspaper with a simple goal: to deliver meaningful news and information to the people of Catanduanes and neighboring communities. In 2016, our mission expanded through Radyo Peryodiko 87.9 DZBP-FM, Ang Radyong Paborito! As technology evolved, we embraced social media to reach more people and make community news more accessible.
What started as a printed publication has grown into a multimedia community news organization. From newspaper pages to radio broadcasts and digital platforms, we have continued to adapt to changing times while holding on to the purpose that inspired our beginnings: to inform, connect, and serve.
The journey has never been easy. Behind every published story, radio program, and online report are countless hours of work, difficult decisions, sacrifices, and responsibilities that are not always visible to our readers and listeners.
Running a community newspaper and a radio station requires more than passion. It demands resources, commitment, teamwork, and the determination to keep moving forward even when circumstances become difficult. There have been moments when we had to reassess our capabilities, adjust our operations, and find alternative ways to sustain our services.
We acknowledge that we have experienced shortcomings. We are not perfect, and we do not claim to have always gotten everything right. Like any organization that continues to learn and grow, there are areas where we can improve. We accept this reality with humility and recognize the importance of listening to feedback, strengthening our processes, and correcting mistakes whenever necessary.
Yet, despite these challenges, we are still here.
We remain because we believe that community journalism serves a meaningful purpose. When people need information, when communities seek answers, and when public concerns deserve attention, local media can help bridge the gap between questions and understanding.
As founder, I recognize that the survival and growth of Bicol Peryodiko and Radyo Peryodiko cannot be attributed to one person alone. Above all, we give thanks to Almighty God for His mercy, guidance, and blessings throughout our journey.
In moments of uncertainty, our faith has given us hope. In times of difficulty, it has reminded us to remain patient, humble, and steadfast in our responsibilities.
We are equally grateful to our benefactors, advertisers, partners, readers, listeners, online followers, private individuals, government agencies, public officials, and friends who have supported our organization over the years. Your assistance, encouragement, and trust have helped us continue our operations and reach the communities that depend on accessible news and information.
This anniversary is not ours alone. It also belongs to everyone who has become part of our story.
For us, journalism is more than reporting events. It is also about connecting lives, communities, government institutions, and the private sector through information and meaningful dialogue.
Through our news reports, interviews, and radio programs, we provide opportunities for ordinary citizens to express their concerns and for public officials and other stakeholders to explain their positions. We believe that responsible communication can help people understand issues, examine different perspectives, and make informed decisions.
We strive to give relevant parties a fair opportunity to be heard, verify information before presenting it as fact, and distinguish allegations from established findings. Our role is to help the public understand matters that affect their lives and communities.
One of the most meaningful accomplishments of Bicol Peryodiko is the opportunity we have provided to more than 200 students, young people, and aspiring media practitioners who have experienced community journalism through our training initiatives.
Through the Bicol Peryodiko Print and Broadcast Academy, we have opened opportunities for trainees to learn newspaper writing, news gathering, interviewing, broadcasting, and community reporting. We hope these experiences help young people develop confidence and understand the responsibilities that come with communicating information to the public.
We believe community media can contribute not only to public awareness but also to youth development. By sharing our knowledge and practical experience, we hope to help develop a generation that values truth, responsibility, critical thinking, and service to others.
Today, the media landscape continues to change rapidly. News travels faster, audiences consume information through multiple platforms, and digital technology has transformed how people communicate and engage with current events.
These developments present both opportunities and challenges for local media organizations like ours. We must continue learning, adapting, and finding practical ways to reach our audiences without abandoning the principles that give journalism its value.
Bicol Peryodiko, Radyo Peryodiko, and our social media platforms work together to bring community stories closer to the public. As we enter the next chapter of our journey, we hope to strengthen our reporting, expand opportunities for young aspiring journalists, improve our use of technology, and continue providing accessible information to the communities we serve.
Looking back on 20 years of Bicol Peryodiko and 10 years of Radyo Peryodiko, I am reminded that longevity alone does not define success. What matters is the purpose behind the work, the people who make it possible, and the willingness to continue despite difficulties.
We have experienced challenges, acknowledged our limitations, and learned valuable lessons along the way. We celebrate our milestones with gratitude, but we also recognize that every anniversary brings renewed responsibilities.
To our readers, listeners, benefactors, partners, colleagues, trainees, and the communities that have welcomed us into their lives, thank you for being part of this journey. Above all, we thank God for the grace that has sustained us from the beginning until today.
We cannot promise a journey without obstacles, nor can we claim to be free from mistakes. What we can promise is our continued determination to learn from our experiences, improve our work, and seek every reasonable opportunity to serve the public.
Twenty years in print. Ten years on the air. A continuing presence in the digital world. One enduring mission: to inform, connect, empower, and serve.
From then to now, we are still here—not because the road has always been smooth, but because God’s grace, the support of our people, and our commitment to community service have given us reasons to continue.
Bicol Peryodiko and Radyo Peryodiko: Moving Forward with Faith, Guided by Service, and Strengthened by the Trust of the People.
Thank you for being part of our story. The journey continues.
