When Edge Davao was incepted exactly 14 years ago, there was a scant reportage on the field of business and economics among Davao-based newspapers circulating in the region and other parts of Mindanao. There was a need for a business paper who will cover the highs and lows of one of the country’s fastest growing regions.
One afternoon sometime in December 2007, I got a call from Ms. Olivia D. Velasco, who owns the Zion Accuprint Inc. along with Mr. Antonio A. Ajero and Ms. Jocelyn S. Panes. They invited me to get on board as part of the core team tasked to help put up the paper—from conceptualizing its name and contents to laying the sections and editorial staffing.
After a series of meetings and brainstorming for about three months, Edge Davao finally released its first issue on March 10, 2008. On that same day, a major business event, the holding of a national investment forum was held at the then iconic Marco Polo Hotel Davao, where the paper first made its presence.
Edge Davao continues its vigorous and incisive coverage of the business and the local economy as they relate to the nation and the world.
At 14, the paper is relatively young but is not wanting of recognitions and accolades. With a culture of excellence developed among its dynamic staff, Edge Davao continues to achieve modest success as evidenced by the prestigious awards that it has received so far from the annual Philippine Press Institute–The Coca Cola Export Philippines Civic Journalism Community Press Awards.
In 2010, the first year that Edge Davao joined the search, it was adjudged the country’s Best in Business and Economic Reporting and Best in Science and Environment Reporting as a weekly.
As a weekly business paper again, it received in the following year the Best in Business and Economic Reporting from the same award-giving body.
After serious discussion based on historical data, needs assessment, and valuable advice of business associates and the advertising industry, the management decided to transform Edge Davao into a daily publication of general circulation “serving a seamless society” starting March 2012.
However, even at this current platform, Edge Davao continues its vigorous and incisive coverage of the business and the local economy as they relate to the nation and the world.
In 2012, the first year of its being a daily, Edge Davao was chosen Best in Science and Environmental Reporting. No other young paper has achieved such a feat in the annals of this prestigious PPI–TCCEP award.
In 2013, the second year of its being a daily, Edge Davao was feted as Best Edited Community Newspaper by the country’s reputed award-giving body.
The following year was truly a banner year for Edge Davao. For two straight years, it was recognized as the Best Edited Community Newspaper of the country. In addition, it was given two other awards – Best in Culture, Arts and History Reporting and Best Environment and Science Reporting.
For garnering three of the six awards, Edge Davao has the most number of awards on May 15, 2015 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.
In 2018, the Rotary Club of Manila Journalism Awards recognized Edge Davao as Regional Newspaper of the Year. The awards aims to honor outstanding individuals and news organizations whose contributions have been significant to the development of Philippine journalism.
In the past 14 years, Edge Davao has come a long way, and I am honored to be part of its pioneering team. I may not be directly connected with the paper anymore, but I am proud that I was one of the few people who saw its potential as a provider of balanced and responsible journalism. The paper always has a special place in my heart and in my life, and I will always support its journey and advocacies.
(Greg G. Deligero was the pioneering associate editor of Edge Davao. He is now working with the Office of the President as director and head of Malacanang’s Correspondence Office which is in-charge of the crafting and releasing of the President’s messages, speeches and other forms of correspondence.)
