As the Baguio Chronicle marks another year since its maiden issue was published on December 6, 2009, it’s time we take an earnest look back at its humble beginnings and the path we’ve forged over the last decade and a half.
From a small but determined community paper, we’ve grown into a multi-awarded publication, garnering various accolades from the Philippine Press Institute (PPI), such as Best Edited Community Newspaper (Weekly), Best Editorial Page (Weekly), and honors for Photojournalism, Environmental Reporting, and Migration Issues. These achievements attest to the hard work of our team (especially reporters and editors who have since moved on from the paper) and the trust of our readers.
But as much as the awards inspire pride, they also pose a challenge: How do we remain relevant in an era where print struggles to compete with the speed and convenience of digital platforms?
Our website, launched to complement the print edition, is slowly gaining traction. While not yet a juggernaut of online traffic, it represents our commitment to staying accessible to a broader audience. It’s a work in progress—a digital front door to our content for both local and global readers.
However, social media presented an unexpected hurdle.
Our original Facebook page, with over 50,000 followers, was effectively lost when the last administrator failed to turn over its credentials. Creating a new page felt like starting from scratch, but it was also an opportunity to rethink how we engage with our audience. We’re gradually rebuilding our community, one post, one share, and one meaningful conversation at a time.
Innovation remains at the heart of our efforts to stay relevant. This year, we introduced podcasts that reflect our commitment to addressing community concerns and sparking dialogue.
“Health Matters” delves into pressing medical issues, “The Law Will Get You Through” simplifies legal topics for the everyday person, and “Pag-Usapan Natin ‘To sa Bayanihan,” which we produce in collaboration with Balitang Northern Luzon, serves as a platform for discourse on a range of timely issues. These initiatives aim to not only inform but also to empower our audience with knowledge they can use to shape their lives and influence the government.
As we adapt to the digital age, the question lingers: Are we making an impact beyond the Cordillera? It’s both a humbling and motivating thought that requires some introspection.
We’ve seen glimpses of our reach—a question from a local reader about how Baguio should take advantage of rainwater, and comments and compliments from readers and viewers both here and abroad. These moments tell us that our work resonates, even in small but meaningful ways. They inspire us to keep working hard to produce quality content.
Looking ahead, we aim to further strengthen our online presence. From producing more multimedia content to refining our website and leveraging analytics, our goal is clear: to ensure that the Baguio Chronicle isn’t just a chronicler of events but a resource that serves our audience with relevance and integrity. We want to be the voice that informs, connects, and inspires.
To our loyal readers who have stood by us through the years, we thank you. Your support fuels our commitment to this mission.
As we find our footing in the digital realm, we hope you’ll continue to engage with us—online, in print, and through various media that have yet to take shape.
Together, we can ensure that the Baguio Chronicle not only survives but thrives as a trusted partner in providing balanced news and well-rounded information in service of the public, this coming 2025 and beyond.
