THE PHILIPPINES, FEBRUARY 2, 2012 ― What started out as a publication for local shipping and commercial news ended up to be the country’s longest-running newspaper. The Manila Bulletin, one of the few centenarian publications in the world, is also recognized as one of the leading English dailies in Asia.
Founded on February 2, 1900, right at the turn of the century, the nation’s leading newspaper endured through a struggle for political freedom, wars, and economic upheavals. The Manila Bulletin delivered news and fulfilled its commitment even through the changes of constitutions and leadership. All 15 presidents of the Philippines – Emilio F. Aguinaldo, Manuel L. Quezon, Jose P. Laurel, Sergio S. Osmeña, Manuel A. Roxas, Elpidio R. Quirino, Ramon F. Magsaysay, Carlos P. Garcia, Diosdado P. Macapagal, Ferdinand E. Marcos, Corazon C. Aquino, Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph E. Estrada, Gloria M. Arroyo, and Benigno S. Aquino III – saw witness to the growth and continuing service of The Manila Bulletin.
“Every Manila Bulletin anniversary is a formal affirmation of its distinct brand of excellence and integrity,” said President Benigno S. Aquino III. “Indeed, you have stood witness to the very foundation of our nation and you continued, through the years, as a stalwart chronicler and champion of the resilience of the Filipino spirit.”
The current president is among the dignitaries who have expressed their congratulations to the publication. Vice President Jejomar Binay; Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte; Chief Justice Renato Corona; Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle; former presidents Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo; and Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim have also sent their messages to the publication, noting its more than a century of service to the Filipino.
As the Philippines’ population grew from from 6 million in 1901 to over 98 million as of June 30, 2011, the newspaper also expanded and improved its services, including the modernization of its printing equipment. The Manila Bulletin was also the first newspaper company to go public on April 18, 1990, and had 2,829 stockholders as of December 31, 2011.
Through the years and driven by the demands of society, the Manila Bulletin has evolved into a comprehensive newspaper. It also has the weekly magazines Panorama and Style Weekend; dailies Tempo and Balita; special interest magazines Agriculture, Cruising, Animal Scene, Sports Digest, and Sense & Style; and magazines published in the vernacular Liwayway, Bisaya, Bannawag, and Hiligaynon. Also under the umbrella of the publication is The Manila Bulletin Yearbook, a compendium of information on government officials, civic organizations, and notable institutions in the Philippines.
On its 112th Anniversary today, the Manila Bulletin rededicates itself to its mission of service to the Filipino public and pledges once more its commitment to be a vehicle of fidelity and impartiality in meeting the information needs of our people and our democratic institutions. It vows to remain faithful to its mission of providing honest, factual, and impartial news to Filipinos, as it practices editorial policy of ethical accuracy of all its stories.
