We are on the brink of a major change: One that will affect our nation for the next six years at least. Whether the change will be positive or negative will depend on what we all decide to do today what we focus on, what we support, what we embrace, what we reject.
Will we, as a people, be swayed by personalities or focus on issues and policies? How will we vote? Or more precisely, who will we vote for if we vote at all?
No doubt the information we get greatly influences what we decide to do. And that is where The Standard comes in.
For the last 29 years, The Standard has been at the forefront of change. It has served as witness, documenting the transformations and trends as they occur. It has heralded change, taking the information at its fingers and projecting what will or could be. And in many instances, The Standard has driven this change, causing people to sit up, take notice and act on many issues that affect our existence.
Last year, we came out with several breaking and exclusive stories that stirred a hornet’s nest like the Mamasapano tragedy that made people feel sorrow, shock, anger. Mamasapano was a disaster that caused people to sit up and take notice of an issue that previously was quietly slipping by: the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law or BBL.
Our reportage also led people to take a closer look at other important issues: the state of our leadership, the state of our military and uniformed services, and more.
The changes we have made primarily embracing digital technology became a driver for other changes, in the way people receive news and opinions that influence their beliefs and dictate their behavior.
Late last year, our Visionary Awards brought attention to people around us who, through the power of a vision, are quietly doing the things that still need to be done, away from the limelight, mostly unnoticed by the popular media. We told stories of these visionaries and how they are changing the lives of those around them, and we will continue to tell their stories.
The core of The Standard has not changed. We will always be about news, opinions and information. We will always be about offering insightful views and informed perspectives that will help guide and drive the kind of change that will be of value to the people.
To all our friends, supporters and readers, we thank you for being with us all these years, in celebrating yet another milestone in our journey. Together, let us continue to be the change that this country and our people need.
PHILIP G. ROMUALDEZ
Chairman