Growing roots: Inquirer and its employees stood the test of time

Marlon Ramos’ childhood dream was to work for the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI). Coming from a humble neighborhood, his initial reasons were simple–their neighbor who used to work for the Inquirer had one of the most beautiful houses on the block.

Now a senior reporter and on his 15th year in the company, he is filled with gratitude and pride for achieving that dream. “Sabi nga nila, kung gusto mo yung ginagawa mo, hindi mo mamamalayan yung oras,” said Ramos. In PDI’s 38 years, it has witnessed many changes in society and has evolved with the times.

“As the company has evolved with time, so did we. This evolution would not have been possible without each and everyone in [the] Inquirer,” said PDI president and CEO Atty. Rudyard Arbolado in his welcome remarks.

PDI had shifted from a sole newspaper operation to a multimedia organization, witnessed seven presidents and adapted to the challenges brought by technology. But its celebration of its employees remains constant.

The company recognized 54 employees across different divisions on Nov. 29 for their 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service at Aruga, Rockwell in Makati City. They were given tokens and plaques for reaching their milestones with the Inquirer.

All of the employees and executives present were in good spirits and shared hearty laughs as the awardees received their awards onstage while trivias about their stay at the company were read.

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Like Ramos, messenger Pablito Ramilo also hoped to work for the Inquirer because it is one of the biggest newspapers in the country. Upon receiving his 20-year award, he said working at the company helped him build his self-confidence and he is overjoyed.

“Iba yung saya na nararamdaman ko. Nag-uusap nga kami (workmates) na sana umabot pa kami ng 25 at 30 years,” he said.

Unlike Ramos and Ramilo, finance manager Patricia Kae Luzon did not plan to stay long at the company, but opportunities to learn and take up leadership roles opened up to her. She, too, found herself staying for 10 years and counting.

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Similarly, editorial systems supervisor Mary Ann Perido had her eyes set on teaching English and Communication to high school students. Fast forward to 20 years later, she has reached this milestone with the Inquirer while still being able to ignite the minds of the editorial production assistants she trains.

This is something 30-year service awardee Imelda Alcantara noted in her speech: most of them may have different reasons for joining PDI, but the mentorship and the opportunities to learn are probably what made most of them stay.

As PDI celebrates its founding anniversary, its care for its employees is another testament to its ability to adapt and remain resilient amid changing times.

“It’s in a media company where you can really say you need teamwork … We are here today, 38 years later, because of our collective effort … It’s our collective effort and the institution that is the base and core,” said Inquirer Group of Companies CEO Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez in her closing remarks.

But as senior reporter Ramos said in his speech during the awarding, “the loyalty of the employees is also a testament to the devotion and loyalty of the company to the employees.”