Publisher’s Note:
Eighteen years ago, the late Ambassador Dr. Leopoldo H. Lazatin of the City of San Fernando, Pampanga envisioned a local newspaper not beholden to any political or business entity. He wanted a free information of ideas, opinions and expressions that would truly inform, entertain and educate the public on issues concerning Pampanga in particular and the nation in general. He tasked me to get the right persons to start the publication of a local newspaper. As I was new in Pampanga with no single experience in publication, I relied on the influence and contacts of a friend psychologist Dr. Tina Basilio. She referred me to Edgar Movido, publisher of Punto! National Newspaper based in Metro Manila. A franchise was inked for Punto! Pampanga Newspaper in 2007. After 2 years of publication, Punto! Pampanga became Punto! Central Luzon newspaper, run independently from Punto! National Newspaper. We had our Editor Joey Aguilar and Marketing Manager Joanna Ning Cordero, with our best editorial writer The “Bong” Lacson.
Having in mind that newspapering is not a business, we indeed suffered losses. But Doc Leo continued to support the paper until it started earning to keep the salaries of its editorial and admin staff after 8 years. It was in 2015 that Punto! finally achieved its economic survival as advertisers, subscribers and readers started to multiply and trust Punto! Many local newspapers in Pampanga were established and failed. But Punto! remains until now.
The pandemic gave us the opportunity to go online as envisioned by our founder, Doc Leo. Continuing to print once a week, our online presence was strenghtened. With loyal subscribers and supporters, we have maintained our presence not only in Pampanga but the whole of Central Luzon.
Punto! is indeed like the soft spoken Doc Leo. You need to listen and be attentive; go near him when he speaks to hear what he wanted to convey; be patient and undertand the narratives; have a vision 10 years into the future; do not sit on your laurels; take care of your employees; always be humble; and of course, spice and explore some marites to keep the conversation going until you find the truth.
To our editorial and administrative staff, our writers and contributors- Maraming Salamat po! We dedicate this 18th annivesary to our eternal Man of Punto!, our inspiration and source of pride- Ambassador Doc Leo Lazatin. Maraming salamat po!
