We see in the Gospel of Saint Mark that all believers are directed to “Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation.” The Gospel is the Good News, and the Good News is the Gospel.

I believe that is also the role of every writer, correspondent and journalist: to bring and spread good news to all. Good news that inspires, educates and creates awareness that, despite what is happening around us, there is still goodness in the world.

Last week, I visited a friend. While we were exchanging ideas, he said that in this age of social media, people no longer know whom to believe. I replied, “Whoever tells the truth — the media organization, media outfit or media platform that delivers accurate, fair and impartial news and information.”

He replied, “DAILY TRIBUNE.”

With that, I invited him to merienda at the AFP Commissioned Officers’ Club (AFPCOC).

Both of us were surprised because he never knew I wrote for a newspaper. It was only then that I discovered that many offices and even field units of both the AFP and the PNP are readers and followers of the DAILY TRIBUNE.

I took the opportunity to show him my articles published in the DAILY TRIBUNE, prompting him to remark, “Ikaw talaga, Mistah. Palagi mo na lang kami ginugulat.”

In terms of news presentation and the delivery of relevant, significant and timely events to the Filipino people, I can say that the DAILY TRIBUNE can truly stand alongside the country’s most established broadsheets, including the newspaper where I began my career as a journalist and eventually became assistant city editor before joining the Philippine National Police.

Amid what is happening today, I encourage every Filipino, and even our foreign friends, to read the DAILY TRIBUNE so that their perspective on life will remain balanced.

As people take time to read the DAILY TRIBUNE — its news, articles, opinions and commentaries — they see a light shining before others. Our publications remind people that, in everything, there is goodness, and that our work gives glory to God.

For the past 26 years, the DAILY TRIBUNE has fulfilled its mission of spreading not only the news but also the Gospel, proclaiming the Good News that, despite the negative things happening around us, the Kingdom of God is at hand.

To the owners, management, editorial team, news team, my fellow columnists and contributors, and the staff of the DAILY TRIBUNE, please accept my greetings. Happy 26th Anniversary! With every best wish, I remain. I love you all very dearly, cross my heart!