End of an era: 'Baguio Midland Courier’ prints its final edition
Baguio Midland Courier printed its final edition after 77 years.
On Facebook, the local community newspaper shared a copy of its front page for July 21, 2024.
"Here’s the front page of the final edition of your Baguio Midland Courier. Grab your copy at your favorite newsstand tomorrow, July 21, 2024," the statement said.
"The management and staff of the Midland Courier under the Hamada Printers & Publishers’ Corp. wish to thank all our esteemed readers, advertisers, and supporters for being with us for the past 77 years. Maraming, maraming salamat po!"
Baguio Midland Courier first announced on June 30 that they would be ceasing publication by July 21.
It wrote: "Your Baguio Midland Courier, after 77 years of unparalleled and credible publication by providing news and information that matter to the public, is ceasing its operation effective July 22, 2024. The decision to cease publication was a difficult one and the management deeply regrets any impact this may have on our esteemed readers, newsboys, supporters, contributors, and advertisers."
The local publication added that it is always committed to "delivering trustworthy and relevant news and information in this northern part of the country and far-away lands." However, the newspaper, like many others around the world, isn't immune to the challenges facing the industry, leading to the closure of even established publications
Still, it is "incredibly grateful for the unwavering support" since it started and is encouraging its readers to "stay connected" through its channels.
"We are hopeful that new opportunities will arise, allowing us to continue our mission in different forms. At present, we are exploring options to preserve our archives for future references," the publication wrote.
"Thank you once again for your loyalty and support. It has been an honor to be a part of your lives and to serve the Cordillera and the rest of
the world."
'Sad day' for Philippine journalism community
Toni Hamada, the publisher and chief operations officer of Baguio Midland Courier, thanked the Cordillera community in the comments section.
"With a heavy heart, I want to thank the Cordillera for 77 years of support all these years. Without your patronage, advertising, and readership, the Baguio Midland Courier wouldn't have excelled and lasted this long. But it's time to close the curtains and bow graciously thanking each and everyone. It was a privilege to have managed the Midland for 8 years, my brother Charles for 22 years after my father, Oseo Carino Hamada died in 1993. Thank you, thank you for all your heartfelt messages," he wrote.
Guien Garma of DZLB wrote on X: "Sad day for Philippine community journalism. Baguio Midland Courier has announced it will cease publishing by the end of July 2024. Its last print issue will go out on 21 July 2024."
Economist JC Punongbayan also wrote, "Omg. End of an era. Thank you, Baguio Midland Courier."
DZWT 540 & DZWR 99.9's Maverick Ashford left a comment on Facebook, saying "I'm stunned. It is impossible to fathom that the City of Pines' native newspaper ceasing operations. Best wishes to all writers, contributors, and staff. I'm hoping it will remain online."
Meanwhile, Ariel Sebellino, executive director of the Philippine Press Institute said its legacy "cannot be forgotten."
“Baguio Midland Courier’s legacy cannot be forgotten: community journalism at its finest. Its long history of public service has made a significant dent to its readers and the entire community that value journalism as key component to enriching the lives of Cordillerans where it matters the most,” he said.
The Baguio Midland Courier was founded by journalist-lawyer Sinai Hamada, his brother Oseo, and half-sister Cecilia Afable in April 1947. It publishes relevant news for Baguio City and neighboring towns in the northern Luzon regions of the Philippines.