Roxas City—It’s amazing that after 42 long years, a local weekly newspaper here—despite
economic ups and downs, rigid media competition, and the emergence of social
media—has not only thrived, but most importantly, survived.
Since 1981, when The Capiz Times was first published, many local tabloids have come and
gone.
But The Capiz Times—which began carrying the slogan “The Voice of the Capizeño” since
1999—is still here and maintains a regular readership with circulation and subscription in
Roxas City and the rest of Capiz province.
The birth and sustenance of this paper is attributed to its founders: the late Atty. Antonio B.
Ortiz and his wife Cora Gamboa Ortiz of Roxas City. They started with a set of competent
personnel working in their own printing press. The duo would inspire and graciously led the
editorial and management staff that would take The Capiz Times to greatness.
The editors who contributed to make The Capiz Times what it is today include the late
Helen Alagbay Acolentaba as its first editor: the veteran English teacher Fe Gomez
Villarruz (1980s until 2001), Gerry Pagharion (2001–2016); Rico Infante (2017), Niño
Manaog (2018-2021); and Marchel P. Espina (2022 to present); as well as associate editor
Jonell Gregorio.
Through the years, The Capiz Times has not only established linkage with various
government agencies and non-government organizations (NGOs), but also forged
partnerships with various businesses in and around Roxas City and even outside of
Capiz—making it an indispensable partner in community-building.
For many years since 1999, The Capiz Times has also been conducting journalism
workshops for campus writers, teachers, and even government personnel to develop their
writing skills.
Every year, it brings in local and national experts in writing, community journalism,
education, and tourism to help students, teachers, and information officers produce
publishable news, feature stories, editorials, and photographs for their own school papers
and newsletters.
Supported by local government and education officials, well-meaning private individuals and
prominent citizens in Roxas City and Capiz province, The Capiz Times conducts these
training to enhance the journalism skills of the next generation, who will be the ones to
continue the legacy of quality community journalism.
In doing so, The Capiz Times believes that it is not only promoting fairness and truth, but
also help articulate “The Voice of the Capizeño.”
