Historical Background

1950s-60s. The Sentinel was the only Catholic national newspaper at this time. The Davao Archdiocese began its supplement page with Mrs. Jo Bacani-Angeles as editor-in-chief in the late 50s and 60s. Following Vatican guidelines, the format and contents then dealt mainly with Church matters. It was named “Davao Sentinel.”

1970s. The Bishop Thibault Media Center, the social communications arm of the Archdiocese of Davao was born. It was named after the first Prelate Ordinary of Davao City, Abp. Clovis Thibault, PME. The foundation’s name was later changed to Abp. Mabutas Media Center (AMMC).

Having “The Sentinel” as its precursor, the Davao archdiocese came up with its own bi-monthly publication in 1973, “Ang Taboan”, through the apostolate of the Daughters of St. Paul. It started its circulation to parishes with 2,500 copies.

1980s. “Ang Taboan” changed its name to “Davao Catholic Herald” (messenger) in the early 80s then the Teresian Daughters of Mary (TDM) started to manage the publication. Its office was transferred from San Pedro Cathedral to the San Pablo Parish Compound, then, to John XXIII Catechetical Center, then finally to San Pablo Parish compound when DXGN was opened in 1988.

1990s. The 1990s ushered in the active participation of the clergy in the media apostolate. Abp. Capalla was installed as the new Archbishop of Davao. Teamwork began between DXGN and DC Herald. The management of both media platforms was supervised by the same spiritual director. Market research and media workshops were continuously conducted during this time. It was at this decade that the media apostolate held the Davao Catholic Mass Media Award (DCMMA) for 3 consecutive years (1999-2001).

2000s. DC Herald continued to conduct parish workshops to produce correspondents. In 2006, the DC Herald was under the board supervision for financial reason. In 2007, Pledge of Sponsorships and major fundraising campaigns like the John Paul II film viewing and Abp. Capalla’s Birthday were introduced under the leadership of Fr. Russel Bantiles. Fr. Marbendear Morallas continued its operation as he strengthened its internal operation. In December 2011, DC Herald’s website was launched and a facebook account was also opened under the current management of Fr. Ritsche J. Gamaya, D.C.D.

The Davao Catholic Herald is being read by bishops, priests, and lay faithful. It celebrated its 60 years in the circulation in 2013. Today, its subscription was raised to 3,500 with copies distributed to Digos, Tagum, and Mati. Schools like Ateneo de Davao, Holy Cross of Bunawan, and Holy Cross of Babak require their students to buy the newspaper for academic purposes. Media literacy training (Media Baby ka ba?) Training and Support was given attention in 2012 serving GKK, parish and school editorial staff and interested writers.

DC Herald’s publication underwent various stages of reengineering. Publication-making software programs speeded up production. Some of its past directors include: Sr. Cleofe Rosaroso, Sr. Rosangela Ronda, Sr. Milagros, Sr. Eugene Gornis, Sr. Consolata Manding, from the Daughters of St. Paul (1970s); Sr. Lydia Perales, Sr. Ma. Rosita Duhaylungsod, Sr. Jean Gipulao, Sr. Gemelina Gaudicos, all from Teresian Daughters of Mary (1980s), Bishop Jimmy Afable – Spiritual Director of Bishop Thibault Media Center (1997-2001), Fr. Dexter Veloso (1999-2001), Mr. Florante Tarona, Fr. Rey Roque, Fr. Russel Bantiles, Fr. Marbendear Morallas, and Fr. Ritsche Gamaya (2011-present).

The present media apostolate is named Davao Verbum Dei Media Foundation, Inc. with Abp. Romulo G. Valles, D.D. as the Chairperson.