37 years keeping the machine running

By Via Marah Lañas, Angel D. Ngo, Kairos Glory Gadian and Kent Rafael Gentallan, Interns

For nearly four decades, while readers focused on the headlines, one man quietly made sure those stories reached the public.

Since 1989—the same year Mindanao Gold Star Daily was founded—Jesus Rodrigo, better known as Manong Jessie, has faithfully operated the newspaper's printing press. 

At 61, he is one of the company's longest-serving employees and the man trusted to keep its presses running.

Originally from Pagadian City, Manong Jessie joined the newspaper in his mid-20s, when producing a newspaper required far more manual work than it does today. 

Every edition demanded long hours, multiple production steps, and careful coordination before it reached readers.

Inside the press room, he operates the Solna 225, a Swedish-made printing press that produces two-color prints. 

While readers see only the finished newspaper, few realize the precision and experience needed to keep the machine working flawlessly.

His shift usually begins at 3 p.m., when preparations for the evening print run start. 

Before a single page is printed, he inspects the machine, checks its oil, and performs a test run, knowing that even a minor mechanical problem can delay production.

Years of experience have sharpened his instincts. Sometimes, he can detect a problem simply by listening to the sound of the machine. 

If something seems off, he immediately checks it before it develops into a major breakdown.

Over the years, Manong Jessie taught himself how to repair the aging presses. 

Today, he is the company's go-to technician whenever equipment fails. Even in the middle of the night, he returns to the press room if a machine needs fixing.

His dedication has helped keep several machines operating far beyond their expected lifespan.

The newspaper industry has changed dramatically during his 37 years of service. 

Modern technology has simplified production, allowing fewer workers to accomplish tasks that once required an entire team.

While he welcomes technological advances, he admits he worries that printed newspapers may one day become less common as digital platforms continue to grow. 

Some materials once essential to newspaper production, such as printing films and chemicals, are already difficult to find.

Still, he accepts that change is part of progress.

One of the toughest moments in his career came when a printing machine suddenly broke down before an important deadline. 

Unsure whether he could repair it in time, he reminded himself to stay calm.

"Can I still fix this? Can I finish this?" he recalled asking himself.

For nearly three hours, he patiently worked through the problem until the machine was running again. The newspaper was printed on schedule.

When asked what has kept him going through decades of pressure and challenges, his answer is simple: faith in God and confidence in himself.

"I can do this," he tells himself.

As Mindanao Gold Star Daily marks its 37th anniversary, Manong Jessie hopes the newspaper will continue to grow, adapt, and serve its readers for many years to come.

For him, every printed edition is more than ink on paper. It is the result of quiet dedication behind the scenes—a reminder that while reporters write the stories, someone must keep the press running.

For 37 years, that someone has been Manong Jessie.