PPI feted 7 outstanding regional newspapers

WINNERS. (L-R) Tony Ajero of Edge Davao, Estella Estremera of Sun.Star-Davao, Michelle So and Cherry Ann Lim of Sun.Star-Cebu, Eva Tan of Mindanao Cross, Jane Cadalig of Baguio Midland Courier, Rea Isidro-De Fiesta of Sun.Star-Pampanga, and Dino Balabo of Mabuhay, a weekly newspaper based in Bulacan.

The Philippine Press Institute has announced the winners of the 16th Civic Journalism Community Press Awards.

Seven regional newspapers were recognized during the awarding ceremonies held Tuesday at the Traders Hotel.

Sun Star newspapers published in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao garnered the awards in all six categories for daily newspapers. The winners in specific categories are as follows:

Sun Star Davao won the Best in Photojournalism, Best in Business and Economic and Reporting, and Best Editorial Page awards.

Sun Star Cebu bested others in the Best in Culture and Arts Reporting and the Best Edited Community Newspaper categories.

Sun Star Pampanga was adjudged Best in Science and Environmental Reporting.

In the weekly division, Mabuhay Newspaper and Baguio Midland Courier bagged two recognitions each. Two other newspapers garnered one award each. Here’s the full list of winners.

Mabuhay Newspaper (Bulacan) won the Best in Photojournalism and Best Edited Community Newspaper awards.

Baguio Midland Courier (Baguio City) was declared Best in Culture and Arts Reporting and Best in Science and Environmental Reporting.

Edge Davao (Davao City), a business publication, took home the Best in Business and Economic Reporting distinction.

Mindanao Cross (Cotabato City) was honored for having the Best Editorial Page.

The Best in Culture and Arts Reporting category was added this year and is sponsored by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts.

In its citation, the PPI commended Sun Star Cebu for its “wholesome representation of the cultural heritage of the city” and presenting to the readers “the impact of arts and culture on community life and the people’s aspiration in the whole city of Cebu.”

Baguio Midland Courier “demonstrated uniqueness in its coverage and in-depth reporting on the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the region and other concerns that promote stewardship, sensitivity and sense of belongingness,” said the PPI.

Winners received trophies and cash prizes.

The award ceremonies were among the highlights of the PPI’s two-day annual press forum for the community press, which opened on Monday, April 23.