The PUNCH cited as ‘Best Edited Weekly Community Newspaper’
THE SUNDAY PUNCH was adjudged the ‘Best Edited Weekly Community Newspaper 2023’ in the country by the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) during the latter’s celebration of its 60th year on April 25, 2024.
The PUNCH was also named as finalist for the ‘Best in Business and Economic Reporting’ and ‘Best News Website’.
PPI, also known as the national association of newspapers and online publications in the country, organized three assemblies and hosted two major awards from April 24 to 26 at Century Park in Manila: General Membership Meeting, Outstanding Stories on Breast Cancer, National Press Forum, Community Press Awards, and Learning Exchange Forum.
The PUNCH editor-publisher Ermin F. Garcia, Jr. received the award during the formal ceremonies held on April 25, 2024.
The PUNCH, founded in 1956 by Ermin Erfe Garcia, is already in its 68th year of publishing today and considered one of the oldest surviving community newspapers in the country, and never missed publishing an issue even through the martial law years, series of calamities and recently, throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. “There’s no other way to serve our communities but to do it unconditionally, with or without revenues,” Garcia said.
This year’s theme, “The Future of Newsrooms: The Viability of Print in an AI Era,” puts emphasis on print innovations and sustaining newspaper operations against the backdrop of overwhelming technologies, rowdy social media platforms, dwindling readership and diminishing revenues.
The shift to digital media on how information is produced, consumed and distributed, according to PPI chairman-president Rolando Estabillo, Manila Standard publisher, poses significant threats to the traditional press. “At present, our advocacy group finds itself confronting new challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving media landscape.
PPI executive director Ariel Sebellino said the program this year more significant owing to PPI’s diamond year, being the oldest media organization in the country for print since 1964. “PPI has come a long way since its comeback in 1987 having been declared moribund during Martial Law years,” he added.
PPI cited its long-time institutional partner, the Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC), “for its exceptional commitment and unparalleled support to Philippine press, especially to the PPI member-publications across the archipelago”. The special citation also recognizes NAC’S contribution to building better communities through responsible mining.
Dedicated to championing it members’ welfare and interests, the PPI continues to launch journalism initiatives, organize public discourses via trainings for journalists, sustain journalism fellowship programs and recognition for outstanding reportage. It is presently engaged in establishing Media-Citizen Councils across the country. (PPI news)
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