President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday recognized state communicators for their significant contributions to enhancing public awareness and empowering participation in Philippine governance.
In his speech during the Parangal: Gawad ng Kahusayan sa Komunikasyong Pampubliko, President Marcos highlighted the importance of effective communication which, according to him, fosters trust between the government and its citizens.
“The campaigns, the messages, and the voices we celebrate this evening remind us what leadership is capable of when there is a connection with the people,” President Marcos said in his speech.
“While these awards recognize your achievements, they are also declarations of leadership standards that enhance public awareness and empower participation in governance,” the President added.
The “Parangal: Gawad ng Kahusayan sa Komunikasyong Pampubliko” is the inaugural annual awards program of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), recognizing the outstanding communication campaigns and strategies by government agencies and local government units.
It aims to serve as a platform to showcase the best practices in government communication, encouraging agencies to adopt innovative strategies that resonate with the Filipinos.
Among the categories is the Public Service Campaign, recognizing the best campaigns implemented at the local and national levels to successfully bridge the gap between government initiatives and public understanding.
The Government Innovation Award honors creative and forward-thinking communication strategies by government financial institutions, government-owned and -controlled corporations, and national government agencies.
Outstanding Digital Campaign Award acknowledges excellence in digital communication under six categories: Website of the Year; Best Short-Form Campaign; Best Long-Form Campaign; Best Infographic Campaign; Viral Impact Award; and Digital Campaign of the Year.
The Champion of Information Integrity Award celebrates efforts in combating misinformation and disinformation, upholding transparency, and ensuring accurate government communications.
The Outstanding Public Communicator Award, meanwhile, honors exceptional spokespersons or public officials.
“Every award tonight tells a story of transformation. These campaigns and voices are proof that communication is the force that makes governance real,” President Marcos told public communicators.
“To our awardees and participants: Your work has transformed abstract ideas into meaningful understandable action, making governance a shared experience rather than some distant ideal discussed in the high levels of government,” he added.
Before concluding his speech, President Marcos issued a “call to action,” reminding fellow leaders that governance cannot rely solely on the weight of its authority and “must earn its place in the lives of the people it serves.”
President Marcos thanked media partners, civil society and the private sector “for being the stewards of democracy and the champions of accountability.”
“Your work does more than report—it shapes the national narrative, challenges complacency, and demands better from those holding public office,” the President said.
The Chief Executive also assured the government’s continued unwavering and effective public service with integrity and accountability. (PCO)
