The Freeman bags second DSWD award

CEBU, Philippines - For the second time, The FREEMAN received the Department of Social Welfare and Development-7’s “Gawad Ulat,” an award conferred annually to local print, radio and television media outfits.

The FREEMAN was picked from among other local dailies in Cebu by DSWD-7 for its contributions in producing relevant news stories anchored on the agency’s advocacy.

This year, DSWD-7 honored The FREEMAN as the "most supportive newspaper" – a recognition bestowed to a media firm that provides the most and cost-free published stories on DSWD programs, projects and services in its news articles.

The FREEMAN was recognized for its “invaluable support and great patronage that significantly contributed to the promotion of the DSWD programs and services.”

Also granted the award were dyHP (RMN Cebu) for radio and Cebu Catholic Television Network for TV.

DSWD-7 Information Officer Kerwin Macopia said the selected media organizations “have given solid support to DSWD through publication in print media and airing in broadcast media, of positive social welfare and development stories.”

“(They also) have committed to advance the promotions, publicity and advocacy efforts of the Department,” he said.

To determine the awardee for print media category, Macopia said the agency assessed published articles from January to December 2016.

He recalled that the same award was also given The FREEMAN in 2014.

Recognizing the efforts of local media was one of the special events lined up for the 66th founding anniversary of DSWD this February.

The awarding ceremony was held at the SM Seaside in Cebu City last February 9 attended by Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo.

Aside from media outfits, awards were also given to civil society organizations, private institutions, people’s organizations, and local government units, as well as some DSWD personnel who have served the agency for more than ten years. (FREEMAN)