The Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAF) and the Philippine Press Institute (PPI), in cooperation with the Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE) Foundation launched the Annual Community Press Awards for Excellence in 1996, the first and only awards program of its kind in the country. The first awards were given to regional newspapers in 1997. The Awards program, aimed at raising the standards for responsible journalism in the countryside, seeks to honor news organizations not only for excellence in reportage and editorial content but also for their roles in their respective communities as development catalysts and chronicles of events.
Since its inception, it was clear that the Institute shall not have direct involvement in the selection of nominees, finalists and winners. The Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE) Foundation, an independent body, was tasked to oversee and manage the awards program. The regional screening committees and the national board of judges were formed to screen all member-newspapers and judge the short list of finalists, respectively.
From 1997 to 2005, KAF was the principal funder of the National Press Forum and the Community Press Awards until its official closure of support in 2005. The KAF was presented with a special plaque of appreciation by the Board of Trustees and the members during the awarding ceremonies at the Manila Diamond Hotel. The year after, the awards logo and design dropped the name of KAF from the official title. PPI has since then always looked back and recognized KAF’s unwavering contribution to the success of the awards. That it had always championed the community press along with PPI, was laudable and remarkable.
The awards program has always been supported by Malaya, Journal Group of Publications, Manila Standard Today, BusinessWorld, The Philippine Star and BusinessWorld which provide cash prizes and trophies to winners.
On its first year, there was no weekly category yet. From 1997 to 2000, other original categories were given out such as best in newspaper design, best in science and technology reporting, best in environmental reporting, best in investigative reporting, and best in cultural-historical reporting. The best editorial page was presented by the Gerry Gil Foundation starting in 1999 in honor of the late journalist Gerry Gil. The best in cultural-historical reporting was a new entry in 1999 to recognize excellence in reportage on the country’s centennial celebration. In 2000, the categories on science, technology and environment became one category.
The illustrious list of guests of honor and keynote speakers during the awarding ceremonies include Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr., Governor Grace Padaca, Sheila S. Coronel, Antonio P. Meloto, Senator Raul S. Roco, and Dr. William T. Torres. All spoke highly of the community press and underscored its crucial role in shaping citizens’ minds and molding the society.
In 2000, only two daily newspapers were elevated to the Hall of Fame: The Freeman and Sun.Star Cebu, both based in Cebu City. The first year was a sweep by The Freeman while the second year was Sun.Star Cebu’s. Both got the lion’s share in the third awards presentation. From 2001 to present, only five major awards for both weekly and daily categories have been retained.
This year heralds a new beginning for the Community Press Awards as it enters a dynamic era and unfolds yet another milestone of recognizing excellence next year. The Coca-Cola Export Corporation (TCCEC) will be the official awards partner in the annual presentation in 2009.
