Inquirer, 2 news team members reap awards promoting UN dev’t goals
The Philippine Daily Inquirer and two members of its news team are among this year’s honorees in the Icons of Change Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations who help attain the objectives set by the United Nations for human development.
The Inquirer as a media outfit received the award for Excellence in Journalism for Truth, Accountability and Nation-Building, for serving as a “vanguard of truth” and “catalyst of progress” through its reportage, commentary and civic engagements.
PDI day desk chief Dewey Joseph “DJ” Yap was cited for Excellence in Ethical Journalism and Newsroom Leadership, while senior reporter Julie Aurelio was recognized for Excellence in Political and Governance Reporting.
SDG 16
Given by the nonprofit organization Icons of Change, the awards honor those whose work or accomplishments align with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of global objectives to improve various aspects of human life.
The SDGs have been the thrust of international campaigns since being launched by the UN in 2016. The awards for the Inquirer, Yap and Aurelio fall under SDG 16—Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
According to the UN website dedicated to SDGs, Goal 16 is about “promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.’’
SDG 16 affirms that “people everywhere should be free of fear from all forms of violence and feel safe as they go about their lives whatever their ethnicity, faith or sexual orientation.’’
The Icons of Change citation for PDI reads: “In a world increasingly challenged by disinformation, political polarization, and attacks on press freedom, the Inquirer remains a bulwark of integrity, upholding transparency, accountability, and justice with unwavering resolve.”
“Through its work, the Inquirer has elevated the public discourse on critical issues—from governance and poverty to climate justice, education reform, gender equality, and human rights. It has created space for marginalized voices, challenged institutional complacency, and empowered millions of Filipinos to demand better, to be better, and to believe that journalism can—and should—be a force for good.’’
Homegrown
Yap, a homegrown Inquirer staffer who rose from reporter to head of the city desk, was recognized for representing the “very essence of journalism as a democratic safeguard.”
“His leadership style is rooted in humility but fueled by principle. In a newsroom marked by deadlines and data, [Yap] brings focus, fairness, and foresight,” his citation said. “Yap is more than a journalist. He is a steward of truth, a builder of institutions and a voice of integrity in Philippine public life.”
Yap was also recognized for his role as national director of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), where he actively espouses media workers’ welfare, and for his authorship of “Ethical Guide for Filipino Journalists,” a 200-page book published by the NUJP in 2021.
‘Anchored in service’
Aurelio, an Inquirer journalism scholar who joined the company and rose from the ranks, was lauded for “[h]er two-decade commitment to principled, people-centered, and governance-focused journalism.’’
“Her career stands as a testament to journalism done right: measured, mission-driven, and anchored in service to the people,” the citation said of Aurelio, who currently covers Malacañang.
Held at SMX Convention Center on Friday, the Icons of Change Awards 20025 also recognized the following: Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon, fisherfolk leader, environmental advocate and Ramon Magsaysay Awardeee; David D’ Angelo, chair of the Bayanihan para sa Kalikasan Movement; Dan Hugasaurus Renner, inventor of the fuel-saving technology Carbon Cutter; the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; the 103rd squadron of the Philippine Coast Guard; and the Fireworks Trade Exhibitions & Conferences Philippines, Inc.
The Icons of Change is led by its chair Justin Ho Guo Shun, who is also the president of the International EcoTourism Society in Asia Pacific. Its other officers are John Guarnes, cochair; Mary Joan Ocampo, director for strategic partnerships; and Annie Mercado, director of performing arts.
