(Speech by Daily Tribune president and publisher Willie Fernandez at the Gawad PAG-IBIG para sa Media on Wednesday, 6 December 2023, where Daily Tribune received three major awards — Agap-Balita, Bida sa Paglathala and Kabalikat sa Pagbabalita, as well as a plaque of appreciation.)

Ms. Marilene Acosta, friends, my colleagues from the media, guests, Good afternoon!

It sounds cliche but they say "home is where the heart is," and nothing could be more appropriate than this maxim during the Home Development Mutual Fund or the Pag-IBIG Fund's 43rd anniversary with the tag of "143," the numbers denoting those heartwarming words, "I love you."

With our country's housing backlog of over 6.5 million, Pag-IBIG under the helm of Ms. Acosta plays a crucial role in helping working Filipinos achieve the dream of owning a home.

With home loan releases growing by almost P5 billion, or 6 percent, this year, Pag-IBIG Fund has helped more Filipinos realize this dream, building their confidence into achieving bigger things.

But it takes a lot of work — and a lot of love — to see this through. And I must commend the current leadership of Ms. Acosta in providing affordable and fast house financing to Filipinos.

Undeniably, PAG-IBIG Fund has been instrumental in facilitating homeownership for millions of Pinoys.

Filipinos equate owning a home to having dignity for their family. Barriers to homeownership, such as high property costs and limited access to financing, have presented significant challenges to a large number of our populace.

In addressing this pressing need, Pag-IBIG Fund has emerged as a vital institution that plays a pivotal role in empowering Filipinos to realize one of their biggest aspirations in life.

The momentum that Pag-IBIG harnessed through its record-breaking performance this year is propelling the agency to achieve even greater heights come 2024.

Our Pag-IBIG chief is optimistic that home loans will maintain its growth in the months ahead.

And with such stellar accomplishments, it is not surprising that our PAG-IBIG CEO has been recently accorded the honor of a Gold Stevie for Female Executive of the Year at the Stevie Awards for Women in Business in New York City.  Last month, she was also recognized as a Circle of Excellence Awardee, Woman Leader of the Year, by the 2023 Asia CEO Awards.

With this unique leadership, there is no doubt the Filipino workers have been provided with the platforms for easier access to affordable shelter financing.

Meanwhile, at the DAILY TRIBUNE, we believe that we have been instrumental in effectively conveying PAG-IBIG's message to the public, thereby contributing to the success of the state fund's programs. True to our mantra, " Without Fear • Without Favor", we write, we publish, we print factual information that will provide aspiring homeowners the information needed to access the FUND.

The symbiotic relationship between PAG-IBIG and the mainstream media specifically the DAILY TRIBUNE — whether it is digital or in print — is as invaluable as the programs undertaken by the STATE FUND to cater to the Filipino homebuyers' diverse and complex needs.

We aim to reinforce the sustainability of such a relationship. Let us admit, the measure of any program's success is hinged on how it has been effectively communicated to its target public.

Modesty aside, DAILY TRIBUNE has done its fair share in bridging not only the digital divide but it IS ALSO FILLING the gaps across all other media platforms available to Filipinos here and abroad.

By tailoring its programs to accommodate the unique circumstances of its members and communicating it fast and efficiently to a wider audience, PAG-IBIG has expanded the reach of homeownership opportunities and promoted greater financial inclusion.

Through effective and timely communication of the comprehensive loan offerings, PAG-IBIG empowers individuals to make informed decisions about homeownership and provides them with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of the real estate market.

By forging strategic partnerships like this with the DAILY TRIBUNE and promoting industry best practices, PAG-IBIG contributes to the development of a vibrant housing market that is responsive to the needs of Filipino homebuyers.

As PAG-IBIG continues to evolve and innovate in its approach to housing finance, it stands as a beacon of hope for Filipinos pursuing their aspirations of owning a home. The DAILY TRIBUNE stands solidly by its side as it continues to play its role of delivering timely and factual information across all available media platforms – WITHOUT FEAR.WITHOUT FAVOR.

Someone once shared this truth on social media: "A fit body, a calm mind, a house full of love. These things cannot be bought — they must be earned."

In this case, it warms the heart to know that hardworking Filipinos can own their place full of love with an able, hardworking, and caring support from the Pag-IBIG Fund and media institutions like the DAILY TRIBUNE.

MARAMING SALAMAT PO.