The DAILY TRIBUNE celebrates a long-time trusted partnership with Pag-IBIG Fund, which recognized and honored the multi-media platform for its invaluable contributions in

effectively conveying information to the public.

In an event dubbed "Salu-Salo at Pasasalamat: Gawad Pag-IBIG para sa Media" at the Sheraton Hotel on Wednesday, the Concept and Information Group Inc.'s DAILY TRIBUNE was conferred three awards — Bida sa Paglathala, Agap-Balita, and Kabalikat sa Pagbabalita.

Bida sa Paglathalawas "for giving superior value to Pag-IBIG Fund programs and accomplishments by publishing news about Pag-IBIG Fund on its different social media platforms to gain a better reach."

The Agap-Balita recognition was "for giving preferential attention and acting outstandingly in addressing the urgency by which news and updates on Pag-IBIG Fund programs must reach its members."

For displaying an exceptional understanding of Pag-IBIG Fund members' need for accurate and updated information about their membership and benefits through the publication of news on its online news site, DAILY TRIBUNE received the Kabalikat sa Pagbabalita award.

DAILY TRIBUNE President Willie Fernandez, who received the awards, lauded the Pag-IBIG Fund for emerging as a vital institution that plays a pivotal role in empowering Filipinos to realize one of their biggest aspirations in life — owning a home.

He was also presented with a Plaque of Appreciation by Pag-IBIG President and Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta for generously sharing his time in imparting invaluable words to describe the importance of Pag-IBIG Fund's excellent business relations with print and online media as part of the latter's efforts to uphold transparency and provide excellent public service.

"True to our mantra 'Without fear, Without Favor,' we write, publish, and print factual information that will provide aspiring homeowners the information needed to access the Fund," Fernandez said.

He added: "The symbiotic relationship between Pag-IBIG and the mainstream media, specifically the DAILY TRIBUNE — whether on 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."

He assured that as Pag-IBIG Fund continues to evolve and innovate in its approach to housing finance, "the DAILY TRIBUNE stands solidly behind it and will continue to play its role in delivering timely and factual information across all available media platforms."

Other media awardees included Radio Mindanao Network Inc. (Bida sa Pagbalitaand Lingkod Mamamahayag for Radio Broadcast), Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (Bida sa PagbalitaandLingkod Mamamahayag for Television), Manila Bulletin (Kabalikat sa Pagbabalitafor Print Broadsheet), and Business Mirror (Bida sa Paglathala for Print Broadsheet).

Print Tabloid awardees were Dyaryo Pinoy (Kabalikat sa Pagbabalita Bida sa Paglathala) and Journal Group (Agap-Balita). Aside from Daily Tribune, Manila Standard (Agap-Balita) was also an Online News awardee.

Social Enterprise Development Partnership Inc. bagged the Lingkod Mamamahayag award for Digital Media.

Bridge that connects

Acosta thanked the media partners for their commitment to upholding the highest standards of journalism, striving to inform and educate the public about Pag-IBIG Fund programs while promoting transparency and accountability.

"We are grateful to each of you for being the bridge that connects us further to our members. Through your efforts in disseminating information, they are able to know about and avail themselves of our programs," she said.

She added that the media has been a reliable partner of the Pag-IBIG fund over the years.

"The trust and support you have given us has allowed us to do more and inspires us to continuously strive to provide excellent service," Acosta said.

She urged the media to inform Pag-IBIG Fund of the members' issues that must be addressed and improved upon.

"You have been a venue for information, discussion, and evaluation. You allowed us to do our jobs excellently and to further raise us to even greater levels that our members truly deserve," she added.

The Pag-IBIG Fund, or Home Development Mutual Fund, is a government-owned and -controlled corporation operating under the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development whose primary mandate is to oversee the national savings program and provide accessible housing financing options for Filipinos.