The DAILY TRIBUNE was feted at the 2024 Philippine Heart Association (PHA) Awards on Wednesday night. The PHA recognized the 24-year-old broadsheet for being a “constant PHA Lay Advocacy Champion.”

This Health beat reporter received the award on behalf of the company.

According to the PHA, the award recipients were evaluated on several factors, including depth and quality of substance, content significance, impact on audiences and readers, breadth and consistency of coverage, and quality of the relationship fostered with the PHA.

This year’s awards were marked by the first Media Program category, Individual category, The People Behind the Scenes, Hall of Famer, Journalists and Media Outfits Who Worked with the PHA for at Least 10 years, Best News Coverage of World Heart Day 2024 and Best News Story categories.

Reporters and media outfits that have adhered to PHA standards received the Big Heart trophy.

PHA levels up social media presence

During the awards ceremony, the PHA announced it was boosting its social media presence.

According to Dr. Luigi Pierre Segundo, PHA social media chair, the organization’s social media serves as a guide in debunking myths and bringing the truth to the forefront.

Through social media, Segundo said, PHA offers scientifically-backed insights as a safeguard against the harmful consequences of misinformed choices.

“The revamped digital presence of PHA will serve as an indispensable tool for disseminating valuable information on cardiovascular wellness, healthy lifestyle choices, and preventive measures against heart diseases,” he said.

“Through a mix of informative posts on the PHA Facebook page, engaging videos on Facebook, YouTube and TikTok, and more interactive contents, the PHA aims to create an online community dedicated to promoting heart health,” he added.

According to the PHA, its social media relaunch will feature expert advice from healthcare professionals, success stories from individuals who improved their heart health, and tips for maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle.

“The relaunch of the PHA’s social media presence is a crucial step in its mission to empower Filipinos with the information and resources they need to prioritize their heart health and lead healthier lives,” it said.

The PHA also unveiled its mascot, “Karjo Mahusay.”

PHA said Karjo was coined from the word “cardio,” as in cardiovascular and cardiologist, while “mahusay” implies “greatness” and “efficiency.”