Public relations (PR) focusing on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) took a spotlight in the 60th Anvil Awards as PR tools on social good and sustainability were among the big winners in the annual publicity fest of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) held on 28 January at the Manila Hotel.

The event, dubbed the “Oscars of Public Relations,” recognizes the best PR campaigns and tools executed by top companies, agencies and organizations.

While Sun Life Philippines bagged the Grand Anvil Award for the PR campaign of the year through the insurance company’s Sun Pera-Aralan project that empowers teachers through financial literacy, and Metrobank Foundation getting enshrined in the Anvil Awards Hall of Fame after five consecutive wins, SM Foundation, Aboitiz Construction and Maynilad Water Services Inc. shared the limelight with their equally excellent publicities.

SM Foundation wins 2 silver awards

SM Foundation (SMF), the social good arm of the SM Group, won two Silver Anvil in the PR Tools-Publication category for the WeCare: The SM Foundation Newsletter, a quarterly publication that communicates the education, health, livelihood and disaster relief programs of the SMF.

The foundation’s other entry, SM Foundation: Uplifting Lives Through Social Good, also received a silver award in the Public Relations Programs-Non-Profit category.

SMF, known for its dedication to uplifting communities, extends these recognitions to its partners and stakeholders, who continuously support its mission in education, health, livelihood and disaster relief.

Aboitiz Construction cited for inaugural SHES month

Aboitiz Construction’s inaugural Safety, Health, Environment and Security (SHES) Month initiative won a Silver Anvil Award in the Sustainability Communications category.

Launched in June 2024, SHES Month featured 16 activities aimed at promoting employee well-being, environmental sustainability and community empowerment. These included wellness challenges, tree planting drives, a mental health webinar and campaigns to raise awareness about safety and sustainability.

Aligned with the United Nations SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and 13 (Climate Action), the SHES Month fostered a culture of health and environmental responsibility. It also extended its impact to local communities, exemplified by the turnover of an innovative materials recovery facility to a community in Malvar, Batangas.

Aside from its alignment with the UN SDGs, the SHES Month measurable impacts, and its effectiveness in promoting sustainability to a defined audience.

“Winning this award highlights the value we place on embedding sustainability, along with safety, health, environment and security, into every aspect of our work. We are proud to see SHES Month make an impact not only within our company but also in the lives of our partner communities,” Karmine Andrea Ching, SAVP for Business Transformation of Aboitiz Construction, said.

The SHES Month recognition underscores Aboitiz Construction’s commitment to corporate citizenship and addressing safety, health and environmental challenges. Now an annual event held every June, in alignment with Philippine Environment Month, SHES Month will continue to engage employees, raise awareness of safety and sustainability, and deliver positive impacts to communities.

This achievement adds to Aboitiz Construction’s growing reputation in public relations as it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The company previously received notable recognition in 2023 and 2024, earning both an Anvil Award and a Quill Award for the successful launch of its new brand.

Maynilad earns communications excellence honor

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services’ two Silver Awards recognize its communications initiatives that highlight efforts to reduce non-revenue water (NRW).

The “Mark the 39 percent — Maynilad’s NRW Reduction Campaign” won under the Cause-Related/Public Awareness/Advocacy category. This campaign raised public awareness about water losses caused by leaks and illegal connections, and how addressing these issues contributes to water security.

Meanwhile, the “Be a Leak Warrior — NRW Campaign” won under the Best Use of Influencer Marketing category. This initiative mobilized digital influencers to amplify the message of vigilance against leaks, encouraging the public to report issues and become active participants in water conservation.

Marie Antonette de Ocampo, Maynilad’s head for Corporate Affairs and Communication, expressed appreciation for the recognition.

“These awards reinforce our commitment to pursuing meaningful communications initiatives that engage the public in driving down water losses. We remain steadfast in our mission to educate communities about the value of water and the importance of working together to protect this vital resource,” she said.

The wins affirm Maynilad’s dedication to leveraging effective communication as part of its overall strategy to enhance water service delivery and sustainability.