DAILY TRIBUNE President Willie Fernandez full speech at 2025 Pro Patria Journalism Awards

Distinguished members of the Rotary Club of Manila, colleagues, honored guests, dear friends, mga KaTribu.

Good afternoon.

On behalf of the entire DAILY TRIBUNE family, with immense pride, deep gratitude, and renewed commitment. I accept the 2025 Pro Patria Journalism Award and our elevation to the Hall of Fame for Journalism.

To be recognized not once, not twice, but now enshrined in the Hall of Fame — it is both humbling and inspiring.

This honor is not just a reflection of the work of one individual or one editorial team, but of decades of tireless pursuit of truth by generations of journalists, editors, columnists, photographers, artists and the silent warriors behind the bylines who shaped the DAILY TRIBUNE into what it is today— a bastion of press freedom that tells it as it is, without fear and without favor.

It is particularly meaningful to receive this award today, June 19, the birthday of Dr. Jose Rizal — our greatest journalist, whose pen pierced through colonial silence, whose words stirred the soul of a nation.

And in many ways, this day reminds us of the sacred duty of the press: not merely to report but to awaken; not simply to echo, but to challenge.

Since our founding in 2000, the DAILY TRIBUNE, which celebrates its 25th year this year, has weathered many storms — literal and figurative. We have stood in the crosshairs of power, walked tightropes of controversy and held the line amid efforts to silence independent voices.

Yet through it all, we have never forgotten why we exist — to inform the Filipino people, to hold the powerful to account, and to be a mirror of society’s triumphs and failings. Being named Newspaper of the Year in 2017, 2021, and in 2023 was already a validation of our resolve. But this Hall of Fame recognition goes beyond awards — it is a call to continue defending truth at a time when lies spread faster than facts, when propaganda often drowns out principle, and when some seek to rewrite history instead of learning from it.

To our readers — thank you for your loyalty, your letters, your criticism, and your trust. To our staff—thank you for your passion, courage, and sleepless nights. To the Rotary Club of Manila—thank you for upholding journalism not as a profession, but as a public service.

And finally, to the Filipino people—our wok is far from over. As long as truth needs a voice, the DAILY TRIBUNE will be there, pen in hand, heart in country.

This award belongs to all of us.

Maraming salamat, mabuhay ang malayang pamamahayag, at mabuhay ang Pilipinas. MABUHAY mga KaTribu!