The 2007 Annual Community Press Awards spearheaded by the Philippine Press Institute (PPI), in cooperation with AIJC, honored community newspapers for excellence in reportage, editorial content and overall design and for their role as development catalysts in ceremonies held on May 29 in Manila.

Now on its 12th year, the event is the first and only awards in the Philippines for community newspapers. AIJC President Ramon R. Tuazon served as Awards National Coordinator.

For the daily category, Sunstar Davao was awarded Best in Editorial Page, Best in Science and Environmental Reporting and Best in Photojournalism, while Cebu Daily News was adjudged Best in Business Reporting and Best Edited Community Paper.

For the weekly category, the awardees were: Pampanga News - Best in Photojournalism, Baguio Midland Courier - Best in Business and Economic Reporting, Balikas - Best in Science and Environmental Reporting, Metro Post (Dumaguete) – Best in Editorial Page, and Mabuhay – Best Edited Community Paper.

Ms. Pacita U. Juan, CEO of Figaro and President of the League of Corporate Foundations, was this year’s guest speaker. Trophies and cash rewards were handed by Ms. Juan and PPI Vice Chair and Inquirer Publisher Isagani Yambot.

The occasion also launched the Civic Journalism Community Press Awards, a spin-off from the current awards program. Going beyond the newspapers’ content of news and information, the awards will now look into the efforts of member-newspapers to inspire readers to “get involved, get engaged and take ownership of problems,” said Mr. Tuazon. Thus, newspapers will serve as catalysts in transforming readers from spectators into participants in community development.

The Coca-Cola Export Corporation will be PPI’s partner in the new awards program.