Nearly 300 entries vie for PRSP's Anvil Awards

MANILA, Philippines - From 292 entries, who will emerge the best public relations programs and tools in this year’s Anvil Awards?

Find out on Feb. 26 when the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) holds the 45th Anvil Awards at the Isla Ballroom of EDSA Shangri-La in Mandaluyong City.

“This is the biggest number of Anvil entries PRSP has received, so far, throughout the society’s over-half-a-century existence,” said Ed Alcaraz, 45th Anvil Awards chairman. “This is clearly an indication of the value that companies continue to place on public relations as a function that allows them to maintain strong relations with their key stakeholders while creatively and effectively communicating their respective institutional messages.”

Of the 292 entries, only 114 will receive Anvil Awards of Merit and Excellence, after having gone through a two-stage screening and evaluation process. “Accredited PR professionals led the initial screening which looked primarily at technical compliance on the requirements. Then a multi-sectoral board of jurors assessed the entries based on a set of criteria that emphasized out-of-the-box thinking, strategic implementation and measurable results.

From the excellent PR programs and tools, the jurors chose the Grand Anvil and the Bronze Awardees, respectively.

Dr. Cayetano W. Paderanga, former socio-economic planning chief and a UP economics professor, chaired the 32-member board of jurors who represented the academe, media organizations, government and private companies and civil society.

The jurors took note of what seemed to be a wider appreciation for the need to engage in social entrepreneurship. They also observed more widespread use of social media as organizations seek to engage their respective target publics in more meaningful interactions.

Paderanga will also induct the incoming PRSP board of directors, led by PRSP president Butch Raquel of GMA 7.

For inquiries on where to buy tickets for the Feb. 26 Anvil Awards Night, contact the PRSP secretariat at 638-0010 and 0012.