Catholic newspaper gets PPI nod

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines – Southern Mindanao’s oldest Catholic weekly newspaper, the Mindanao Cross, has bagged the “Best Edited Community Newspaper” citation in the recent Civic Journalism Press Awards of the Philippine Press Institute.

The recognition was awarded to the Mindanao Cross after last week’s extensive selection process initiated in Metro Manila by the PPI.

Eva Tan, editor-in-chief of the Mindanao Cross, and the newspaper’s chief executive officer, Oblate missionary Jonathan Domingo, received the citation during an awarding rite just before the weekend at the New World Hotel in Makati City.

The Mindanao Cross, founded by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate congregation in 1948, is known in the South for its advocacy for Muslim-Christian solidarity and peaceful resolution of peace and security issues.

The weekly Cotabato City-based newspaper is also known for supporting  the protection and preservation of the unique religious, cultural and traditional identities of the diverse  communities in Southern Philippines.

The Mindanao Cross was also voted “finalist” for other categories in the PPI’s recent press awards --- best in business reporting; best in climate change and bio-diversity reporting; best in culture and arts reporting, and best in photojournalism.

Tan, a former senior faculty member of the Notre Dame University  in Cotabato City, which is also owned by the Oblates,  said the nwespaper is grateful to all columnists and correspondents who have helped the paper succeed.

The  Mindanao Cross is also a recipient of more than a dozen citations for its peace advocacy. John Unson