Despite the challenges of the past year, given the pandemic, it is very inspiring to see how students and schools are still proactively communicating in order to make our country a better place for all Filipinos.

Thus, it was extremely remarkable and admirable when for the seventh straight time, the University of Santo Tomas won the School of the Year Award, conferred during the 8th Philippine Student Quill Awards organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, on March 25, 2021 via YouTube live stream.

As expressed in their university website, “Through the efforts of students from the Faculty of Arts and Letters and the Institute of Information and Computing Sciences, the Tiger Media Network, as well as the Varsitarian, the official student publication of UST, the University claimed six excellence awards and 15 merit awards.”

On the corporate side of things, for my company, Meralco, it was also a great honor when the IABC Philippines awarded Meralco the Top Communication Award for COVID Communications for the entry “Meralco Digital Press Conferences: Keeping Close with Media and Public Despite Social Distancing.”

Meralco was also honored as the Company of the Year 2nd Runner Up in the 18th Philippine Quill Awards.

The Quill Award is bestowed to companies, organizations and institutions for the use of excellent communication programs, research, learning and development and skills to achieve business goals and make a difference in society.

Meralco Advisory, the company’s monthly information campaign, was also recognized as a Finalist for Top Award in the Communications Management Category.

Organized by the IABC Philippines, the Philippine Quill Awards is considered the country’s most prestigious awards program in the field of business communication – emphasizing the excellent use of communication in achieving goals and in making a difference in society.