Metrobank Foundation’s 2015 ‘Journalists of the Year’ search open

MANILA, Philippines – The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) and the Probe Media Foundation Inc. (PMFI) announced the opening of nominations for the 2015 Metrobank Foundation Search for Journalists of the Year (JOY). 

Journalists qualified for this search must be Filipino citizens currently residing in the Philippines. They must have been working in the media industry for at least 10 years covering the period from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2014. They must be practicing any medium of journalism (print, radio, television or online) in the country on a regular basis and as a primary source of income.

The JOY Search is an open-nomination process. Nominators must be of legal age and should not be related to the nominee by blood. Nominating individuals and organizations should secure the signature of the nominated journalist. Self-nominations are also allowed among interested journalists with endorsement by his/her immediate supervisor.

Nominees/nominators shall also submit 5 of his/her best stories for review and evaluation of the Screening Committee. The stories for review must have been published or broadcast within the period of January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2014 by a bona fide media organization or news outlet. Two of the 5 works must have been done within the last two years. It can be of any medium, format, length, language and theme.

The deadline for submission of nominations forms and materials is on April 30, 2015.

The Search will recognize 3 journalists as paragons of their profession and the media industry. Each of them will receive a P 300,000 cash prize and a specially designed medallion. The awardees will also become part of the Metrobank Foundation Fellowship in Journalism and will be conferred the title “Metrobank Foundation Fellows in Journalism,” where they will share their expertise and experience through professional lectures for students, academic professionals, and media practitioners in different parts of the country. 

The program will highlight the journalists’ contributions to both the industry and to society, and give the public a chance to learn from these noteworthy individuals.

Now on its 2^nd year, the JOY Search recognizes excellence in Philippine journalism. It celebrates and honors Filipino journalists from print, television, radio and online media whose excellent stories have contributed to the development of the nation, and have influenced and inspired their colleagues and the broader media industry over the years.

The first batch of journalists recognized by MBFI in 2001, and then known as the Search for Outstanding Journalists (SOJ), were Sheila Coronel, Jessica Soho, and the late Armando Malay. In 2013, it was re-launched to become the Search for JOY with Malou Mangahas, Jarius Bondoc, and Jiggy Manicad as the awardees. – Rappler.com

For further information, please contact the PMF at tel. no. (02)-433-0456 or email: metrobankfoundation.joy@gmail.com or visit the following links to access downloadable forms: http://bit.ly/2015JOY, www.mbfoundation.org.ph or www.probefound.com.