The Order of Carmelites (O.Carm.) in the Philippines thru the Titus Brandsma Media Center formally launched and opened the search for the Titus Brandsma Award- Philippines for Journalism.

In this 4th Award Season, the Jury composed of respected media practitioners, academe and Church will choose from among the nominees Journalists who demonstrate effective use of media as a means to present the real issues, analyses and solutions confronting the Filipino people; who are able to represent the “truthful media” and stand conscientiously the freedom of the press; who take the initiative to empower its readers/listeners to be critical and responsible in their lives; and who are men and women of integrity and principles (who consistently observed, guided and lived by their Code of Ethics).

The Titus Brandsma Award- Philippines is a biennial award and the country’s version of the international Titus Brandsma Award given by the Union Catholique Internationale de la Presse (UCIP), the world forum of professionals in secular and religious media. The Award was named in honor of Blessed Titus Brandsma, a journalist, educator and a Carmelite priest who defended press freedom and right to education during the Second World War, even on the face of death.

The nominating person/group must completely fill–up the nomination form. Proper documentation and supporting papers must be submitted together with detailed background. TBAward Secretariat will only accept nominations from individuals, communities and groups with legal identity. To be submitted to the TBA Secretariat are:

1.) The filled- up Nomination Form;

2.) At least five (5) pages Biography of the nominee (family background, academic training, work experiences, accomplishments, involvement, and professional records, among others);

3.) At least five (5) work samples (if more, the better); and

4.) Three (3) endorsement letters or recommendation letters from respectable and credible individuals or groups (from Church, media, government and non-government organizations, civic groups, among others) who is willing to vouch and support the nomination.

The Awardees will receive a trophy sculpture of Blessed Titus Brandsma by National Artist Napoleon Abueva, a certificate and a humble cash gift during the awarding ceremony rite at Titus Brandsma Center, Quezon City, Philippines.

For the Titus Bradsma Award- Philippines for Journalism (posthumous award), the bereaved family will receive a plaque of recognition, a gift, and the name of the deceased journalist will be inscribed in a marker at the Titus Brandsma Center in Quezon City to honor the journalist who along with Blessed Titus Brandsma had offered, dedicated and given their lives for truth and for press freedom. Thus, they will be included in the roster of MARTYRS OF PRESS FREEDOM.

The Titus Brandsma Award Philippines Board is chaired by Dr. Florangel Rosario Braid, with Ms. Carolina “Bobby” Malay, Mr. Vergel Santos, Fr. Artemio Jusayan, O.Carm. Fr Bernard Roosendaal, O.Carm. and Fr. Christian Buenafe, O.Carm. as members.

For inquiries, please visit us at tbcmedia.org or call Ms. Bituin P. Quinto at (63 2) 726-6054.