LiCAS News was conferred the Gen Ong Laurel for Journalism Excellence by the Communication Foundation for Asia (CFA) during the 5th Lagerwey Awards for Communication Excellence, in recognition of the news agency’s commitment to telling the stories of the underserved through journalism anchored in gospel values.
The award, named after veteran Filipino journalist Genaro V. Ong, was presented by his daughter, Patricia Ong-Loanzon, who hailed LiCAS News as a model of transformative communication.
In her tribute, she emphasized the organization’s focus on amplifying the voices of the marginalized while adhering to a high standard of ethical and faith-informed reporting.
“The esteemed organization has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the underserved, bringing their stories to light with compassion and integrity,” Ong-Loanzon said.
She noted that in a media landscape often dominated by sensationalism, LiCAS News stands out as “a beacon of responsible reporting,” creating space for voices that might otherwise be ignored.
She highlighted the agency’s coverage of environmental degradation and human rights abuses as central to its mission, saying it has “meticulously uncovered ecological truths” and “tirelessly championed human rights stories, shedding light on injustices and advocating for the vulnerable.”
What distinguishes LiCAS News, she added, is its foundation in gospel values. “Their reporting is not merely factual, it is imbued with a profound sense of justice, empathy, and human dignity,” she said.
“They don’t just respond on issues, they engage with them through the lens of faith, inspiring solidarity and action, and reflecting a deep-seated conviction in the inherent worth of every individual,” she added.
Calling the award a recognition of journalism that “serves, uplifts, and transforms,” Ong-Loanzon said it affirms the power of communication that is “guided by conscience and faith” to help build a more just and compassionate world.
Accepting the award on behalf of LiCAS News was Jose A. Torres Jr., a founding member and the agency’s former editor-at-large. Torres, who now serves as Executive Director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, joined fellow co-founder Peter Monthienvichienchai in a message of gratitude.
In their joint message, they said the award was “a powerful testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team in promoting integral social development and adherence to universal and faith values, especially for those who are underserved.”
“We strive every day to tell stories that matter, to give voice to the voiceless, and to inspire change through truth and integrity,” they said, noting that the recognition emboldens them to continue their mission with “renewed vigor and determination.”
Monthienvichienchai, in a personal statement, dedicated the award to the LiCAS News community. “We do what we do each day, not only to bring hope to the voiceless, but also to walk the synodal path in communion with them,” he said. “This award is for all of you and especially for those who we have lost along the way.”
As keynote speaker, Torres addressed the persistent threats confronting journalists and the shifting dynamics of the media industry. He underscored the enduring challenges faced by those who pursue truth, particularly in contexts where press freedom remains fragile.
Despite these risks, Torres pointed to the unwavering determination of the Philippine media community, which continues to push forward in defense of ethical journalism and public accountability. He honored the profession’s resilience, saying, “Yet, despite these dangers, the courage and dedication of our media community remain strong.”
He cited positive developments, including the first year in two decades without journalist killings in the Philippines and the country’s improved ranking in the Press Freedom Index, as “clear signs that we are moving forward in defending a free, fair, and independent media.”
Torres also addressed the pressing threats posed by the digital information age. “As the world of communication continues to grow—with digital platforms, social media, and new technology—we face new challenges,” he said.
Torres emphasized the growing threat of misinformation and the rapid spread of disinformation in the digital age, warning that narratives can be easily distorted.
He urged media practitioners and communicators to uphold truth and maintain the highest ethical standards, describing the work as a continuous struggle for peace, justice, and an inclusive society.
“The Lagerwey Awards honor those who bravely use communication as a tool for empowerment and positive change. Today, as we recognize our awardees, let us remember Fr. Lagerwey’s great legacy—to use every tool, every story, and every voice to uphold truth, justice, and peace. Your work and bravery in working for social justice and democracy are priceless,” he said.
CFA Executive Director Pie Mabanta-Fenomeno offered a reflection on the vocation of communicators. “These recognitions are not testaments of what you did in the past,” she said.
“It’s a continuous challenge of what you have to do forever and ever until your last breath. This is not a job, this is a vocation. And in vocation, there is no turn. A communicator is forever,” she added.
Mabanta-Fenomeno proposed Archbishop Oscar Romero as a fitting patron saint for CFA, highlighting his unwavering commitment to truth and justice. She pointed to his courageous use of words in defense of the voiceless as a powerful example of communication grounded in faith and moral conviction.
“We all die in our little ways… and we will continue to die to make this world a better place,” she said.
About the Lagerwey Awards
The Lagerwey Awards were established in 2020 to honor the legacy of Fr. Cornelio Lagerwey, MSC, a Dutch missionary and co-founder of the Social Communications Center (SCC) in 1965 with Filipino journalist Genaro V. Ong. SCC was formed to produce socially relevant publications and radio and TV programs.
When President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared martial law in 1972, SCC executives—including Fr. Lagerwey—were arrested, and the center’s license to publish was revoked. In 1975, the center was renamed the Communication Foundation for Asia (CFA), which has since evolved into a leading development communication organization in the country.
Fr. Lagerwey died in 1995, but his legacy continues through CFA’s work in multimedia production, media education, and faith-rooted communication that seeks to uplift, empower, and advocate for the marginalized.
