The University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication (UP CMC) announced Thursday, August 27 that organizers of the UP Gawad Plaridel had decided not to push through with the annual awarding ceremony this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting restrictions of the quarantine periods, the nomination and duteous selection process for this year’s awardee could not proceed,” a statement from UP CMC reads.
Moreover, the organizers deemed it inappropriate to hold such an event amidst the suffering and struggles of the majority of Filipinos, especially those whose future has become uncertain,” it added.
UP’s Gawad Plaridel is a yearly award given by the University System and UP CMC to excellent media practitioners of Journalism, Film, Broadcast, and Transmedia.
To date, 15 personalities including Tiya Dely, Vilma Santos, Cheche Lazaro, Nora Aunor, Ricky Lee, Tina Monzon-Palma, Jessica Soho, and Bonifacio Ilagan have been awarded the Gawad Plaridel.