QC honors STAR in anniversary rites

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine STAR has been awarded as an outstanding company during the 72nd founding anniversary of Quezon City.

STAR president and CEO Miguel Belmonte received the award presented by Quezon City government officials Wednesday night.

During the awarding ceremonies held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Mayor Herbert Bautista referred to The STAR as a “press freedom champion.”

The city government recognized The STAR for its contributions in nation-building ever since its formation after the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution.

The city government cited that since then, The STAR has remained “among the (country’s) leading publications and a guide to the (reading) public.”

Belmonte, in accepting the award, said the company “takes pride in its thrust as a champion of nation-building.”

“Since its (The STAR’s) birth 25 years ago, we have been a proponent of positive change... seeking to inform the Filipino people,” he said.

“We all share a dream for progress that is very evident in Quezon City,” Belmonte added.

The other outstanding company awardees were the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Splash Corp., French Baker and Arce Foods Corp.

The city government also awarded outstanding individuals.

They were Lea Salonga, Ramon Rodriguez, Jose Vergara, Rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon, Cecilia “Che-che” Lazaro, Fernando Sena, Charo Santos-Concio, Dr. Rustica Carpio, lawyer Felipe Gozon and Fr. Joaquin Bernas, SJ.