By Marie Joy S. Carbungco | December 26, 2025

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — Digital media portal Pampanga News Now (PNN) was cited as the first Bayanihan Media Awards (BMA) Hall of Famer after winning the award for the third time this year under the Best Volunteerism-Digital Media Organization category.

PNN is a web-based news portal born during the challenging times of March 2020, and has swiftly evolved into a significant source of information and inspiration.

Despite being relatively new, the platform has made a notable impact, featuring approximately 40 articles on volunteerism during the search period alone. With each article attracting 600 to 3000 views/hits, Pampanga News Now has effectively connected with a substantial online audience.

These articles not only inform the community about ongoing volunteer efforts but also serve as a source of inspiration for readers.

According to the BMA National Screening Committee, PNN has won for three consecutive years now, and each year, they have written various and a growing number of content on volunteerism, which truly echoes the cause of volunteerism through their digital platform.

In her message, Philippine Information Agency Director-General and BMA National Screening Committee Chairperson Katherine Chloe De Castro lauded the awardees for amplifying volunteer voices and for shining a light on ordinary individuals doing extraordinary things.

“In a time when challenges continue to shape our daily lives, the role of responsible and compassionate storytelling has never been more vital. Each feature, documentary, article, or digital content represented here captures more than just events. It captures courage, resilience, and the power of people helping people,” she said.

De Castro added that PIA is honored to be part of the award which recognizes inspiring stories, storytellers, and the spirit of service that continues to uplift our communities through volunteerism.

“Through this award, we are celebrating the excellent works of our media practitioners, content creators, and communicators who use their platforms not just to inform, but to inspire action, to spark hope, and to remind us that volunteerism is alive and thriving in the Philippines,” she said.

For her  part, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, who served as the guest of honor, underscored that the awards recognize acts of service, shared advocacy, and partnership that drive positive change, particularly as social divisions deepen and community ties weaken in an increasingly digital world.

“Kailangan nating gawing normal ang malasakit at paglilingkod. Kailangan nating isabuhay ang mas makabuluhang pamumuhay sa pamamagitan ng pakikibahagi. Kailangan nating simulan sa pamamagitan ng ating sariling halimbawa, sa ating kilos, sa ating mga gawa,” she said.

Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) Executive Director Donald James Gawe lauded the awardees for their invaluable role in amplifying stories that ensure that the transformative power of volunteerism reaches even more hearts and minds.

“Your storytelling brings life to the triumphs of the volunteers, ensuring that the message of service resonates in homes, more communities, and more hearts across the nation. This awarding is a powerful reminder that volunteerism is a shared responsibility, a daily choice to uplift and empower one another,” he said.

BMA aims to commend media practitioners and organizations for their exemplary contribution and dedication to promoting volunteerism and its importance to national development, which encourages the public to make volunteerism a way of life.

The Awards Program is a collaborative effort involving the PNVSCA, PIA, Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges, Department of Public Works and Highways, and Ayala Foundation, Inc. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)