Quezon City, Philippines — Veteran journalist and media advocate Melinda Quintos De Jesus has been named the 2026 recipient of the University of the Philippines Gawad Plaridel, the UP College of Mass Communication announced July 20.
De Jesus is the founder of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) and is widely regarded as the “conscience of Philippine media” for her decades-long work advancing press freedom, ethical reporting and accountability.
“In a profession often tested by political pressures and commercial interests, she has consistently reminded the industry of its higher calling: to serve the public good,” the Gawad Plaridel jury said, noting that her work scrutinizes not only what is reported but how news is produced.
De Jesus was a key figure in the so-called “mosquito press” during the Marcos dictatorship, providing a critical voice when much of mainstream media was silenced. Through CMFR, she helped institutionalize media monitoring and pioneered systematic mechanisms for holding news organizations accountable.
She has also mentored generations of journalists on the press’ role as a check and balance on power, reflecting the academic and professional rigor that the Gawad Plaridel seeks to recognize.
Named after reformist journalist Marcelo H. del Pilar, Gawad Plaridel is the only award in the UP System that honors outstanding media practitioners who exemplify integrity, excellence, and public service. Since its establishment in 2004, the award has recognized 16 practitioners across various media forms.
Contact:
UP College of Media and Communication
University of the Philippines Diliman
cmcdean.upd@up.edu.ph | 89818500 local 2661