ABS-CBN continues to win awards
RABID DDS and ANTI-ABS-CBN fans undermine the network’s efforts to help amid the Covid-19 pandemic. “Di niyo naman pera ’yan eh!” they would post on their social-media accounts, not accounting that the Lopezes shelled out P100 million of their own money along with logistics and coordination, not to mention the airtime that was allotted to mount a telethon and air various plugs to encourage donations.
Even Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque remarked one time that the efforts of the Lopez family and the network weren’t enough.
Well, at least the international community has recognized ABS-CBN’S swift response and compassionate initiatives to help Filipinos impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic notwithstanding the uncertainties it faced over the renewal of its legislative franchise. The network won a Silver Stevie for Most Valuable Corporate Response at the 17th International Business Awards (IBA), which will have its virtual awarding in December.
The judges commended the network’s various response strategies to serve Filipinos when the Covid-19 crisis hit the country.
“ABS-CBN nobly answered the call to respond to the pandemic through a variety of impactful initiatives. The network’s dedication to their community is noteworthy,” said one judge.
“This entry is astounding due to the fact that ABS-CBN invested in assistance where needed, while continuing to employ and operate as a vital news channel,” another judge commented.
ABS-CBN kept Filipinos updated on the pandemic through its newscasts and entertained Filipinos with its inspiring entertainment programs on multiple media platforms. Its Ligtas Pilipinas sa Covid-19 information campaign, meanwhile, helped the government educate citizens about the pandemic.
Another effort that made a huge difference was ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN Foundation’s Pantawid ng Pag-ibig fund-raising campaign in cooperation with local governments and the private sector. The network donated P50 million as seed money to the cause that has raised over P448 million cash and in-kind donations as of August 14, and has delivered food and basic necessities to over 880,000 families affected by the community quarantine.
Part of this effort was a groundbreaking digital concert featuring more than 100 celebrities from ABS-CBN that received 3.7 million views on Facebook and Youtube, plus ABS-CBN streaming services iwant and TFC.TV.
While it has gone the extra mile to look after the welfare of the Filipino people, ABS-CBN also ensured the well-being of its staff, crew, artists and audiences by implementing safety protocols and work-from-home schemes while also continuing to pay salaries and numerous benefits to help them cope with the pandemic. IBA, or the Stevie Awards, is considered as the world’s premiere business award-giving body that confers recognition for achievement and impactful contributions of companies worldwide. This year’s competition attracted over 3,800 nominations from 63 countries.
Prior to this award, ABS-CBN was also recognized by this prestigious award-giving body for its business achievements and public service efforts in 2014, winning the Gold Stevie Award in the Company of the Year-media & Entertainment category, as well as the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Company. It also won a Grand Stevie Award and a Gold Stevie Award in the Services Company of the Year category of the Asia Pacific Stevie Awards that same year.