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Maria Ressa honored with 2025 Rotary Peace Laureate Award

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MANILA —The Rotary Club of Makati San Lorenzo held the 2025 Rotary Peace Laureate Award on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 in Makati City, recognizing one of the most prominent journalists in the Philippines, Maria Ressa, and her steadfast dedication to press freedom, truth, and social justice.The ceremony, which took place during Women’s Month, was graced by notable members of the Rotary community, including Rotary Club of Makati San Lorenzo President Charlotte Cruz, past Rotary Peace Laureate Conchita Carpio-Morales (2015), Guiller Tumangan of Rotary Club Makati West 3830, Penny Policarpio of Rotary Club of San Francisco Del Monte, Sonny Coloma of Rotary Club of Alabang, Willy Segovia of Rotary Club of Makati Central, Ernie Salas of Rotary Club of Makati Central, and many others.Highlighting Ressa’s extraordinary journey as a journalist and champion for democracy, David Sta. Maria kicked off the event with an inspiring speech. “Maria Ressa in her roughly 40 years of work as a journalist and now advocate for democratic freedoms and human rights. I do hope that as we hear from her this afternoon, we all, with clean insights are inspired maybe, just maybe be moved to action. Action for truth, for equitable society, for social justice, and for long-lasting sustainable peace,&quot; Sta. Maria said.Chacha Camacho introduced Ressa, calling her “one of the most renowned international journalists of our time.” With a journalism career that spans four decades, Ressa has been a leader in investigative reporting, uncovering corruption and advocating for press freedom.As the co-founder and CEO of Rappler, she has endured constant attacks, legal challenges, and threats for her stand against disinformation and authoritarianism. Yet, despite these obstacles, she has remained unwavering, showcasing her commitment to truth and democratic principles.“In 2017, pro-Duterte and pro-Marcos networks in Facebook trended #ArrestMariaRessa. And then, I was arrested 2 years later. The day before valentines, that was the day the world turned upside down for me. Because I believe in the rule of law. I thought that the constitution, these acts were blatantly unconstitutional,&quot; Ressa reflected during her speech.She pointed out that everything is full of irony nowadays saying, &quot;The lessons that we have learned in the Philippines now are being pulled out in other parts of the world.&quot;Maribel Villavicencio read the Peace Citation, further highlighting Ressa’s role as a symbol of courage in the worldwide battle for press freedom and democracy.She wrapped up with a message of unity and hope, &quot;Thank you for the emails, for thinking of us at Rappler. And we&#x27;re here. We&#x27;ll hold the line with you. Thanks.&quot;Maria Ressa joined a distinguished group of Rotary Peace Laureates, including the first recipient, former Philippine President Corazon C. Aquino (1999), who was honored for her role in the peaceful revolution that restored democracy in the country and other awardees as well.

The Rotary Club of Makati San Lorenzo held the 2025 Rotary Peace Laureate Award on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 in Makati City, recognizing one of the most prominent journalists in the Philippines, Maria Ressa, and her steadfast dedication to press freedom, truth, and social justice.

The Rotary Club of Makati San Lorenzo held the 2025 Rotary Peace Laureate Award on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 in Makati City, recognizing one of the most prominent journalists in the Philippines, Maria Ressa, and her steadfast dedication to press freedom, truth, and social justice.

Maria Ressa honored with 2025 Rotary Peace Laureate Award

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Maria Ressa honored with 2025 Rotary Peace Laureate Award

ABS-CBN News,

Mon Rodelas

Published March 12, 2025 01:38 AM PHT

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Maria Ressa

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2025 Rotary Peace Laureate

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