From legacy to learning: PR professionals gear up for the 61st ANVIL Awards

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The ANVIL Awards, the Philippines’ highest award-giving body in public relations, continues to stand as the benchmark for excellence in communication. For more than six decades, it has recognized campaigns that have created an impact across industries and communities.

Now in its 61st year, the ANVIL remains steadfast in celebrating innovation and purpose in the field of communication. As PR continues to evolve with digital trends and social movements, its essence endures – rewarding campaigns that shape perception, drive trust, and inspire action.

Empowering practitioners through learning

To further empower professionals preparing their entries, the second “How to Package a Winning ANVIL Entry” session was held last October 2, 2025, gathering more than 90 participants from different industries, brands, and organizations.

Led by Ana Ruby Pista, APR, Chair of the 61st ANVIL Awards, the session equipped the attendees with practical tips and insights on developing compelling submissions grounded in clarity, creativity, and measurable results.

Pista walked the participants through key elements of a winning ANVIL entry:

• Clear objectives that align with an organization’s mission
• Strategic insights and execution that connect the “why” to the “how”
• Results and impact supported by credible data
• Strong storytelling that transforms reports into narratives resonating with both judges and audiences

“A winning campaign is more than just numbers and stats – it should tell a story,” Pista shared with the audience. “It must resonate with its audience and influence their lives, whether by instilling a positive sentiment in their minds, addressing their issues, or encouraging meaningful dialogue.”

Continuing a legacy of excellence

These principles mirror the qualities seen in some of the ANVIL’s most iconic campaigns through the decades – timeless examples of strategic communication that connect information, insight, and impact. From generation to generation, the ANVIL has celebrated the spirit of storytelling and purpose that defines the nation’s best communications.

Looking back at historic Grand ANVIL winners

The ANVIL Awards’ rich history highlights landmark campaigns that not only excelled in execution, but also shaped public consciousness and trust:

• The Manila Times (1963) for “The 1961 President Elections: Operation Quick Count,” an effort to promote transparency in elections
• San Miguel Corporation (1971) for “Polo Brewery Plant Anti-Pollution System,” among the first corporate campaigns to champion environmental responsibility
• Meralco Foundation Center (1983) for “The Work Attitude Program,” which fostered productivity and professionalism among Filipino workers
• Del Monte Philippines (1989) for “Doomed or Die? Save the Philippine Eagle,” a CSR initiative that inspired national pride and environmental advocacy

Each campaign demonstrated how powerful storytelling can drive sentiment, shape values, and create lasting social impact, proving that great PR and communications are not bound by time.

Call for Entries

The call for entries for the 61st ANVIL Awards is open until November 15, 2025. Public relations professionals, corporations, and agencies are encouraged to submit their best campaigns through anvilawards.prsp.ph.

Each ANVIL Entry is more than a submission, it’s a story of purpose, creativity, and impact. As the ANVIL continues to honor the best in Philippine PR, it invites today’s communicators to carry forward a legacy built on trust, innovation, and meaningful connection.

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