MANILA, Philippines - A veteran journalist was named this year’s Ninoy and Cory Aquino Fellowship awardee for journalism.

Yvonne Chua, a trustee of VERA Files and journalism educator, was cited for the “depth and breadth of her work” as a journalist.

“Her award-winning articles helped expose discrepancies in textbook procurement in public schools, lack of accountability and transparency in government institutions, and unexplained wealth of former senior officials,” the US Embassy citation stated.

The award is given by the US embassy and the Ninoy Aquino Foundation to individuals who excel in journalism and public service.

The embassy said Chua has co-authored and edited several books related to investigative journalism. She also trains a new generation of journalists in advancing government accountability, working as part-time assistant professor at the University of the Philippines.

“Freedom of the press is in no better shape. Cases of libel, a crime in this country, have been brought against members of the profession, many of these unjustifiably. Our work as watchdogs has been hindered by increasing restrictions placed on the flow of information. And we mourn the deaths of far too many journalists murdered in the course of their work,” said Chua.

Chua, who began her journalism career in 1981 under Marcos’ Martial Law, urged her colleagues to continue doing their role well.

“Let not our commitment to truth, a free press, good governance, and democracy ever waver,” she said.

The United States embassy and the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation award individuals who excel in journalism and public service.

Meanwhile, this year’s awardee for the 2010 Aquino Fellowship for Public Service is Flora May M. Cerna, head of the Department of Research and Project Development at the Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN).

“Under her leadership, TAN created new methods of challenging traditional government procedures and encouraged several government organizations to adopt new processes that made them more transparent and accountable,” the citation read.

US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. said the new Aquino administration brings hope to the Philippines and to the world.

“But hope requires many friends to become reality, and much hard work. As this fellowship program indicates, kasama tayo sa pagbabago. These 2 honorees remind us that passionate dedication brings success and the capacity to inspire others as we are inspired by the Aquino legacy,” Thomas said.

Also present during Monday’s simple ceremony was Maria Elena “Ballsy” Cruz, one of the Aquino children.
 
“By your persistence--through your writing, teaching, organizing, advocacy--you have trained the spotlight on the realities of our society and showed us how an active citizenry can make a difference in the drive against the abuse of power and privilege and the misuse of government resources. Indeed, the truth that you have uncovered thus far, has already begun to set us free,” she said.

This is the Fellowship’s first award ceremony since former President Corazon Aquino’s death.

Established in 1998 by the US Embassy in Manila as the Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. Fellowships for Professional Development,  it was renamed in 2009 the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Fellowships for Professional Development to commemorate President Aquino’s significant contribution to strengthening Philippine democratic institutions.

The Aquino fellows will participate in an exchange program to meet and share views with American and international counterparts.