The Philippine STAR Triumphs at EJAP Business Journalism Awards 2025

The Philippine STAR Shines Bright at EJAP Business Journalism Awards

MANILA, Philippines — October 27, 2025 — In a remarkable display of journalistic excellence, The Philippine STAR has once again been crowned “Business News Source of the Year” at the prestigious Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines’ (EJAP) Business Journalism Awards. This accolade marks the second time in three years that the publication has received this honor, solidifying its reputation as a leader in business journalism.

The awards ceremony, held last Friday at the New World Makati Hotel, celebrated the achievements of journalists who have made significant contributions to the field. The STAR stood out among its peers, with three of its reporters clinching top honors in various categories.

Louella Desiderio, a stalwart in business reporting, was recognized as the Trade Reporter of the Year, marking her fourth win in five years. Her insightful coverage continues to set the standard for excellence in the industry.

Jasper Emmanuel Arcalas also made headlines by winning the Agriculture-Mining Reporter of the Year award for the fourth time, showcasing his dedication to uncovering critical issues in these vital sectors.

Adding to The STAR’s accolades, Gerard de la Peña’s compelling long-form piece, “Airport solution tests resilience of Bulacan residents,” was awarded Best Feature Story of the Year. The article, published on November 3, 2024, poignantly narrates the experiences of residents impacted by the construction of a new airport in Bulacan, highlighting the human side of economic development.

With these achievements, The STAR not only reclaimed the Business News Source of the Year title but also demonstrated its dominance in the awards, having nearly swept all categories in the previous year.

The business section of The STAR, led by editor Iris Gonzales and supported by a talented team including Conrado Diaz Jr., Rica Delfinado, Lawrence Agcaoili, and editorial assistant Elaine Briones, continues to deliver high-quality journalism that resonates with readers and industry stakeholders alike.

The 34th EJAP Business Journalism Awards also recognized other notable publications, with BusinessWorld and BusinessMirror each taking home two awards. BusinessWorld’s Luisa Jocson and Beatriz Cruz were honored as the best reporters in the banking and finance beats, while Lorenz Marasigan and BusinessMirror’s Lenie Lectura received accolades in the telco-transport and energy reporting categories, respectively.

The awards ceremony was presided over by a distinguished panel of judges, chaired by former finance undersecretary Milwida Guevara, alongside other esteemed figures from various sectors, including academia and government.

As EJAP celebrates its 40th anniversary, the organization continues to champion the vital role of journalists in covering the economy and business landscape of the Philippines. Under the leadership of president Myla Iglesias of Malaya Business Insight, EJAP remains committed to fostering excellence in business journalism.

With its recent accolades, The Philippine STAR reaffirms its position as a trusted source of business news, dedicated to informing and engaging its audience with integrity and insight.