Manila: The Philippine Heart Association Inc. (PHA) on Wednesday night honored 15 journalists and 12 media outfits, including the state-run Philippine News Agency, for informing Filipinos about heart-healthy lifestyles to help reduce cardiovascular diseases nationwide. PHA president Rodney Jimenez emphasized the media's vital role in spreading factual information about the heart and cardiovascular diseases, which remain a leading cause of death among Filipinos. According to Philippines News Agency, recipients were evaluated based on several factors, including the depth and quality of substance, the significance of the content, its impact on audiences and readers, the breadth and consistency of coverage, and the quality of the relationship fostered with the PHA. PHA's Media Awards 2024 featured five categories: 'The People Behind the Scenes,' 'Hall of Famer,' 'Special Citation,' 'Best World Heart Day 2024 News Coverage,' and 'Best News Story.' Journalists and media organizations that have supported PHA's adv ocacy received the Big Heart Trophy. Recipients under 'The People Behind the Scenes' category included Shiela Tubalinal (Radyo 630 Teleserbisyo), Leilanie Junio, Mackay Quadra (Pinoy MD and DZBB 594), Amita Legaspi (GMA News Online), and Jose Rodil dela Cruz. Leony Garcia, Marou Sarne, and Annabelle Surara (DZEC Radyo Agila 1062) received the trophy under the 'Hall of Famer' category. The PNA and its health beat reporter Ma. Teresa Montemayor received individual trophies under "Special Citation" along with GMA News Online and Niña Corpuz (PTV 4 Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, and Radyo 630 Nagseserbisyo with Niña Corpuz and Miguel Bustos). The "Special Citation" award is for journalists who have written compelling, comprehensive, and lay-friendly stories and media outfits that have been covering PHA for at least 10 years. ABS-CBN and PTV 4 were awarded the "Best World Heart Day 2024 News Coverage" while Giselle Ombay (GMA News Online) received the Best News Story.