For writing articles that aimed to educate readers about their finances, a Palawan Daily News writer bagged the coveted Sun Life’s SINAG: Financial Literacy Journalism Awards.
André Mikhail Obierez received the award at Seda Hotel in Bonifacio Global City last December 11, 2019.
“This is a great honor that I’m pleased to accept. I’m truly humbled by the fact that our efforts to educate more Filipinos about Financial Literacy are being recognized, especially by one of the most prestigious financial institutions in the Philippines – Sun Life Philippines,” André said.
There were three winners of the Sinag Award in Print Category: one winner each from Luzon (including NCR), Visayas and Mindanao.
Aside from André, who received the award for the Visayas, Hanna Lacsamana of Baguio Midland Courier (Luzon), and Ace June Rell Perez of Sunstar Davao (Mindanao) were also awarded for Luzon and Mindanao, respectively.
Each of them received P45,000 cash, P5,000 worth of Sun Life Prosperity Fund and trophies.
“This development is a complete surprise for someone like me who was never formally trained to write for a newspaper despite having the privilege to write for Palawan Daily News. After all, I completed my education as a Business major (Entrepreneurship) with an Economics Minor at the University of San Carlos then kick-started my career in finance as a stockbroker – and never looked back, mind you,” André added.
“From that point on, I took on more Finance roles until I landed my current job as a stock market analyst for Fat Prophets Australia where I write research on a daily basis, though it is nothing like what journalists actually do nor is it similar to writing to educate readers. Then again, I guess having finance as my passion where I also help others invest money does help out a lot and I hope that, going forward, I can provide more insights and kick start other Filipino’s financial journeys,” he said.
According to Sun Life Philippines, the objectives of the award were to encourage the media to promote financial literacy among Filipinos and to enable media to be a catalyst of change for a future-ready Philippines.
There were three other winners for Student Category, namely, Kervin Huang from Far Eastern University – Manila, Jey Mart Cuyag from the University of Science and Technology – Cagayan de Oro, and Gabrielle George Cendaña. Each of them received P10,000 in cash prizes.