The University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication (UP CMC) will give the 2008 U.P. Gawad Plaridel to Atty. Pachico “Cheking” Seares. Named after Marcelo H. del Pilar (nom de plume, Plaridel) whose progressive ideals fueled the reformist newspaper La Solidaridad in the 1890s, the award recognizes the achievements of an outstanding practitioner from print, radio, film, television, or the new media.

Seares joins the roster of past U.P. Gawad Plaridel recipients, namely Eugenia Duran-Apostol (2004, Print Journalism), Vilma Santos (2005, Film), Fidela “Tiya Dely” Magpayo (2006, Radio), and Cecilia L. Lazaro (2007, Television). He was chosen for his outstanding contributions to the community print media industry; for steering Sun.Star Cebu and Sun.Star Superbalita (Cebu) to become the readership and advertising market leaders in the entire country; for his continuing advocacy on issues that serve community interest; for adopting and implementing journalism values that served as example to Sun-Star affiliate papers in their respective areas; and for inspiring the community and regarding the people as citizens who can help the community.

The award comes with a trophy by National Artist Napoleon Abueva. It will be given to Seares on July 4 (Friday) at 2:00 p.m. at the Cine Adarna of the U.P. Film Institute. As part of the program, he will also deliver a lecture on important issues in community journalism. The event is open to the public. Coca-Cola Export Corporation is the major sponsor of the U.P. Gawad Plaridel for 2008.