Tribune’s Dones wins RP award

The Philippine Overseas Labor Office on Saipan has named Saipan Tribune reporter Liberty Dones as one of the recipients of this year’s “10 Outstanding Overseas Filipino Workers in the CNMI.”

Dones has spent three years of nearly a decade of journalism work in the CNMI, covering significant issues that range from education, public health, labor and immigration, tourism, among others.

As a reporter, Dones’ employer describes her as one who has “the initiative and focus to dig deeper into the issues.

“Driven by a strong desire to report the truth, which is often hidden from the public, Ms. Dones has delivered top quality, exclusive articles on important issues,” her employer said. “With a strong sense of public accountability, Ms. Dones’ works mirror her dedication to educate the readers and help them understand what is going on.”

Dones’ nomination also got the support from community sectors, including the Life in the Son Christian Fellowship-Saipan, where she is an active leader.

“Ms. Dones is currently involved in almost all church ministries. She is part of the music team, ushering, Sunday school for children, and she leads a small Bible study group for women once a week,” said church pastor Alexis Lorzano.

Bicol Association of the Northern Mariana Islands president Lito J. Marquez also endorsed Dones’ nomination, saying that the journalist has always been willing to volunteer to help the organization. Dones hails from Sorsogon City in Bicol, Philippines.

Concepcion L. Van Der Veen, president of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association and former president of the United Filipino Organization in the CNMI, described Dones’ journalism work as one that moves people into action. Dones is also an active member of the UPAA-CNMI.

“Ms. Dones’ impressive write-ups about the accomplishments of people from all walks of life have served as an inspiration to a lot of people,” Van Der Veen said.

She said Dones is a gifted writer who does not simply narrate news events. “She has the ability to weave words that aptly describe situations and events, revealing their worth, sense and meaning.”

Dones, who took up Journalism at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, had worked as a reporter for major newspapers in the Philippines, including the Philippine Star and Manila Standard, since1995, and as editor for the Asian country’s Earthwatch Magazine, a monthly magazine for teens, which won an international award in Nov. 2000 for its outstanding coverage and commitment to raise the level of young people’s awareness on environmental issues.

Besides Dones, the POLO named nine other awardees: Leo P. Canedo of Pacific Machinery, Inc.; Mary Lou M. Madraso, Pacific Oriental Inc.; Romeo D. Malasarte, Pacific Daiken Co.; Cesario L. Pantaleon, Seasonal Inc.; Rolando A. Paspe, Pacific Printing Press Inc.; Anabelle A. Ramos, Ernst and Young LLP; Florencio C. Santos, Genoveva’s Hair Power; Lolita E. Velasco, Dr. Anthony Stearns; and Rosauro D. Zapanta, Office of the Public Auditor.

The POLO said the awardees were selected among 36 nominees by a panel of judges, which included San Vicente Elementary School principal Janet Villagomez, Tan Holdings vice president for finance and administration Glicerio Arago, San Antonio Parish priest Fr. Manuel Igrobay Jr., Sea Ventures Inc.’s Anthony Pellegrino, and Office of Insular Affairs’ Saipan field representative Jeff Schorr.

According to POLO, the judges selected the winners from diverse work categories: executive/managerial, professional, skilled and semi-skilled. The weight of the following criteria is as follows: job performance, 40 percent; civic involvement, 30 percent; personality, 15 percent; and potential, 15 percent.

The awarding ceremony will be held at the Nikko Hotel’s Theater Hall on June 5 beginning 6pm, as part of the celebration of Philippine Migrant Workers’ Day. The event will also showcase the graduation ceremony for students of POLO’s skills upgrading courses.