PSA recognizes Sentinel Times as active partner in information dissemination

By Rowena Cruz Sentinel Times publisher and owner Ma. Nimfa L. Estrellado receives an award from Airene A. Pucyutan, PSA Quezon Provincial S...

By Rowena Cruz

Sentinel Times publisher and owner Ma. Nimfa L. Estrellado receives an award from Airene A. Pucyutan, PSA Quezon Provincial Statistics Officer, during the 2024 PSA Quezon Media Appreciation ceremony held at the Queen Margarette Hotel in Downtown Lucena City on December 18, 2024. Sentinel Times was recognized for its commitment to delivering accurate and accessible statistical information to the public. (Photo by Lito Giron)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Sentinel Times, a leading local news and media company, was among several local media entities recognized for their outstanding contributions to information dissemination at the 2024 Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) - Quezon Provincial Statistical Office (PSA) Quezon Media Appreciation ceremony yesterday. Held at the Queen Margarette Hotel in Downtown Lucena City, the event acknowledged the vital role of media in providing accurate and timely statistical information to the public.

The PSA lauded the awardees for their commitment to delivering crucial data and statistics clearly and accessibly, thus empowering citizens to make informed decisions. The media entities were commended for their dedication to simplifying complex statistical information, making it easily digestible for a wider audience.



To further solidify this collaborative effort, key figures from the PSA, including Airene A. Pucyutan, PSA Quezon Provincial Statistics Officer, and prominent members of the Quezon media community attended the event. This gathering served to strengthen the partnership between the PSA and the media in promoting data literacy and informed public discourse.

Expanding on this collaborative spirit, Pucyutan remarked, “The media has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of statistics in nation-building. Their dedication to accurately communicating statistical information to the public contributes significantly to fostering a data-driven society.”

She further emphasized the importance of this partnership by adding, "Working with the media will effectively bridge the gap between data and the public. Recognizing these media partners is our way of expressing gratitude for their invaluable service."

In response to this recognition, Sentinel Times reiterated its commitment to disseminating information that empowers its readers. The publication believes in the power of knowledge and strives to equip its audience with the information necessary for informed decisions, contributing to society, and holding institutions accountable.

The celebration underscored the shared commitment of the PSA and media entities to promoting transparency, accountability, and informed public discourse by effectively communicating statistical information. The event served as a powerful reminder of their crucial role in fostering a society that values data and evidence-based decision-making.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from the PSA,” said Nimfa Estrellado, owner, publisher, and award-winning journalist of Sentinel Times. “This award strengthens our resolve to continue providing accurate and insightful reporting, particularly when it comes to crucial data that impacts our community. We pledge to continue making statistics accessible and understandable.”

Estrellado further elaborated on the publication's mission, stating, "A well-informed citizenry is the foundation of a strong and progressive society. We aim to empower our readers to engage in meaningful discussions, hold their leaders accountable, and actively participate in shaping our community's future through the simplification and contextualization of statistical data."

Alongside esteemed media entities in Quezon province, Sentinel Times remains dedicated to upholding ethical journalism and delivering news that matters. This collective effort ensures the community remains informed and empowered to participate in shaping a better future for Quezon.

Building on these collaborative efforts, in 2024, the PSA Quezon Provincial Statistical Office intensified its focus on strengthening partnerships with local media organizations, recognizing their crucial role as information intermediaries. The PSA aims to enhance data literacy among the public and promote the use of statistics for evidence-based decision-making through various initiatives and collaborative projects.

One notable initiative is the recent launch of the "Data Literacy Caravan," a series of workshops and seminars aimed at educating communities on how to understand and utilize statistical information. The caravan will travel throughout the province, providing citizens with the tools and knowledge necessary to interpret and apply data in their daily lives.

Meanwhile, recent updates from the PSA reveal significant trends in Quezon Province. The headline inflation eased to 3.6 percent in November 2024, and Quezon's economy recorded a 5.3 percent increase in 2023. These updates, along with other crucial data, are readily available on the PSA website and disseminated through various channels, including their media partners.