The United Print & Multimedia Group Philippines (UPMG), a progressive organization of print media and publication companies, held its 1st General Membership meeting for year last March 26, 2025 at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel to officially welcome the new UPMG Officers & Board of Directors and at the same time award the Top Advertisers & Ad Agencies for year 2024.
UPMG is composed of publication companies like major dailies, broadsheets, magazines, and tabloids. It advocates safeguarding the interests of Philippine print media by vigorously working towards the standardization of its policies and regulations, values, and ethical practices, especially with the advent of the digital era.
During the event, keynote speaker and inducting officer Senator Grace Poe emphasized the significance of print media in today’s society saying, “Despite the rise of digital media, it is widely agreed that print media remains relevant for several reasons: 1st, its perceived credibility, trust, and reliability; 2nd, its tangibility and the unique physical and lasting experience it offers; and 3rd, its diversity.”
Senator Poe acknowledged print media’s power to combat disinformation and misinformation through its rigorous fact-checking process overseen by the editorial team. It can also reach diverse demographics, including those who may not have access to the internet or have visual impairments.
A NEW ERA of UPMG
During the event, UPMG officially introduced and inducted its new set of Officers & Board of Directors for 2025-2027. They include:
- President: VIVIENNE A. MOTOMAL (Journal Group of Publications)
- Vice-President: ANGEL GUERRERO (Adobo Magazine)
- Corporate Secretary: JEANETTE DOMINGUEZ (BusinessWorld)
- Treasurer: SHERLY BAULA (Chinese Commercial News)
- Auditor: RODA ALONZO-ZABAT (Manila Times)
- P.R.O.: ALDWIN TOLOSA (Business Mirror)
- Head, Credit and Review Board: EVE BACANI (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
- Directors: JONG ARCANO (Philippine Daily Inquirer), EDNA ABONG (Pilipino Star Ngayon & Freeman), CAROL AGABIN (Gadgets Magazine)
As the 5th President of UPMG, Ms. Motomal felt immense pride and gratitude in her newly bestowed position, envisioning a more dynamic and energetic UPMG team to elevate the print industry to new heights.
“I am confident that this 2025-2027 team can revive the glory of print and strengthen its presence in the industry, be it advertising, editorial and readership. For the next two years, this team has envisioned the following: We will continue the partnerships with the different government offices as started by past President Atienza, we shall also continue close coordination and partnerships with the different industry organizations like PANA, 4A’s, ASC and others,” Ms. Motomal remarked.
During her term, Ms. Motomal aims to reach out to the youth to rekindle the passion and interest to read newspapers, magazines and books through print campaigns among others.
THE HEADLINERS 2024 WINNERS
Another highlight of the event was “The Headliners Award,” which recognized the top performing advertisers and Ad agencies who exemplified loyal patronage and continued support in the power of print media.
Leading the roster of top advertisers were: City of Makati, Robinsons Land, BDO, Federal Land, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, Meralco, Megaworld, Toyota, and Pag-ibig, with SM SUPERMALLS securing the top position among advertisers.
The top advertising Agencies were led by STARCOM, IPG Media Brands, Medialine, PHD, and Astra Media.
SM Supermalls’ vice-president for corporate marketing, Grace Victoria Fornier Magno, thanked UPMG for naming SM Supermalls “The Headliner 2024 Top Advertiser,” emphasizing the enduring value the company places on print media with their long-standing partnerships with publication companies.
“In SM Supermalls, we like to celebrate Filipino culture and connect with our customers and we think that the only media that gives credibility is really print,” Ms. Magno shared, highlighting the crucial role of print media in disseminating information. “It’s a symbol of trust and prestige when you are in a newspaper and on the front page.”
Jace Suzara, group media director-head of constellation of STARCOM, also reiterated the veracity of the medium in providing information, saying: “Print Media nowadays, is a symbol of trust and credibility. At the time when misinformation and digital clutter are pervasive, print remains the beacon of reliability. Print media has not only endured the test of time, but continues to thrive. They continue to provide us with resilience and adaptability.”
He added, “One thing that print offers versus other media is the sensory experience that can only be done by the print medium. The weight of a newspaper, the texture of a magazine, and the vibrant colors of a well-designed advertisement create a connection that goes beyond the screen.