THE FREEMAN: NOT JUST A PUBLICATION, BUT A SECOND HOME TO MANY

The Freeman - Cebu's news source since 1919 - earmarked its 106th year with three meaningful events: this year's holding of the ProgreCEBU Awards, a thanksgiving mass, and an anniversary lunch with The Freeman personnel.

- By Andrew Matthew Ortoño

As the longest-running regional newspaper in the country, The Freeman takes pride in progressing with Cebu - chronicling triumphs and challenges whilst serving as Cebu's trusted source of news and a platform for Cebuano voices to be heard.

The Freeman's 106th celebrations kicked-off with the ProgreCebu 2025 Awards — an initiative that draws the spotlight on individuals, organizations, and destinations that've greatly contributed to Cebu's growth.

This year's roster of awardees include Atty. Augusto “Gus” W. Go, the founder and chairman of the AWG Group of Companies, as “Most Distinguished Individual”; the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority as “Most Distinguished Institution”, the Cebu Safari & Adventure Park as “Most Distinguished Destination; and Visayan Electric Company, Inc. as the recipient of the 2025 ProgreCEBU Excellence Award.

This year's awardees received a flame-shaped trophy symbolic of the endurance and progress of Cebu, alongside a representation of Lapulapu, symbolic of leadership and perseverance.

The winners were chosen by The Freeman in collaboration with the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry - its partner in recognizing local excellence.

Leaders from different sectors attended the ceremony, including Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, who was presented with a congratulatory plaque from The Freeman and its partners. The awarding ceremony took place on July 15 at NUSTAR Resort Cebu.

DEDICATION AND PASSION