Citing his commitment and outstanding community service through journalism, the TOPLEAP Awards named broadcast journalist Daniel Razon its Philanthropist in Journalism for 2011.

TOPLEAP or The Outstanding Philippine Leadership Excellence Award in Philanthropy is a nationwide search for philanthropists of various fields by the Rotary Club of Cubao East (District 3780), Countrywide Technology Development Foundation, Inc., and Philippine Jaycees Senate (Caloocan City Chapter).

The award-giving body particularly cited the broadcast journalist’s pioneering innovations in Philippine media, one of which is his news advocacy Tulong Muna Bago Balita (Rescue First, Report Later).

Through UNTV’s example, the Rescue First, Report Later is an innovation in news reporting that values the life of fellowmen more than news yielded by any reporters’ group.

“Innovations go with necessity and needs. As they said, necessity is the mother of invention. So while we see the diverse needs, we also need to think of ways that could augment those needs,” said Mr. Razon.

Apart from his three-hour public service program, Good Morning Kuya!, that renders all forms of social services to the poor, TOPLEAP also commends Mr. Razon’s excellence as news anchor, specifically for his programs, Get It Straight with Daniel Razon and Ito ang Balita, that earned him a number of outstanding news presenter awards.

The factors that the awards panel had agreed to Mr. Razon’s winning were his commitment to larger non-profit community and his ability to motivate others to become active citizens. With regard to citizen involvement, the veteran broadcaster had launched in 2009 an advocacy encouraging everyone to do good service to others called Kahit Isang Araw Lang (Just One Day).

In the journalism category, Mr. Razon topped other nominees including Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and Manila Bulletin.

Grateful for the recognition, the UNTV-BMPI Chairman and CEO remarked, “Thank you. But just like what I’ve said, with or without recognition we will do whatever we have to do. I came here not to receive this award for myself but to thank you for recognizing the works of God in our lives, that we are only humble instruments to our fellowmen.”

Other philanthropists named by TOPLEAP include Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala of Ayala Foundation Inc. for Youth Leadership Mentoring, business tycoon Manny Pangilinan for Business, Governor Jeorge “ER” Ejercito for Civil Service, George Ty of Metrobank Foundation for Promotion of Excellence, Philippine Azkals team manager Dan Stephen Palami for Sports.

Philanthropy awards for Non-Profit Organization, Environment, Public Governance, Community in Welfare and Development, Education, and Youth were also given to Michael So, Florencio Poly Lat of Kiwanis International, Mayor Benhur Abalos Jr., Alexander Manguba of Lions International, Alejandro Escano of Meralco Foundation International, and Mailou Veloso Galenzoga, respectively.

TOPLEAP awards activity was held at the AFP Commissioned Officers Clubhouse, Camp General Aguinaldo in Quezon City.  (Words by Hazel Chavez-David; Editing by Jane Abao)