Mindanao Journalist Carolyn Arguillas Bags Prestigious Luxembourg Peace Prize

Veteran journalist Carolyn Arguillas has just been recognized with the prestigious 2023 Outstanding Peace Journalism Award from the Luxembourg Peace Prize.

“With her unwavering commitment to journalism ethics and her contributions to constructive and inclusive media coverage, Carolyn has become an influential figure in the pursuit of peace in the Philippines,” wrote Luxembourg Peace Prize's awarding body Schengen Peace Foundation.

Arguillas, who currently sits MindaNews’ special reports editor and head of its Publications, Archives, and Library, was honored for her commitment to "responsible reporting combined with her unwavering dedication to peacebuilding, has made her an influential figure in the pursuit of a more inclusive society."

This isn't Arguillas' first international honor. In the past, she won the Titus Brandsma Award for peace journalism in 2002 and was named a Marshall McLuhan Fellow in 2011.

Arguillas served as MindaNews’ editor-in-chief before stepping down last June 1. She also chairs the Davao City-based Mindanao News and Information Cooperative. The renowned journalist lectures at the College of Mass Communication at the University of the Philippines-Diliman, as well.

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Meanwhile, the Schengen Foundation also noted MindaNews’ contributions to the field. The publication was recognized for its “constructive coverage of peace efforts” under Arguillas. It was credited for its role in "achieving milestones in the country’s peace processes, including the signing of a peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro people in the southern part of the country and the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.”

During Arguillas' reign, MindaNews was given the Award for Distinction from the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility in 2015, the Ateneo Peace Award from Ateneo de Zamboanga University in 2010, and the Mindanao Peace Champion award from the ACT for Peace Programme of the Government of the Philippines-United Nations Development Programme-Philippines, among other achievements.

"Carolyn’s contribution to peace journalism has helped shape the media landscape towards a better reporting and understanding of Mindanao," the body added.

Granted annually, the award is given to journalists or newsrooms where the use of "their craft to contribute to peace” and “builds peace directly and/or promotes culture of peace via peace journalism.”