The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) is the country's premier organization for public relations professionals.
MISSION
Steer the country toward progress while preserving its precious heritage and culture, serve affiliate organizations to the best of its abilities guided only by the highest ethical standards, and lead the way in the development, refinement, and dissemination of knowledge and skills of the profession in the entire Asia- Pacific region.
VISION
- Professional development of individual members
- Recognition of high craftsmanship and its strategic role in management functions
- Social commitment
- Proactive involvement in issues, concerns, and demands of PR and communication
PRSP’s nine-member Board of Directors sets the strategic direction and policy of the Society. The Board elects among themselves the officers and directors; appoints members to the different committees; and amends by-laws. Members may join any of the Society’s committees such as the Anvil Awards, PR Congress, Professional Development Program, Membership, Students’ PR Congress and Grand Prix Competition, External Relations and Social Outreach Services.
HISTORY OF THE PUBLIC RELATIONS SOCIETY OF THE PHILIPPINES
Public Relations in the Philippines started when the Americans returned to our country after the World War II. A key personnel attached to the US Army was the Press Information Officer whose primary task was to effectively disseminate to the public.
In 1947, Manila’s business editors and reporters organized the Business Writer’s Association of the Philippines (BWAP) which launched the BWAP Awards. The Awards recognized businessmen who excelled in their respective lines of business, and those who contribute to social welfare by holding socio- civic projects. And, as though in perfect consonance, the need for competent PR men in the business sector rose along with the realization of the importance of PR in business. The PR men of big businesses were pleased to cooperate and assist.
In government, the need for an information officer was immediately felt. A Press Secretary was appointed by the President to serve the major departments and entities of the government.
The Office of the Press Secretary was elevated to cabinet level in 1954. By 1973, after the imposition of the Martial Law, the Office of the Press Secretary grew into a full- fledged department known as the Department of Public Information (DPI). Senator Francisco Tatad, a former newspaperman, was the first Information Secretary to become a cabinet member. The government public relations officers and public information officers are members of a national organization known as the Public Relations Organization of the Philippines of which the PRSP keeps close and regular contact.
The Public Relations Society of the Philippines had its early beginnings in 1947 when a group of top PR and advertising executives meet at the Elena Apartment in Ermita, Manila to talk about the profession and its problems. This informal gathering led to the creation of PRSP in 1957 with the objective of “advancing the welfare of the Filipino people through dignified, effective and relevant practice of the art and science of public relations.”
OVERVIEW
The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) is the country’s premier organization for public relations professionals. In its roster are practitioners who represent business and industry, government, non-profit organizations, hospitals, schools, hotels and professional services.
PRSP is a non-stock, non-profit organization established on February 19, 1957 by leading PR practitioners in the country. The Society’s mission is to advance the practice of public relations by: (1) uniting those engaged in the profession; (2) encouraging continuing education of practitioners; (3) generating public confidence in the profession by promoting high ethical practice and encouraging high standards of public service; (4) playing the active role in all matters affecting the practice of public relations; and (5) strengthening the relationships of public relations professionals with employees and clients, government at all levels, educators, media and the general public.
OBJECTIVES
PRSP shall work for the advancement of the welfare of the Filipino people through dignified, ethical and effective practice of public relations.
Specific Objectives:
1. To continually cultivate in the membership the practice of public relations as a planned program of policies and activities that seeks to build public confidence and create better public understanding and acceptance on an individual or organization;
2. To encourage the continuing study of and improvement in the theory, practice and techniques of public relations;
3. To promote public confidence in the profession of public relations through the prevention or correction of abuses which tend to undermine the public trust in the profession;
4. To serve as a center of information by making available to members the latest data or information regarding the effective practice of public relations;
5. To generate public support for public relations projects aimed at promoting the general welfare;
6. Assist the member organizations in assessing the effectiveness of their public relations programs be setting the standards for quality; and
7. To assist the Government in its developmental efforts by supporting projects with socio- economic impact.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
PRSP firmly subscribes to the tenet that professional integrity is based on sound and ethical practice. Upon joining the Society, members agree to adhere to PRSP Code of Professional Standards in the Practice of Public Relations.
In 1995, PRSP established a Voluntary Accreditation Program. Members with at least three years of professional practice may earn “Accredited” status by passing the written and oral examinations. Accredited status attests to a professional competency in the practice of public relations. Successful applicants may use the title APR (Accredited in Public Relations) after their names.
Accreditation is the centerpiece of PRSP’s professional progress. This is sustained by continuing education and other activities of the Society. The Anvil Awards, considered as the “Oscar” of public relations, are given for excellence in public relations program in two major categories which include several sub- categories- Institutional and Corporate PR Program and Tools of Public Relations. It is awarded by a multi- sectoral jury to the best in the past year.
Other major PRSP award is the “Gawad Panday,” which recognizes an individual’s significant contributions to the public relations profession. The programs honored set of standards of excellence for the practice of public relations, and the individuals receiving the awards serve as role models for other public relations professionals.
MAJOR ANNUAL EVENTS
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Anvil Awards
The Anvil Awards is an esteemed annual program organized by PRSP that honors exceptional PR tools and programs. It celebrates outstanding PR initiatives designed or implemented over the past year and recognizes winners selected by a distinguished multi-sectoral jury.
For updates on the upcoming 60th Anvil Awards, download the brochure for more information. Nominations are currently open; register and submit your entries here: anvilawards.prsp.ph
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Professional Development
The KNOW MOVEMENT will excite every PRSP member to be engaged and be active in their community, and to stay in the know of their industry.
Among the many fears of professionals today is STAGNATION in terms of career and industry know-how. This is the reason why at PRSP, we ensure that there is space for our members to grow their practice, their knowledge, and competencies in the PR industry.
We take our members’ professional development seriously. The KNOW MOVEMENT allay our members’ worries of having ‘no movement’ in their careers.
Professional Development Seminars are organized on a bi-monthly basis, with eight sessions scheduled for the whole term, targeting 80 to 100 participants per session, set up in a hybrid format, offering hands-on training and practical tips, with the goal of developing participants into professionals capable of rendering effective PR communication strategies.
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National PR Congress
The National PR Congress is the flagship event of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines. This two-day conference is designed for communication professionals seeking to enhance their careers by gaining expert knowledge, skills, and tools in areas such as corporate PR, marketing communication, brand building, and reputation management. It gathers PR and communication experts from across the country to discuss the latest trends and techniques in the industry. The goal of the congress is to unite all PR practitioners under one roof, providing an avenue to explore current trends and issues in the PR field.
HAPPENING THIS SEPTEMBER 2024!!
Now in its 31st year, the National PR Congress is scheduled to take place in September, coinciding with the celebration of National PR Month. With an expected audience of 400 to 600 delegates, the event will engage participants through keynote talks, panel discussions, case analyses, and networking activities. The congress aims to dissect the hottest trends in the PR industry while addressing the most relevant topics and issues of today.
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General Membership Meetings (GMMs)
General Membership Meetings (GMMs) are held quarterly, typically in April, June, August, and December. These gatherings provide a venue for productive networking and collaboration among PRSP members. At least four physical GMMs are hosted each year, during which the PRSP President and Board Officers report on the organization's financial status, successful projects, events from the past quarter, recognized accomplishments, and upcoming endeavors. The meetings also feature guest speakers who discuss trends, issues, and best practices in the PR industry, supporting PRSP’s commitment to professional development. Additionally, the association honors members celebrating their birthdays during the quarter.
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Student Congress & Grand Prix Competition
The Student Congress & Grand Prix Competition is a competition organized for PR students to help them define PR in current practice and realities. It lets participants discover the difference between in-house PR and consultancy PR, giving hands-on experience in terms of learnings, competition, and fellowship. The goal is for students to learn from industry experts who will provide tips on how to kick-start a career in PR.
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APR Night
A gathering of top PR leaders and mentors, almost all are current executives in various industries. APRs as today’s top PR and communication professionals have developed lifelong relationships in the industry, specializing in a variety of communication competencies, with a wide stakeholder influence both locally and internationally.
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PR Caravan
The PR Caravan is part of PRSP’s CSR and Outreach Program, targeting colleges and universities with communication and PR degree programs, where students receive free seminars on communication and public relations trends and issues, along with career talks that explain how PR operates in agencies, governments, and various industries.
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Spot Fake News
PRSP's "Spot Fake News" campaign, aimed at high school students in the Philippines, encourages critical thinking among the country's youth by inviting participants to join DepEd's After Hours program.
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Two-hour Program
For 2024, at least ten high schools in Metro Manila will be engaged in a two-hour program.
At least 5 teacher participants
At least 100 student participants preferably 14- to 15-year-olds (potential takers of PISA)
2-3 Speakers from PRSP and/or partners
