In a historic debut for the University of San Agustin (USA), the USA Publications has been honored with a Special Citation at the 47th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) for its student literary folio, “Irong-Irong XVIII”. The award was presented during a gala ceremony at the Citystate Tower Hotel in Manila on November 19, 2025.
The publication competed and excelled in the competitive Best Student Literary Publication category, marking the first time a University of San Agustin publication has participated and won at the nation’s most prestigious Catholic media awards.
The award citation praised Irong-Irong XVIII for its “inspired exploration of life’s joys, sorrows, and wonders,” noting that the work successfully combines poetry, prose, and art to reflect the richness and depth of the human experience—truly capturing the “Spice of Life.” This recognition mirrors a legacy of excellence, as a previous volume of Irong-Irong also received a Special Citation from the CMMA back in 2015.
The achievement was celebrated by the university’s publication team, led by Mrs. Maria Cristy E. Daguay, Moderator of USA Publications, together with the Editors-in-Chief Mary Colleen Faith Salcedo (BSN) and Joewen Ducado (BSMLS).
The 47th CMMA, anchored on the theme “Share with Gentleness the Hope That Is in Your Hearts,” gathered the country’s most outstanding media practitioners and organizations. The event featured a keynote speech from His Eminence Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, D.D., Archbishop of Manila and Honorary Chairman of the CMMA.
This landmark victory not only highlights the exceptional literary and artistic talent within the University of San Agustin but also firmly places its student publications on the national map, affirming the power of Augustinian storytelling and creativity.
For a glimpse of the celebration, you can view the reel on the USA Publications Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1809796616321990
