New PRSP President Takes the Stage at DOST’s ‘Ad Meliora’

The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) has officially announced its 2026–2027 Board of Trustees, ushering in a new chapter for the country’s PR leadership.

At the helm is Ana Pista, APR, Founder and CEO of Ardent Communications and CEO of the AI Centre of Excellence (ACE). Pista previously served as Vice President–Internal of PRSP and chaired the prestigious 61st ANVIL Awards, which concluded on January 28, 2026.

Leading by Example: Keynote at DOST’s Ad Meliora

Pista delivered her first address as PRSP President at the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Ad Meliora: Igniting the Narrative celebration. With the theme “Toward Better Things Delivered,” the event highlights DOST’s role in mentoring innovators and connecting Filipino partners and institutions to practical solutions.

Other key speakers included Hon. Maridon Sahagun (DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services), Hon. Renato Solidum Jr. (DOST Secretary), Robbie Aligada (Executive Director, Ad Standards Council), Atty. Marion Ivy Decena (Director, DOST–TAPI), and Asec. Napoleon K. Juanillo, Jr. (DOST Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization).

Pista’s lecture, “Strategic Public Relations in Advancing Government Programs,” focused on guiding PR professionals as stewards in a complex information landscape, aligning with DOST’s mission to empower Filipino innovators and public servants.

Steward the Story: PRSP’s 2026 Mission

Under Pista’s leadership, PRSP’s 2026 theme, Steward the Story, emphasizes a shift from being mere narrators to ethical stewards of communication. In a world of competing narratives, fragile trust, and rampant misinformation, Pista underscored that PR professionals must move from reaction to relationship, from damage control to trust-building.

The Four Pillars of Stewardship

Pista outlined four guiding pillars for PR and communications professionals:

1. Steward the System through Digital Integrity – Protect and manage digital spaces responsibly. Metrics include accessibility compliance, crisis response efficiency, database integrity, and ethical engagement rates.
2. Steward the Structure through Internal Culture – Build strong internal capabilities through mentorship and skills development, ensuring PRSP members authentically embody the organization’s mission.
3. Steward the Society through Purpose-Driven PR – Move beyond superficial campaigns; empower communities to reclaim their narratives while PR professionals provide tools and guidance.
4. Steward the Narrative through Governance – Embed communication strategies into policy-making to institutionalize transparency, accountability, and ethical storytelling, bridging governance and grassroots impact.

These pillars aim to strengthen the connection between governance and public trust, ensuring PR is a force for social good.

Embracing the Future: AI and Strategic PR

Pista highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in PR, emphasizing that ethical, strategic adoption is now essential. With proactive guidelines emerging from the Philippine government, AI is no longer optional but inevitable, offering professionals the tools to amplify impact in their industries and communities.

“Let us stop just ‘managing’ reputations and start stewarding them. Let’s make sure our narratives aren’t just loud — let’s make sure they are true,” Pista concluded.
“Because when we protect the health of the story, we protect the heart of our society.”

Under Ana Pista’s leadership, PRSP is poised to reshape Philippine public relations, championing integrity, innovation, and stewardship as the new standard for the profession.