Havas Ortega Group emerged as a top performer at the 61st Anvil Awards, securing five trophies and a podium finish for the industry’s top institutional honor in a year defined by increased competition among Philippine creative and communications firms.

The agency was named a Top 3 finalist for Agency of the Year at the gala organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines. The recognition followed a competitive cycle featuring 178 participating brands and agencies under the theme “The 61st Second: Pushing Past Boundaries.” Havas Ortega’s performance signaled a shift in the local PR landscape, where strategic depth and purpose-driven campaigns are increasingly outweighing traditional media relations.

Jos Ortega, Chairman and CEO of Havas Ortega, said the accolades reflect a rigorous approach to a craft that carries significant corporate and social responsibility. He noted that the awards affirm the agency's belief that work fueled by intent can move beyond simple communication to create lasting impact. The executive added that the Agency of the Year finalist status strengthens the firm’s commitment to redefining the boundaries of the PR discipline in the Philippines.

The agency’s primary growth engine for the evening was "The KITA Initiative," a flagship advocacy platform that garnered four distinct honors. The campaign received Gold Anvils for Best Use of Partnerships and Sustainability Communication, alongside Silver Anvils in the Diversity & Inclusion and Non-Profit categories. The initiative was cited for its ability to mobilize cross-sector collaboration to support women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises. Jurors noted the campaign’s success in elevating the visibility of female entrepreneurs while maintaining measurable social impact.

Havas Ortega further diversified its win tally with a Silver Anvil for its 2025 white paper program, "Illuminating the Filipino Psyche." The program, recognized in the Online Publication category, was lauded for translating complex cultural insights into actionable marketing intelligence. Angie Tohid, Executive Creative Director, said the firm’s creative philosophy requires ideas to be grounded in local culture and human experience. She described creativity not as an aesthetic choice but as a functional force to provide visibility to underrepresented narratives.

The agency’s ascent to the Top 3 for Agency of the Year underscores a period of sustained consistency in an industry navigating rapid digital transformation. By balancing local relevance with global creative standards, the firm has positioned itself as a critical player in shaping modern public relations. As the PRSP continues to evolve its criteria for excellence, Havas Ortega’s leadership indicated that the firm will remain focused on work that builds institutional trust and drives societal change during periods of economic and communicative volatility.