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Philippine Daily Inquirer founder Eugenia Apostol dies at 100

Eugenia Apostol, the pioneering journalist who established the Philippine Daily Inquirer and championed press freedom in the Philippines, has passed away at age 100. The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation confirmed her death, noting her decades-long impact on Philippine journalism.

LSN Philippines · 14 September 2026

MANILA — Eugenia "Eggie" Apostol, the founding chairperson of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and a towering figure in Philippine journalism, has died at the age of 100. The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation announced her passing, underscoring her profound influence on the nation's media landscape.

Apostol's career spanned decades during pivotal moments in Philippine history. She established the Inquirer as a platform for independent reporting and became recognized as a fierce advocate for press freedom and journalistic integrity. Her commitment to these principles earned her the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2006, one of Asia's most prestigious honors recognizing exceptional contributions to public service.

As a woman leading a major newspaper enterprise in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Apostol broke significant barriers while building the Inquirer into one of the Philippines' most influential publications. Her stewardship of the paper reflected her unwavering belief in journalism's role in holding power to account and serving the public interest.

The Apostol family has requested privacy during this period of mourning. Her legacy extends far beyond institutional achievements, having shaped generations of journalists committed to the principles she championed throughout her remarkable life and career.