Ika-walong Gawad Bagani sa Komunikasyon: Makabagong bayani sa larangan ng radyo at telebisyon

After a three-year hiatus, Gawad Bagani reignited its legacy with its much-anticipated eighth installment, carrying the theme “Walang Hanggang Husay at Serbisyo: Liwanag ng Makabagong Bagani ng Komunikasyon.”

Held at University of the East, the event once again gathered students, faculty, and media practitioners in a celebration of excellence in journalism and public service.

Organized by the Department of Communication in partnership with the Office of Extension and Community Outreach, Gawad Bagani has become a cornerstone event in the University’s culture since its inception in 2014.

The awarding body recognizes outstanding journalists in radio and television, honoring them as “Makabagong Bayani” as chosen by communities within the CAMANAVA region and the University itself.

This year’s ceremony, formally titled “Ika-Walong Gawad Bagani sa Larangan ng Komunikasyon: Makabagong Mandirigma sa Larangan ng Radyo at Telebisyon,” conferred its prestigious awards upon two distinguished figures in Philippine media: Jessica Soho for Television and DJ Chacha for Radio.

Jessica Soho, widely recognized for her long-running and award-winning news magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), has consistently championed uniquely Filipino narratives, bringing attention to both extraordinary and everyday stories across the nation.

Notably, this marks her second Gawad Bagani recognition, having also received the honor during the event’s earlier run. Meanwhile, DJ Chacha earned her first Gawad Bagani award, celebrated for her impactful storytelling in radio and her work in information-entertainment programming, particularly alongside veteran broadcaster Ted Failon on True FM.

The program opened with a meaningful address from College of Arts and Sciences Dean Michelle Concepcion, who reflected on the deeper significance of the term “Bagani.”

Derived from a Manobo word, “Bagani” refers to a brave warrior: a “mandirigma” who stands against injustice. In her speech, Concepcion emphasized that today’s communicators embody this spirit not through weapons, but through truth, courage, and responsibility. She underscored the role of media practitioners as defenders of integrity and as inspirations for students pursuing Communication, urging them to embrace their duty to serve the public with honesty and purpose.

In a recorded message, Jessica Soho expressed her gratitude to the University for the recognition. She encouraged students to remain committed to their education and to develop discernment, especially in an era increasingly shaped by digital fake news.

Romabell Yumol, her in-person representative for the event, left attendees with a striking reminder: “Hindi baha ang magpapalubog sa bayan kung hindi kasakiman,” emphasizing the need for future communicators to continuously fight against the system’s greed and injustice.

The ceremony was enlivened by a special intermission performance from Roel Rostata, a proud alumnus of the Communication program. His dynamic rendition of “Bagani,” the event’s theme song which he himself composed, energized the audience and reinforced the event’s message of courage and advocacy in communication.

In a powerful and unconventional moment, DJ Chacha took the stage wearing a bold statement shirt emblazoned with the words “Managot Kurakot,” deliberately diverging from the event’s Filipiniana dress code. Her choice served as a visual protest and a call for accountability, particularly directed at issues of corruption in society. In her speech, she spoke candidly about the growing fatigue among voices that continuously fight against injustice. Despite this, she expressed hope that future generations of journalists would rise with renewed strength, using their platforms to demand accountability and amplify truth.

The event concluded with an engaging open-mic Q&A session, where students actively participated in discussions about pressing issues in media and communication.

Topics ranged from the importance of campus journalism to the ethical challenges posed by increasing reliance on artificial intelligence. Both awardees responded thoughtfully, reinforcing the enduring responsibility of storytellers to remain grounded in reality and truth.

In their closing messages, the winners issued a compelling call to action for the youth.

They urged students to look beyond their screens and reconnect with the real world, to observe, listen, and engage with the stories unfolding in everyday life. They emphasized that meaningful narratives are not limited to grand events, but can be found in the ordinary experiences of people whose voices often go unheard.

As Gawad Bagani continues to evolve, its eighth installment stands as a testament to the enduring power of journalism as a force for good. By honoring modern-day “Bagani” in media, the event not only celebrates excellence but also inspires a new generation of communicators to become fearless storytellers, truth-seekers, and advocates for the communities they serve.