Atom Araullo earns lifetime achievement award at The Global Filipino Icon Awards

Atom Araullo has been honored at The Global Filipino Icon Awards on January 31 at Kempinski Hotel in Dubai.

The Kapuso journalist was given the Lifetime Achievement in Public Service Journalism award.

In a speech, Atom said it's a big honor and accepted it "with gratitude and humility."

"Naisip ko, ano ba ang journalism today. What is journalism today when almost all of us are storytellers? We have our own platforms and we can reach a lot of people. At the same time, ano nga ba ang public service? What is public service? At sino nga ba ang pinaglilinkuran natin?" he said.

"All of us are storytellers, and all of us carry the responsibilities to use our platforms for good."

Atom also said that journalism is not about the person holding the mic or the camera, but "it is about the people whose stories are often ignored, dismissed, or sometimes deliberately silenced."

"Over the years, I've seen how power holds a lot of influence in the Philippines, and how often those with the most power do not have the public's interest at heart," he said.

"But I also witnessed the courage of ordinary Filipinos facing extraordinary challenges. Sila ang dahilan kung bakit mahalaga ang journalism at kung bakit mahalaga ang mga pagkilala tulad ng ganito."

Atom said that public service in journalism is giving voices to those who are ignored, telling the truth, and asking the difficult questions especially when it's uncomfortable.

"Your voice matters. Your work matters. And in a time marked by chaos and uncertainty, choosing accuracy, patience, and empathy is already an act of public service."

Meanwhile, GMA Pinoy TV was given the Excellence in Filipino Storytelling Award. The platform has played a major role in keeping stories alive and accessible to Filipinos across the globe. The award was accepted by Joseph Francia, FVP and Head of Operations of GMA International.

The Global Filipino Icon Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that exemplify Filipinos' excellence and resilience across the globe. —Nika Roque/MGP, GMA Integrated News