Emil Sumangil: From dreaming of being a storyteller to becoming one of the most trusted journalists in the Philippines

Emil Sumangil is now officially an anchor of "24 Oras," fulfilling one of his lifelong dreams.

"Ngayong araw, pormal n'yo pong binigyang katuparan ang pinapangarap ng isang mamamahayag kagaya ko. Ito ay maging isa sa mga mukha ng numero unong primetime news program '24 Oras,'" Emil said in his speech at his contract signing Monday. 

[Today, you officially fulfilled a journalist's dream: To become the face of the number one primetime news program, 24 Oras.]  

Spending more than 20 years of his life in the business and a lot of passion to serve the masses propelled Emil to become the award-winning broadcast journalist he is today.  

Growing up in a family of engineers and architects, Emil strayed away from his family roots when he decided to take a Communications degree at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran.  

“Wala na akong ibang pangarap," he told GMA News Online in an exclusive interest. "Bata pa lang ako, siguro iniluwal pa lang ako ng magulang ko, wala na akong hinanap pang iba kundi itong klaseng trabaho na ito."

[I didn't dream of anything else. From when I was a little boy, maybe even from the moment I was born, I didn't look for anything else apart from this career.]

He didn't join their family business, choosing instead to carve his own path in the broadcasting industry. Emil began his journalism career as a researcher. From there, he became a production assistant, a writer, a segment producer, until finally he became a beat reporter covering crime and disaster.

"Iba iyong passion ko sa broadcast, sa pagsusulat ng balita,” Emil added.

[I have a different passion for broadcast, for newswriting.]  

Looking back on the 20 fruitful years in journalism, he considers covering the Marawi Seige in 2017, featured in an i-Witness episode called "Sa Pusod ng Digmaan," as the most challenging story he's ever done.

His special report about the lives of female inmates in a congested district jail in Sta. Rosa the following year also made a dent in journalism and gave Emil recall among Filipino audiences.

Called "Justiis: Condominium Behind Bars,” the report showed the inmates resorting to condominium-type bed accommodations, boring large holes in the ceiling to create and have access to a top-level, makeshift floor.

"Justiis: Condominium Behind Bars” earned Sumangil a nomination at the Golden Nymph Awards and TV News Finalist at the 59th Monte-Carlo Television Festival.

That's just one of numerous recognitions given to Emil throughout his career. He also bagged the Outstanding TV Reporter award in 2014 bestowed by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption, and the Best Field Reporter at the 2018 Gandingan Awards. 

Emil earned the moniker Kapuso Action Man, which he considers a privilege. In 2022, he was given one of the hardest assignments to date: To fill in for GMA News Pillar Mike Enriquez on "24 Oras," who had to step down due to health reasons.

“Dagdag po sa prebilihiyong ito na makapaghatid ng balita at impormasyon ang igawad at ipagkatiwala niyo sa akin ang taguring Kapuso Action Man na tututok at tutugon sa mga problema at hinaing ng ating mga kababayan. Responsibilidad na ginagampanan din noon ni Sir Mike Enriquez,” Emil said. 

[To be called the Kapuso Action Man is an added privilege in being able to bring news and information. It was a responsibility that Mike Enriquez also took on.]  

At his contract signing, GMA Network's top management recognized Emil's dedication and hard work as one of GMA Integrated News’ most trusted broadcast journalists.

“Talagang magaling si Emil hindi lang na reporter, anchor ng news at public affairs program,” said GMA Network Chairman and CEO  Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, adding that Sumangil perfectly fits the position of one of 24 Oras anchors. 

“He more than deserves the appointment at malayo pa ang kanyang mararating sa trabaho,” he said.

GMA Network President and COO, Gilberto Duavit Jr. also expressed his utmost support for the Kapuso Action Man. “Tayo’y nagpapasalamat sa patuloy niyang tiwala at sa patuloy na pagiging Kapuso, bahagi ng ating samahan, ng news. And we wish him the best. Lagi tayong naririto sa likuran niya,” he said.

For Emil, he feels very thankful and blessed on this milestone and vows to serve the people with honor and integrity. 

“I’m very thankful. I’m very blessed. Wala na akong ibang gagawin pa kung hindii paghusayan ang trabaho, maging tapat sa propesyon at sa adbokasya na tumulong, magbigay ng impormasyon. At iyong hinaing at problema ng ating mga kabayan ay tutukan,” Emil said. 

[I'm very thankful. I'm very blessed. There's nothing else I want to do but do a better job, stay true to the profession and the advocacy to help and bring information. At to put focus on the problems of our countrymen.]

He also vowed to do his best to fill Mike Enriquez’s legacy and continue to deliver true public service to the Filipinos.

“Gagawin ko ang nararapat upang mapunan ang kaniyang naiwan at maipagpatuloy ang paghahatid ng serbisyong totoo sa mga Pilipino,” he said. 

Emil Sumangil went from being an ordinary man, who dreamt of being a storyteller to becoming one of the most trusted journalists in the Philippines. 

This is his story.  

— LA, GMA Integrated News