GMA Network, Atom Araullo honored at Rotary Club of Manila's Pro Patria Journalism Awards 2026

GMA Network received honors at the Pro Patria Journalism Award of the Rotary Club of Manila held on Thursday.

The Kapuso Network bagged the Television Station of the Year, while Kapuso journalist Atom Araullo was named TV Broadcaster of the Year.

GMA News OIC and concurrent head for News Programs and Specials Michelle S. Seva was present at the awarding ceremony.

“This recognition belongs to the thousands of men and women across the Kapuso Network. It also belongs to the millions of Filipinos who turn to GMA in moments of triumphs and in moments of loss. Their trust is a privilege we never take for granted,” Seva said in her acceptance speech.

She added that democracy strengthens when the public has access to trustworthy information.

“For freedom is sustained not only by those who fought for it, but also by the institutions that help keep it strong. A free and responsible press is one of those institutions. Asahan po ninyo na kami sa GMA News dito po sa Network ay mananatiling walang kinikilingan, walang pinoprotektahan, noon at ngayon, serbisyong totoo,” Seva said.

As seen in Vonne Aquino's report on "24 Oras" Friday, Araullo also shared during his speech the challenges journalism faces today and how the mission remains the same despite these.

"Journalism nowadays is a very difficult job to do. Facts are being challenged, disinformation is everywhere, and public discourse can sometimes be more distracting than illuminating. But our job remains the same: to ask questions, to follow the evidence wherever it leads, and to make sure that the voice of ordinary people aren't drowned out by the noise," said Araullo.

Rotary Club of Manila President Raoul Creencia, for his part, hoped that the high standards of journalism would continue.

"I hope we will maintain the level of journalism, the truthful reporting that we undertake day in day out dahil you, more than anyone else, know that this is what we need in our country today," said Creencia.

The Pro Patria Journalism Awards, a long-standing recognition program of the Rotary Club of Manila, honors journalists and media organizations in television, print, radio, and online platforms for promoting ethical journalism and responsible press freedom.

Distinguished by its patriotic theme, the award recognizes reporting that highlights positive developments, encourages constructive criticism, and inspires respect for the Philippines’ achievements, fostering patriotism despite challenges and adversity. —Jade Veronique Yap/JCB/CDC, GMA News