GMA News Online reporter receives award for West PH Sea coverage

GMA News Online content producer Joviland Rita on Tuesday received a special recognition from the National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Association, Inc. (NDCPAAI) for his coverage on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue.

Rita, a defense beat reporter, earned an Award of Special Recognition for his “untiring effort” to inform the public on the latest and important actions of involved countries in connection with the events in WPS.

“Recent events in the West Philippine Sea saw the active involvement and unrelenting reports from journalists and other mass media practitioners,” NDCPAAI secretary general Aldrin Cuña said.

“Their professionalism, courage, and integrity have kept our nation well-informed on the real score behind what is happening during our regular maritime sovereignty patrols and even during our troop rotation and supply missions to our islands, shoals, and other features.”

Rita, in his speech, pointed out the importance of reporting the West Philippine Sea issue to the public, as it affects the livelihood of fishermen, Philippine sovereignty, and international order.

“Napakaimportante na i-cover ang WPS lalo na po ngayon dahil meron po itong epekto 'hindi lamang sa hanapbuhay ng mga mangingisda, sa soberanya ng Pilipinas, kundi posibleng maging lamat ito sa pandaigdigang kapayapaan,” the 27-year-old journalist said as he received a plaque during the awarding ceremony at Bonifacio Naval Station, Taguig City.

(Covering the WPS is really important because it has an impact not only on the livelihood of the fishermen and the Philippines’ sovereignty, but also it may cause a rift in international peace.)

“So mahalaga malaman ng publiko kung ano ‘yung mga hakbang na ginagawa ng gobyerno tungkol dito. Importante rin na maibalita namin ito nang patas, tama, at mabilis,” he added.

(So it is really important that the public knows the steps that the government is taking about this. It is also important that we report it fairly, correctly, and quickly.)

Also among the awardees are GMA Integrated News’ Marisol Abdurahman, D??arlene Cay, Ian Cruz, C??hino Gaston, Mav Gonzales, JP Soriano, Raffy Tima, and ???Jun Veneracion.

Senator Francis Tolentino, chairperson of the Senate Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zone, congratulated the journalists for their awards.

“Congratulations again, not just for your coverage but for your tenacity in exposing what otherwise would have been unseen. So congratulations,” said Tolentino, who served as the Guest of Honor of the awarding ceremony.

The awards program of the NDCPAAI aims to to recognize the contribution of government and private sector leaders in the field of peace, development, and security. —KBK, GMA Integrated News