GMA News Online reports named finalists in 47th Catholic Mass Media Awards

Two special reports of GMA News Online have been cited as finalists in the 47th Catholic Mass Media Awards organized by the Archdiocese of Manila, which recognizes media projects that display authenticity, inspiration, and emotional depth.

Ted Cordero and Anna Felicia Bajo’s “For Better or Worse? The Plight of Filipino Farmers After Five Years of Rice Tariffication Law” was named a finalist for Best Investigative Report.

The report looked into the impact of the Rice Tariffication Law on local farmers, who shared the effects of the law that removed the limits on rice importation and opened the country’s floodgates for cheaper varieties of the staple.

Sherilyn Untalan’s report “Mother who lost son to Yolanda finds hope after encounter with Pope Francis” was also recognized as a finalist for Best Special Feature.

The report shares the story of Jenita Aguilar and her journey of acceptance of her son’s loss to Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) after her fateful meeting with Pope Francis.

“Conveying truth with love and compassion poses an additional challenge to the already difficult pursuit of truth. For more than 45 years, CMMA has been crucial in recognizing and applauding media projects that display authenticity, inspiration, and emotional depth,” the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila said in a writeup in 2023.

“By recognizing these endeavors, CMMA aims to contribute to a media environment that is not only transformative and constructive but also unwaveringly genuine. Nonetheless, awards alone are insufficient to bring about lasting change,” it added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News