For their enduring commitment to contribute to society in their respective fields, GMA Network and GMA Integrated News pillar Howie Severino were recognized by Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) during its 45th anniversary celebration last February 29 at Marquis Events Place, Taguig.

As one of the institutional partners of MBFI, GMA Network was honored with the 4th Metrobank Foundation Award for Partner in Empowerment, Advocacy, and Commitment to Excellence (PEACE) for its collaborative efforts with the foundation in nation-building.

GMA Network is a partner of MBFI in the celebration of National Teachers’ Month and has helped amplify the call to honor all teachers across the country.

Meanwhile, Severino was conferred the Metrobank Foundation Award for Continuing Excellence and Service (ACES) for continuously performing his duties in the industry with excellence. Severino was one of the Metrobank Foundation Journalists of the Year (JOY) in 2015, and was recognized along with fellow journalists and past awardees Marites Vitug and Jiggy Manicad for their achievements in the years after their JOY awards.

One of the hosts of GMA Public Affairs’ flagship documentary program “I-Witness,” Severino is best known for his award-winning documentaries on history and social issues.

Severino is currently the Editor-at-Large of GMA News Online and a consultant for GMA Integrated News. He is also the host of GMA Integrated News’ “The Howie Severino Podcast” where he leads insightful conversations with thought leaders from a wide range of fields.

The veteran broadcast journalist is a frequent public speaker on how technology is changing media and has led efforts to combat disinformation. Beyond journalism, he is an advocate and teacher of Baybayin, the Filipino pre-colonial writing system.

Established in 1979, MBFI is the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group. It recognizes exceptional individuals from its roster of awardees and scholars who continuously perform their duties with excellence and contribute to their respective institutions and communities.

Brimming with gratitude and appreciation, Severino shares the award with those who have worked with him through the years.

"I’m grateful and humbled. Grateful not just for this recognition but for having the kind of talented and diligent colleagues that make achievements possible. Humbled because I am acutely aware that broadcast journalism is a team enterprise, and no one person deserves all the credit for any achievement. There are many roles that need to be performed well for us to succeed. So I receive awards only on behalf of everyone else who made it possible. This particular award also recognizes excellence over time, which requires longevity. A big part of that is plain luck," the veteran journalist told GMA Regional TV News.

(In photo: GMA Network’s Howie Severino (third from left) with (L-R) Francisco Sebastian, Chairman of GT Capital Holdings; Alfred Ty, Vice Chairman of GT Capital Holdings; Fabian Dee, President of Metrobank; Aniceto Sobrepeña, President of Metrobank Foundation; and Philip Dy, Executive Vice President of Metrobank Foundation.)