Stories and journalists of GMA Regional TV, the regional arm of GMA Network, bagged five of the 15 awards and recognitions given to GMA Integrated News at the 18th Gandingan Awards of the UP Community Broadcasters’ Society (UP ComBrodSoc).
The Gandingan Awards, now on its 18th year as a student-led, university-based recognition program, held an awarding ceremony on May 4, 2024 at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
Of the seven major awards and eight finalist recognitions given to GMA Integrated News, five went to stories and journalists of GMA Regional TV.
A story by GMA Regional TV's Balitang Bisdak on the plight of farmers in Talisay City, Cebu, 'Farmers in Talisay, Cebu keep rice harvest for own consumption,' received a citation award as Most Development-Oriented Online News. The news program's report 'Apektado sa Ting-init' also received a finalist recognition as Most Development-Oriented Investigative Story.
GMA Regional TV Balitang Bicolandia's Jessica Calinog and GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon's Joanne Ponsoy received finalist recognitions as Best Field Reporter.
GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas' report 'Benepisyo sang Farming' received a finalist recognition as Most Development-Oriented Feature Story.
FULL LIST OF AWARDS:
Seven major awards:
- Vicky Morales, 24 Oras - Best News Anchor
- Pia Arcangel, 24 Oras Weekend - Gandingan ng Kababihan
- Kim Atienza, 24 Oras (Kuya Kim, Anu Na?) - Gandingan ng Agham at Teknolohiya
- Climate Change Series: Peste sa Taniman, 24 Oras - Most Development-Oriented Feature Story
- Effects of MT Princess Empress Oil Spill in Oriental Mindoro, Antique, and Batangas, 24 Oras - Most Development-Oriented Photo Story
- Need To Know, GMA Integrated News - Most Development-Oriented Online Video
- Farmers in Talisay, Cebu keep rice harvest for own consumption, GMA Regional TV News (Balitang Bisdak) - Most Development-Oriented Online News
Eight finalist recognitions:
- JP Soriano, Sundo: Israel-Hamas Coverage - Best Field Reporter
- Raffy Tima, Sundo: Israel-Hamas Coverage - Best Field Reporter
- Special Report: Agrikultura, Pinakamahirap na Sektor ng Bansa, 24 Oras Weekend - Most Development-Oriented News Story
- Martin Javier, 24 Oras (Game Changer) - Gandingan ng Kabataan Nominee
- Jessica Calinog, GMA Regional TV Balitang Bicolandia - Best Field Reporter
- Joanne Ponsoy, GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon - Best Field Reporter
- Apektado sa Ting-init, GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak - Most Development-Oriented Investigative Story
- Benepisyo sang Farming, GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas - Most Development-Oriented Feature Story
FOCUS ON AGRICULTURE
This year’s Gandingan Awards puts a spotlight on the country’s agriculture sector, particularly the stories that illustrate the often overlooked struggles of Filipino farmers, and the promise of tomorrow that needs today’s action.
The theme “Agrikultura: Mga Kuwento ng Hamon at Pag-asa” could not have come at a better time. Filipino farmers are plagued continuously with unwelcome challenges resulting from the ramifications of El Niño, exacerbated by the worsening effects of climate change.
During her introductory speech, Dean of the College of Development Communication (CDC) Maria Stella Tirol emphasized the protagonistic role agriculture plays in the everyday life of Filipinos.
“(The theme) recognizes the crucial role of agriculture in ensuring food security, providing employment, contributing to export revenue, facilitating rural development, and alleviating poverty in the country,” said Tirol.
The UP ComBroadSoc, through Gandingan Awards since its inception in 2007, has consistently given awards and recognitions to broadcast programs and development-oriented output by national and regional media organizations.
