Rotary Manila names Macalma, Rigonan Broadcast Journalists of the Year

MANILA, Philippines - The Rotary Club of Manila named Deo Macalma and Milky Rigonan as radio broadcast journalists of the year in its Journalism Awards held at the McKinley Room of Manila Polo Club. The duo headlines the daily 9 a.m. radio commentary over DZRH, flagship station of Manila Broadcasting Company.

Macalma, popularly known as “Lakay,” is currently the AVP and assistant station manager of the country’s oldest surviving radio station. He is best known for his satirical commentaries and his decades-old Espesyal na Balita, a segment that features blind items sent in by moles. Armed with a journalism degree, Macalma joined DZRH in 1980 as a news writer, until he became a reporter and was assigned to cover events. He rose to become the network’s managing editor, news director and eventually AVP and assistant station manager — positions he has held since 1991.

Rigonan, in turn, covers the Senate as official DZRH correspondent. She also pairs with Macalma on Isyu! at 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., weekdays. Rigonan likewise co-hosts the Wednesday afternoon program of Philhealth and writes an online column on the current political scene called Passt!

The oldest and most prestigious Rotary Club in Asia bestows the annual journalism awards in recognition of the outstanding contribution of individuals and media entities in various categories for print, radio and television. Launched in 1966, the Rotary Club of Manila Journalism Awards has become highly anticipated, and is one of the most prestigious distinctions to ever be given to media practitioners. Thorough screening and deliberations are conducted by the RCM’s Awards Committee from among nominations submitted by the various Rotary chapters located all over the country. Members then concur with the choices in a general assembly.

The other RCM journalism awardees are Mike Enriquez of GMA 7 (Broadcast Journalist for Television), ABS-CBN (Television Station of the Year), dzMM (Radio Station of the Year), Mindanao Daily Tribune Davao (Community Newspaper of the Year), BusinessMirror (Business Newspaper of the Year), and The STAR columnist Federico Pascual (Journalist of the Year).