Outstanding journalists
For the second time in 80 years, the Manila Overseas Press Club honors the Philippines’ outstanding journalists, this Wednesday, Feb. 12, 6 p.m., at the Raffles Fairmont Grand Ballroom, before a sellout audience of 200, the crème dela crème of the profession and business.
Founded in 1945 by the press corps that accompanied General Douglas MacArthur to liberate Manila, the MOPC is Asia’s first and oldest press club. In the Battle of Manila, the bitterest saga of the fighting between American and Japanese forces took place in February 1945. So it is fitting that the MOPC awards night is Feb. 12. In many ways this year’s MOPC journalism awardees are heroes.
Journalism has become a dangerous and an endangered profession. The press used to be called the Fourth Estate, the fourth branch of (government) to counter and curb the excesses of the three other branches – the President, Congress and the Judiciary. Ironically, the profession is being hollowed out from within – by social media, disinformation, misinformation and AI. The enemy – lies, incompetence, massive corruption, authoritarianism – are too formidable to fight and overcome. The awardees:
Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, Chairman,
Adviser GMA Network, Inc.“Lifetime Achievement
in TV and Journalism 2024-25”
For his sterling work and track record in law and media, nobody comes close. An exceptional lawyer of tremendous gravitas, Yale-educated Henry, in 20 years, built GMA Network Inc. from an also-ran into the best, biggest, most profitable, most credible and most trusted radio-tv network with more than 84 million viewers and presence in all forms of media technology during this century.
Miguel G. Belmonte,
The Philippine STAR Group
“Newspaper of the Year 2024-25”
For unrivalled leadership and excellence in print journalism and for its unrelenting pursuit of truth and balance in reporting, putting the powers-that-be to a higher bar of governance and service to the people. Its columns and opinion pages seek clarity amid confusion and hope amid despair with the state of affairs today.
Jessica Soho, GMA Network, Inc.
“Journalist of the Year 2024-25”
For 40 years of inimitable excellence in broadcast journalism, winning for herself and her institution unrivaled trust, awards and honors here and abroad and helping propel GMA Network’s quick rise to No. 1 in Philippine television and into one of the world’s best.
Iris Gonzales, The Philippine STAR
“Business Editor of the Year 2024-25”
For the luminous quality she brings to her work as a business writer, business editor and columnist of the leading daily, writing on companies big and emerging, the economy, public finance and issues that gnaw at the conscience of a nation bludgeoned by corruption, incompetence and waste by officials.
Raffy Tima, GMA Network, Inc.
“Television Reporter of the Year 2024-25”
For excellence in TV and broadcast reporting on major events in the Philippines and abroad, with enterprise, technology, courage and integrity, enabling his audience and followers to have a better understanding of issues and events that helped shape the nation and the world at large.
Melo del Prado, GMA Network, Inc.
“Radio Broadcaster of the Year 2024-25”
For 36 years of quality journalism in radio, as a newswriter, newsreader, news anchor, editor, program host and commentator in prime time and highly rated programs, thus helping GMA consistently dominate ratings in newscast and commentary in the No. 1 medium of the people.
Atty. Ruphil F. Bañoc, RMN DyHP Cebu
“Radio Broadcaster of the Year,
Philippine South, 2024-25”
For over 21 years of excellence as a journalism professor, columnist and radio broadcast executive, commentator and host in the country’s second-largest radio and media audience, stressing the relevance of the south to the body politic and promoting national unity in the process.
Katherine De Leon-Vilar, IBC-13
“Ito Ang Kongreso”
“Outstanding Public Affairs TV Program
Host 2024-25”
For 39 years of communications and public affairs experience, whose quality is reflected in her TV program that has brought the legislative branch of government closer to the people as the country grapples with governance issues that test the mettle of democracy.
Marc Logan, dwAN 1206 AM Radio, IBC-13
“Best Revival Radio Station of the Year 2024-25”
For parlaying a radio station with a rich history into what could be the future and relevance of AM radio – a dynamic mix of news, information, inspiration and entertainment with engaging content and diverse music offerings, in the process garnering audiences, accolades and awards.
Jimmie Policarpio, CEO, IBC-13
“Media Turnaround Story of the Year 2024-25”
For his prodigious work turning around a bankrupt and a TV ratings cellar dweller into a dynamic broadcast behemoth and a force to reckon with. In less than a year, he raised the P542-million retirement and separation pay of its employees pending for 20 years, revived IBC’s dwAN 1206 radio, secured a huge operating budget and, best of all, got a quick franchise from Congress, making IBC-13 suddenly valuable.
Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez,
The Philippine STAR
“Journalist of the Year – Diplomacy”
He validates the verity that journalists make good ambassadors and ambassadors make good journalists. As the ambassador to the US and emissary to nine other territories under two presidents, he has used his extensive media and CEO experience to be effective in the world’s premier diplomatic mission while pursuing his journalism with elan, enthusiasm and entrepreneurship, promoting the national interest and safeguarding the welfare of four million Filipinos in America.
Cesar B. Chavez, PhD, MNSA, CESE,
Presidential Communications Office
“Distinguished Service in Media and Government”
The best educated and most public service-oriented of media professionals, he has been appointed 15 times to ranking positions by seven Philippine presidents, thus helping shape one of Asia’s most dynamic economies and prove that media is a veritable source of talent, vision and genius for nation-building.
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