GMEA@12 honors regional media and digital storytellers driving inclusive digital progress

The 12th Globe Media Excellence Awards (GMEA@12) recognized 15 journalists and digital storytellers whose work brought important community issues to wider public attention, highlighting how technology and local initiatives shape daily life across the regions.

Guided by the theme “#DigitallyForward: One Barangay at a Time,” this year’s program focused on the role of regional media in amplifying stories that expand access to technology, help families reach their aspirations, and contribute to national development.

“We honor journalists and creators who capture how digital tools open doors for families, workers, and communities,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group chief sustainability and corporate communications officer.

“The rapid move into digital spaces shows how ready Filipinos are to embrace change. Through GMEA@12, we reaffirm our commitment to bringing technology closer to every home so people can pursue new paths and strengthen the bonds that drive progress.”

The GMEA@12 winners are:

Integrated news category

Radio News Report of the Year

First place went to John Paul Hervas of Radyo Pilipinas Iloilo for reporting on the Department of Trade and Industry’s assistance to the online businesses of Guimaras MSMEs. Rowena Capistrano of DYRF 1215 Cebu placed second for a story on barangay service delivery, while Sheila Gravinez of DYMR Radyo Pilipinas Cebu took third for a feature on farmers shifting to digital selling.

TV News Report of the Year

Jaira Mae Mondez-Alis of PTV Davao won first and second place for a feature on a DICT livelihood beneficiary and a report on Davao City’s aerial patrol effort, respectively. Queenie Grace Joligon of MyTV Cebu placed third for covering an invention developed from waste materials.

Online News Report of the Year

Morexette Marie Erram of CDN Digital topped the category with a report on Cebu City’s flooding concerns and also ranked third for another flooding-related piece. Jonnavie Villa of The Freeman (Cebu) placed second for a story on teacher migration.

Photo of the Year

Alan Tangcawan of MyTV Cebu placed first and second for images depicting the aftermath of flooding and the impact of the monsoon season, respectively. Ralph Lawrence Llemit of SunStar Davao earned third for a portrait of a barefoot father and daughter walking through rain and floodwaters.

Digital storytelling category

Best Blog Post

Mars Mosqueda Jr. of BusinessNews.ph (Cebu) won first place for a piece on digitizing sari-sari store operations and second for a feature on solar-powered water access. Third place went to Cebu-based blogger Marjorie Maano of Dakilanglaagan for a post on Piso WiFi use.

Best Social Media Video

ABS-CBN News’ Annie Fe Perez-Gallardo earned first place for a story on animal population control in Cebu City and third for a video on mangrove protection. Joanne Clarisse Espinosa of MyTV Cebu placed second for documenting a market vendor’s waste-fuel invention.

Special awards

Newsmaker of the Year was awarded to Mildred Galarpe, editor-in-chief of Cebu’s SunStar Publishing Inc., while Editor of the Year went to Cristina Alivio of SunStar Davao.

The Globe of Good Story of the Year was awarded to Queenie Grace Joligon of MyTV Cebu for “Paglaum Gikan Sa Basura: Ang Imbensyon ni Benito,” her feature on Benito Samson and his diesel-from-plastic invention. Samson’s group, Carbonhanong Alyansa, was also named Featured Community and received a ₱20,000 grant.

All first- and second-place winners will receive cash prizes and a UNOSINOTRA GMEA@12 trophy made from cast sawdust composites, organic corn-based filament, and biodegradable polymer sourced from renewable corn starch, demonstrating Globe’s commitment to circular practices. Third-place awardees will receive cash prizes and certificates.

GMEA@12 reflects Globe’s three sustainability pillars: Digital Enablement and Inclusion, Societal Well-being, and Climate Action. The recognized stories promote access to technology, support community development, and champion bold action on climate resilience and environmental protection.

To learn more, visit www.globe.com.ph/globe-media-excellence-awards.

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Globe Telecom.