GMA Network’s flagship newscast 24 Oras represented the Philippines and was named as the Grand Final Winner in the Best News Program category at the 2021 Asian Academy Creative Awards (AAA’s).
Besting entries from 16 Asian countries and territories, the network’s top-rating multi-awarded news program was recognized for its Special Coverage of Typhoon Ulysses (Vamco) that struck Luzon in November 2020.
Amid the combined perils of cyclones and the pandemic, GMA news teams bravely went to severely hit areas. 24 Oras reported on families—among them young children—trapped on their rooftops. The news teams served as the lifeline to authorities for many who needed rescue and other assistance.
The show’ nationwide coverage provided viewers information and public service at a time when they needed it the most. It showed raw images of not just the typhoon’s strength but also the Filipinos’ even stronger bayanihan spirit.
GMA senior vice president for News and Public Affairs Marissa L. Flores expressed her gratitude to the Asian Academy Creative Awards for the recognition.
“This is another testament to Filipino excellence. I am particularly proud of my team for fulfilling GMA’s commitment to ‘Serbisyong Totoo’ no matter the circumstance and situation,” said Flores. “The stories of the everyday Filipinos will always be our motivation. We share this recognition with every Filipino. We thank you for giving GMA News the honor and privilege to serve.”
24 Oras anchors Mel Tiangco, Mike Enriquez, and Vicky Morales likewise dedicated the award to the Filipino people.
“It is our honor to tell the stories of Filipino resiliency, vigor and heart, of bravery and survival, and the will to surmount hardships brought about by calamities, and the series of typhoons that hit the Philippines every year,” shared Tiangco in her acceptance speech on behalf of 24 Oras and GMA Network.
The program remains the country’s leading prime-time newscast as it continues to deliver news and information to viewers and netizens through the coverage of GMA News and GMA Regional TV’s stable of reporters. Joining Tiangco, Enriquez and Morales are Kim Atienza, Nathaniel Cruz, and Iya Villana-Arellano.
Further, the newscast’s report on Typhoon Ulysses Marikina Rescue was also the Philippines’s representative for the Best Single News Story/Report category in this year’s AAA’s. Held annually, the AAA’s recognizes the excellence of programs and personalities that represent and promote Asian content and creativity.