By Nestor Abrematea
TACLOBAN CITY — Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Marino Ongchuan cited the vital role of the local media in the dissemination of information and truth in the light of the political situation in the country today.
At the 5th Media Awards of the Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders held on Saturday, Nov. 30, Ongchuan lauded the local media’s dedication and courage in the dissemination of vital information in the face of proliferation of fake news and digital creators who pose as media practitioners.
BEST NATIONAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT The Manila Times correspondent Nestor Abrematea receives a trophy for being adjudged as Best National News Correspondent Year 2024 during the 5th Media Awards of the Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders held at Hotel De Fides in Tacloban City on Nov. 30, 2024. Handing the award is Col. Ronald Elana of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division. TMT PHOTO
BEST NATIONAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT The Manila Times correspondent Nestor Abrematea receives a trophy for being adjudged as Best National News Correspondent Year 2024 during the 5th Media Awards of the Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders held at Hotel De Fides in Tacloban City on Nov. 30, 2024. Handing the award is Col. Ronald Elana of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division. TMT PHOTO
He said the local media in Eastern Visayas in particular has been very instrumental in the dissemination of the development and progress in the region, particularly in Northern Samar where the Kauswagan caravan and Ibabao Festival activities were held.
The media group’s president, Miriam Desacada-Maderazo, said giving awards to practitioners, government officials, organizations and individuals is their way of recognizing the dedication and commitment of the awardees in their own chosen field.
Among those cited during the 5th Media Awards were Chief Supt. Adel de Paz Bautista, regional director of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 8 (Most Outstanding Regional Director); Dr. Joseph Michael Jaro of the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (Most Outstanding Health Worker); lawyer Kennith Fabela (Most Outstanding Law Practitioner); Leyte Rep. Anna Victoria Tuazon (Most Outstanding Congressional Representative); businessman Rodolfo Pfleider (Most Outstanding Business Personality); and Geraldine Arica (Most Outstanding Prosecutor).
Also given citations by the media group composed of reporters in Eastern Visayas were Judge Georgina Uy-Perez (Most Outstanding Regional Trial Court Judge); PhilHealth Information Officer Miramar Zabala (Most Oustanding Regional Public Information Officer); Lt. Col. Marvin Maragggun (Most Outstanding Military Officer of the Year); Leyte PNP Provincial Director Col. Dionisio Apas (Most Outstanding Police Officer); the Municipality of Naval, Biliran (Most Outstanding LGU); Mayor Lovell Ann Yu-Castro (Most Outstanding Local Chief Executive); Dr. Andres Pagatpatan Jr. of Eastern State State University as Kadasig Awardee; and Arlyn Cui, Northern Samar provincial information officer, as Best Digital Media Practitioner.
The media awardees were The Manila Times correspondent Nestor Abrematea (Most Outstanding National News Correspondent Year 2024); The Tacloban Star Editor Rolex Elmido (Best Editor of the Year); Broadcaster Neil Glova of DYVL Aksyon Radio (Best News Commentator); Eduard Sañagan of K-5 FM Radio (Best Commentary Program); Opinion Publisher Ray Junia (Community Newspaper of the Year); Broadcasters Jay Barrion of PR TV; Allan Amistoso of Magic FM; April Daw Ayaso of Kaboses Radyo; Glecy Borrinaga of One Radio; and Joy Amor of Radyo Pilipinas-Catarman (Media Personality of the Year).
Completing the list of media practitioners who received awards were Elmer Recuerdo of Tribune (Best Environmental Writer); Jasmin Bonifacio of Rappler (Journalist of the Year); and DYSM Catarman as Radio Station of the Year – Provincial Category.
Jocelyn Serceña of EV Mail was awarded by 8th Infantry Division Public Information Officer Capt. Jefferson Mariano for her courage and dedication after being arbitrarily jailed.