In partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and its College of Development Communication (CDC), the UP Community Broadcasters' Society Inc. (UP ComBroadSoc) launched its annual Gandingan Awards to recognize the contributions of national and community-based media organizations that embodied the theme, “Naninindigan para sa ating mga karapatan.” The event was held last April 2 via Zoom and Facebook Live.

 

The 16th Gandingan Awards commenced with the opening remarks of UPLB and CDC’s officials.

 

“Alam nating lahat na ang kaalaman ay kapangyarihan. Ngunit, sa panahon kung saan ang daloy ng impormasyon at balita ay singbilis din ng teknolohiyang pangkomunikasyon, maituturing na ang mga tao at organisasyon na siyang may kakayahan at kapangyarihan magbahagi ng kung ano mang kaalaman ay siya ring may kapangyarihan na magtago, magsala, o magbaluktot ng impormasyon,” UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Camacho Jr. stated, adding further the deeper lens beyond such awards.

 

“Ang parangal na ating igagawad sa kanila ay hindi lamang kumakatawan sa ating pagpupugay sa kanilang natatanging kontribusyon. Ito rin ay simbolo ng ating pag-asa na patuloy pang lumago ang makabuluhang at wastong pamamahayag sa ating lokal at pambansang midya at sa social media,” he added. Dr. Camacho Jr. was then followed by the opening remarks of UPLB CDC Dean Dr. Ma. Stella C. Tirol. 

 

Dr. Tirol accentuated that as media profession has a “prime position to realize and address our issues related to our dignity and individual rights” through the promotion of right of “information” and “communication,” the Filipino media should “strive to offer objective, accurate, truthful, and balanced information on human rights and concerns.” 

 

“Hindi biro ang makilaban at manindigan para sa ating mga karapatan. Ang pagpapahalaga sa ating mga karapatan ay nangangailangan ng masusing pag-iimbestiga at paglalahad ng mga pangyayari kung saan ang ating mga karapatan ay nalalaban,” she added. Dr. Tirol also highlighted that “more than (the) important prestige,” the event served as a witness in “the growing orientation of our media towards purposive and proactive communication.” She also hoped that the media industry “serve as our champions and our models in fighting and standing up for all our rights.”

 

“Kasama ng ating midya, manindigan tayo sa ating mga karapatan,” she concluded.

 

After the opening remarks, UP ComBroadSoc former Chief Anchor, UPLB Office of Public Relations Director, and Gandingan Awards founder Asst. Prof. Mark Lester M. Chico gave his message and reflection about the event and this year’s theme.

 

“Sa panahong hating-hati ang bayan, tila mahirap ang humarap sa hamon at manindigan para sa sarili at sa bayan. Ngunit di tayo binigo ng nagkakaisa nating lakas sapagkat sa dami ng entries na ating tinanggap, ginising nito ang ating kamalayan sa mga pagsiil at paglabag sa ating karapatan, gayundin sa mga aksyong hinarap natin upang mapagwagian ang laban. [...] Ang taong bayang tapat sa bayan, itatama ang kasinungalingan, iwawaksi ang pagnanakaw, at lalaban para sa buhay at kabuhayan. Pagbati sa mga nagwagi at sa lahat ng mga nasa likod ng ating krusada: para sa maka-kaunlarang midya, para sa bayan,” he voiced out.

 

From the presented criteria and nominees, 36 panelists assessed the entries of stations, programs, and personalities within radio, TV, and online platforms. 

 

Here is the list of the award categories, its corresponding winners, and their affiliations:

 

General Awards (Radio):

• Most Development-Oriented AM Station: Benguet State Univerity-On-Air Teleradyo (Ep. “Animal Welfare Act and Anti-Rabies;” DZWT Radyo Totoo and Benguet State University)

• Most Development-Oriented FM Program: Pag-Ambitay Daw(AG) Kaulian [Share to Heal] (“The Anti-Terror Law: Implications in the New Normal;” DXBU 104.5 FM)
• Most Development-Oriented AM Program: Youth For Truth: Human, Hindi Lauran (National Anti-Trafficking in Persons Awareness Episode; DZRB 738 Radyo Pilipinas 1)
• Most Development-Oriented Radio Plug: Kurtesiya Na, Disiplina Pa (DZBB)
• Most Development-Oriented Radio Drama: Barangay Love Stories: Bagong Bayani (DWLS-Fm GMA Network Inc.)
• Most Development-Oriented Radio Public Service Program: Health Republic: Road Safety as Children’s Rights (Road Safety & Human Rights Series; DZUP)

 

General Awards (for Hosts and Personalities):

• Best FM Radio Program Host: Renzmark “Papa Dudut” Ricafrente (Barangay Love Stories)
• Best AM Radio Program Host: Arnold Clavio and Connie Sison (One on One Walang Personalan)
• Best TV Program Host: Kara David (Brigada; GTV)
• Best News Anchor: Rufino D. Tima Jr. (aka Raffy Tima) (Balitanghali; GMA Network Inc. [GTV])
• Best Field Reporter: Mark Makalalad (Markado)

 

General Awards (Television):

• Most Development-Oriented Magazine Program: Brigada (Brigada: “Millennial Vote;” GTV)
• Most Development-Oriented Public Service Program: Rise and Shine Pilipinas (“Tulong sa mga OFW at Seaman;” People’s Television [PTV4])
• Most Development-Oriented Public Service Program: CLTV News (“Isla Pamarawan: Epekto ng Bulacan Aerotropolis sa mga Mangingisda;” “Isla Pamarawan: ‘Save our Future’ campaign inilunsad ng mga kabataan;” and “Brgy. Kapitan: Hindi sanhi ng pagbaha ng dredging;” CLTV)
• Most Development-Oriented Feature Story: Balitanghali (“Bantay-Kalikasan: Used Face Masks in Batangas Coral Reefs;” GMA Network Inc. [GTV])
• Most Development-Oriented Documentary Program: The Atom Araullo Specials (“Habol Hininga;” GMA 7)
• Most Development-Oriented Investigative Story: Reporter’s Notebook (“Lilibeth, Frank, Sonya, and Fabel;” GMA Network Inc.)
• Most Development-Oriented Drama Program: First Yaya (Episode 1; GMA)
• Most Development-Oriented Children’s Program: Team Yey 
• Most Development-Oriented TV Plug: “Nakikita Kita (Pagpupugay Plug of GMA Regional TV)” (GMA Network Inc. Regional TV)
• Most Development-Oriented Musical Segment/Program: All-Out Sundays (AOS Ep. 63: “Tuloy Pa Rin” The COVID Special; GMA Network Inc.)
• Most Development-Oriented Talk/Discussion Program: Perspektiba (“Trolls sa Polls;” CLTV)

 

General Awards (Online):

• Most Development-Oriented Online News: “10 Amazing Pinay Game Changers in Science” by Nur Lemuel Castillo (DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute)
• Most Development-Oriented Feature Article: “Fides In Scientia” (Faithfully Serving the Nation Through Science)
• Most Development-Oriented Photograph/Photo Story: “Barikada” (DZUP)
• Most Development-Oriented Online Video: “Paglaya (Native Chicken Story)” (DOSTv)

 

Core Awards (for Programs):

• Most Development-Oriented Educational Program: I-Witness (The GMA Documentaries: “Di Paiiwan;” GMA Network Inc. - GTV 27)
• Most Development-Oriented Women’s Program: ExperTalk Online: #WomenInScience (“Saving the Environment thru Community Empowerment;” DOSTv: Science for the People)
• Most Development-Oriented Youth Program: I-Witness (The GMA Documentaries: “Nueve, Trese, Katorse;” GMA Network Inc. - GTV 27)
• Most Development-Oriented Livelihood Program: ExperTalk Online: Made in the Philippines Products Week (DOSTv: Science for the People)
• Most Development-Oriented Environmental Program: I-Witness (The GMA Documentaries: “Mask Land;” GMA Network Inc. - GTV 27)
• Most Development-Oriented Science and Technology Program: DOST Report: DOST Drug Recovery in the New Normal (DOSTv: Science for the People)
• Most Development-Oriented Gender-Transformative Program: Youth for Truth: Pride 2021 Episode (“Pride Kita: Through the Allies’ Eyes;” DZBB Radyo Pilipinas/IBC TV)
• Most Participatory Program: Youth for Truth: Adulting Episode (“Paano Nga Ba Ito?;” DZBB Radyo Pilipinas/IBC TV)

 

Core Awards (for Hosts and Personalities):

• Gandingan ng Kababaihan: Vinci Beltran (“Youth for Truth;” DZBB Radyo Pilipinas/IBC TV)
• Gandingan ng Kabataan: Vinci Beltran, Nicole Namuco, and Bea Bailon (“Youth for Truth;” DZBB Radyo Pilipinas/IBC TV)
• Special Citations 
• Gandingan ng Edukasyon: Drew Arellano (“AHA!”; GMA Network Inc.)
• Gandingan ng Kabuhayan: Susan Enriquez (“Pera Paraan;” GMA7)
• Gandingan ng Agham at Teknolohiya: Fortunato T. de la Peña (DOST Report - DOSTv: Science for the People)

 

Groups such as UPLB Choral Ensemble, Talahib People’s Music, and the UPLB Street Jazz Dance Company graced the event with their performances, song, and dance presentation, respectively. 

 

Moreover, award winners gave their speeches upon recognition. 

 

Before announcing the last set of awards, UP ComBroadSoc Chief Anchor Ricel Iana Marie Banayos gave her closing remarks.

 

“Hangad namin na maging instrumento ang UP ComBroadSoc Gandingan Awards upang mas mapaigting ang ating patuloy na pananawagan para sa malaya at mapagpalayang pamamahayag. [...]  Bilang mga alagad ng midya, patuloy nating panindigan ang ating mandato sa pagsisilbi sa bayan, sa pagpagpapalakas ng boses ng taumbayan, at sa pagtindig para sa katotohanan,” Banayos stated. 

 

She also said for everyone to look forward to next year’s Gandingan Awards as they will focus on livelihood as the next sector to look into, especially with its effects from the pandemic and its necessity towards post-pandemic recovery.

 

Amongst the selected candidates from radio, TV stations, and online platforms, “Today’s Rundown sa Perspective Live: Bloody Sunday Special” won UP ComBroadSoc’s Choice for Gandingan ng Karapatan award, while DOSTv: Science for the People bagged the Gandingan ng Kaunlaran award.

 

Apart from the annual awards, the 16th Gandingan award made a mark in history as they introduced the first recipient of the newest recognition category called “Ka Louie Tabing Memorial Award in Community Broadcasting” from UP CBS and UPLB Department of Development Broadcasting and Telecommunication. This award is given to a personality or media organization that has made significant contributions in the field of development through effective and impactful news reporting or story-telling.

 

Among three  nominees, Mr. Reymund Villanueva from Kodao Productions was chosen to be the winner of the said award as he “champion(ed) community radio broadcasting through the establishment of community radio stations in the country and capacity-building of community radio broadcasters throughout the Asia-Pacific region.” 

 

"Ginagawa natin ito dahil sa ating hangaring sumibol sa ating bayan, ang tunay na hustisya-sosyal, na magaganap lamang kung ang mamamayan ay may sarili at malayang tinig. Walang demokrasya kung busal ang bayan," Mr. Villanueva stated.

 

Let the voices of every levels of society be heard

As a socio-civic organization, Gandingan Awards has its annual public service activities as part of their event where UP CBS help to aid the advocacies of their chosen partner communities that face issues corresponding to the theme of the year. Given such, a press conference was held to shed light on each sector through discourse via Zoom last April 2.

 

During the conference, a series of representatives from various sectors were introduced to speak their mission, advocacy, struggles, and victories, as well as the role of media in giving platforms for inclusive discourse with the different members of society. The sectors, representatives/speakers, affiliated organization, and topics of their talk are the following:

 

• LGBTQIA+ Sector: UPD Bahaghari Chairperson Ms. Latrell Felix 

• Discrimination in school and work; harassment; suppression in expression; members who experience death, hate-crimes, arrests, and injustices 
• Role of media: Encouraging awareness, “militanteng pakikibaka at kolektibong pagkilos” for change.

• Women (and Indigenous) Sector: Sharlaine Balagtas (Lilak [Purple Action for Indigenous Women’s Rights]) 

• Indigenous Women during the Pandemic: lack of access to COVID-19 information, ayuda, and basic needs due to military blockage; ABS-CBN shutdown effects especially on far-flung and isolated areas; discrimination on IPs; red-tagging experience as “human and land rights defenders;” “criminalization ng pakikibaka ng mga katutubong kababaihan at kalalakihan” 

• Role of media: To not just ensure IPs’ access to the spreaded information but also to make sure that their struggles and stories are heard nationally.

• Animal Welfare Sector: Sharon Bengzon-Yap (Philippine Animal Welfare Society)

• Public health and sanitation concerns of stray animals, LGUs role in Animal Control through the Anti-Rabies Act; dangers stray animals face in the streets; effects band-aid solutions (stray feeding, rescue from death row, community “shelters”, stop animal control services); “Kapon for all Pets” (spaying or neutering) as solusyon to the stray problem

• Role of media: Inform the figures of euthanasia (especially for irresponsible pet owners) and not hide the information or condemn it; show benefits of spaying, neutering, and having proper TNR; “not contribute on the narrative that will tell people that our status quo now is okay;” and encourage LGUs to adopt the “Kapon for all Pets” program.

• Farmer Sector: Randy Rabina (Golden Parauma Agriculture Cooperative)

• Effects of Political Polarization on Farmers, pros of converting to cooperative to engage with the government; importance of being organized and compliant with the laws for them to be heard; aid of LGUs, NGOs, and Hanapbuhay Program of VP Leni Robredo; challenges imposed by laws on irrigation (RA 10969); struggles of farmers being loaded with debt and price raise due to COVID-19

• Role of media: To advocate further for the “equal protection of the law,” the rights of the farmers towards inclusive laws to include them in the discussion, and to shed light on the oppression of particular groups or companies.

• Youth Sector: Eldwin Manatad (Empowered Youth Movement)

• Struggles of youth to afford their own place; circumstances that hinder empowerment, growth, and independence where they will not just “stand for themselves but also to stand by themselves;” working age expectancy; toll on mental health challenges; drug and alcohol abuse; suicide; out-of-school youths; lack of access to educationand employment; red-tagging 

• Role of media: To be a “credible and reliable outlet of truth” for informing, educating, and entertaining people about the realities and struggles of the youth and “protecting and promoting the rights of everyone.”

• Environmental Sector: Gabrielle Marie Cruz (UP Ecology and Systems Major Students Society)

• Situation and attacks on the Philippines as the deadliest country for land and environmental defenders for the past 8 years; condemns red-tagging and labelling the protectors as terrorist; massacres and Lumad attacks (Tumandok Massacre); role of government; dangerous sectors for environmental defenders; Agricultural Venture Arrangement; contributions of former DENR director Regina Lopez; effects of reclamation and militarization

• Role of media: To “make the powerless (be) heard,” “garner support and inspire audiences,” and “pressure local governments to enact changes,” as well as to inform others and take a stand for the environment and for those who risk their lives to protect it.”

• Partner Communities:

• Pastor Junie M. Antonio (Silungan ng Pag-asa)
• Rights of kids with cancer for proper access to healthcare and proper housing; lack of access to facilities in provinces; aid and shelter kids from far-flung areas or provinces and those in need who have no place to stay in the capital; effects of malnutrition, poverty, and hunger

• Role of media: Helping to spread their advocacy and platform and inspire more sponsors and volunteers “upang maparating sa mga kababayan natin na merong silungan na willing tumulong sa mga nangangailangan na nagpapagamot within Metro Manila.”

• Annaliza Aliwalas (Bahay Tuluyan)

• Supporting children and ensuring the protection and promotion of human rights, especially those who are abused, neglected, abandoned, and orphaned; benefits of child-to-child approach in exploring and training every child’s talent and potential to be a better contributor to society

• Role of media: To ensure awareness and disseminate information for available training and services in other duty-bearers of the country to advocate and promote children’s rights as they believe that “hindi ito kakayanin ng isa, dalawa, o tatlong organisasyon (lamang) sapagkat marami ang nangangailangan (ng tulong).”

 

Formerly known as UPLB Isko at Iska Broadcast Choice Awards, Gandingan Awards is a student-led program that recognizes and honors the excellence of TV and radio programs (and online media platforms) in terms of giving importance to development-oriented topics.