GMA Network was awarded Gold at the second American Chamber of Commerce Corporate Social Impact Awards under the Disaster Response and Emergency Relief Category for its swift and compassionate response during Tropical Storm Kristine. The recognition given to the Network was for the outreach efforts of its socio-civic arm, the GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), through its Operation Bayanihan program.
In 2024, with the country battered by overlapping emergencies that involved floods, landslides, drought, and successive typhoons, various partners, donors, volunteers, and GMA Network itself mobilized to deliver food packs, clean water, and essential supplies to 318,086 disaster-affected individuals. A notable effort as well in providing assistance was Operation Bayanihan: Bagyong Kristine Telethon, an on-air appeal that encouraged nationwide giving.
"GMA Network mustered a consolidated aid effort with comprehensive news reporting from GMA integrated news before, during, and after the advent of Tropical Storm Kristine,” GMA Network was First Vice President for Public Service and Community Relations and GMAKF Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rikki Escudero-Catibog. “GMA stars and Sparkle artists participated in fund-raising efforts through a live telethon and posted on social media encouraging their fans to make donations to the GMA Kapuso Foundation — which immediately embarked on extensive relief operations to the affected area. Eight months after the onslaught of Tropical Storm Kristine, GMA Kapuso Foundation launched a school-based feeding program in one of the affected areas in Gainza, Camarines Sur. And one year after the storm, the Foundation also broke ground for its first flood-resistant Kapuso school in Minalabac, Camarines Sur. We will be turning over three completed classrooms to the Department of Education and the community in February 2026."
GMA Network Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz spoke of the Network's unwavering commitment to serving Filipinos and also expressed gratitude to AmCham for the recognition. "GMA Network stands with every Filipino not just in moments of joy but also in hardship and other challenges that may come. Beyond providing live coverage of news and entertainment, our mission to Filipinos in need is this: to always respond with compassion, to uphold the dignity of the people we serve, and to remind our communities they are never alone,” she said. “We are honored to receive the Corporate Social Impact Award from AmCham, and deeply appreciate their support.”
SOUTHEAST ASIA VIDEO FESTIVAL FOR CHILDREN
Angela Javier Cruz led the Philippine Jury at the 5th Southeast Asia Video Festival for Children. With Javier Cruz at the helm, the Philippine jury reviewed exceptional child-focused content, spotlighting stories that uplift young audiences, spark the imagination, and encourage authentic expression while reflecting the experiences of today's youth.
"It is a privilege to be a voice that encourages the creativity of children. Giving support and a platform for children are just among the meaningful ways we can nurture their imagination and confidence," says Javier Cruz. "At GMA Network, we believe that every child has a story worth telling, and we are committed to producing programs and other content that are child-friendly, innovative, informative, educational, and highly engaging."
Among the distinguished guests and personalities at SEAVFC were Anak TV President Elvira Yap Go, who also serves as the Convenor and Founding Chairperson of the festival, the multi-awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho, host of the top-rating "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," and “Unang Hirit” host Suzi Entrata-Abrera.
Soho, said: "Journalists are storytellers, and I am a strong believer in the power of stories to inspire, help people in need, and to change lives. Stories empower. Stories are powerful! I believe that the more stories we tell one another, we communicate and connect better. If we keep the stories coming and the conversations going, we will most likely realize we all have the same goals in life. Stories lead to better understanding and peace."
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