GMA journalists on courage, wisdom And truth in storytelling
FOR more than three decades, GMA Public Affairs has been at the forefront of producing stories that not only touch Filipinos’ lives but also effect change.
Vicky Morales, Susan Enriquez, Doc Ferds Recio and Doc Nielsen Donato, Emil Sumangil, and Kim Atienza proudly wear the Tatak Public Affairs badge. Their work, and to an extent their lives, revolve around the tenets of courage, wisdom and truth.
ADVOCATING THE GOOD
AWARD-WINNING broadcast journalist Vicky Morales believes that for a show or a story to have a positive impact, there should be fairness, heart, truth and social relevance. “Dapat kumpleto ’yung apat na elemento na ’yun,” she says. The “Journalist with a Heart,” Vicky has witnessed first-hand how GMA Public Affairs upholds these elements. “I’m very proud to be part of Public Affairs dahil alam ko ang work ethic dito, I know the hard work that goes with it. I’ve experienced that since day one.”
She adds that she is able to inspire people to actually do good and not just be good. Her longrunning show Wish Ko Lang is a perfect example of this. The drama anthology, which celebrated its 20th anniversary recently, continues to spread positivity to its featured case studies as well as the audience.
“The greater value of Wish Ko Lang is touching the audience and planting a seed in them, making them feel that they want to do good,” she shares.
Radiating with good vibes as well is Good News Kasama si Vicky Morales, a show that has been featuring travel destinations, food spots, and must-try activities to reenergize one’s self.
“People want to be able to feel that there is goodness in the world. People want positive content. People long for good news. [They want to] push change-makers to the right directions,” she adds.
CONNECTING people
STORIES of ordinary people become extraordinary when these inspire many. Veteran broadcast journalist Susan Enriquez believes it is essential to tell their stories truthfully because this way, the audience gets connected not only to the narrative but to the people from whom the story originated.
And to connect with people is what Susan is good at, thus she is fondly called “Kumare ng Bayan.” Her ability to relate to the audience is probably one of the reasons why her shows I Juander and Pera Paraan have been going strong.
For more than a decade already, I Juander has featured stories that satisfy Filipinos’ inherent curiosity about their identity and culture while making them relevant to the present world.
Pera Paraan, on the other hand, is a show that was conceptualized at the height of the pandemic. It continues to offer practical tips on handling household finances and earning additional income in the new normal.
INSTIGATING CHANGE
FOR Wildlife Warriors Doc Ferds Recio and Doc Nielsen Donato, their work means facing the challenges and the consequences that come their way in producing stories, especially about the environment and wildlife.
“Hindi basta-basta umuurong sa mga hamon ng storya. Matapang na tinatalakay ang mga isyu, in our case issue ng environment, wildlife,” says Doc Ferds, who together with Doc Nielsen, hosts the environment and wildlife show Born to Be Wild.
Now on its 15th year, Born to Be Wild has changed the public’s view on the environment and wildlife— an achievement Doc Ferds and Doc Nielsen are most proud of. “Pag lumabas ka sa kalsada, nakikita nila Born to be Wild, alam nila na you are protecting nature—dun pa lang, ’yun na ang biggest achievement na nagawa ng show at tayo as hosts,” shares Doc Nielsen.
“We were given a platform to instigate change, to educate people about wildlife, by showcasing the current status of our environment—and mabago ’yung paniniwala na meron tayo,” says Doc Ferds. “Halimbawa, kapag nakakita ng bayawak, kakainin; sawa, papatayin; lahat ng ahas makamandag. ’Yung mga first few years namin sa Born to Be Wild, pag nakakakita kami ng ahas, patay na. Ngayon, buhay na.”
Vicky, Susan, Doc Ferds, Doc Nielsen, along with Emil Sumangil and Kim Atienza, join Jessica Soho, Kara David, Maki Pulido, Drew Arellano, and Atom Araullo in upholding the ethos of GMA Public Affairs.
Spanning three decades of blazing the trail in producing compelling stories, GMA Public Affairs has instilled its unique brand in every Filipino.