GMA Network Chairman Attorney Felipe L. Gozon, along with three of the network’s esteemed journalists—Jessica Soho, Raffy Tima, and Melo del Prado—was recognized for excellence, innovative contributions, and impact on journalism at the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) Grand Journalism Awards on Feb. 12.
Gozon, one of Asia’s top broadcast CEOs, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. A distinguished corporate lawyer, he was lauded for his transformative leadership, steering GMA to its position as the country’s leading broadcast network. His commitment to responsible and impartial journalism has further solidified GMA Network’s reputation as the most trusted broadcast news organization in the country.
“This recognition is very important and meaningful to me because, one, this is only the second time in eighty years of its existence that the MOPC is giving these awards. Number two, the MOPC, as the first and oldest press club in the Philippines, enjoys an importance and reputation second to none among the press clubs in the country. And last, the twelve awarded tonight, four of whom are from GMA Network, are the best among the best—myself excluded—in the field of journalism in the Philippines today,” Gozon said in his speech.
Soho was recognized as Journalist of the Year. With a career spanning decades, she is best known for her journalistic integrity and compelling storytelling. As the country’s most awarded broadcast journalist, she holds the distinction of winning the highly prestigious George Foster Peabody Award in 1999 and 2014. She was also the first Filipino to be nominated for and win at the New York Festivals (NYF) TV & Film Awards. She currently hosts the top-rated TV program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.
Tima received the TV Reporter of the Year award. A seasoned journalist, he was one of the first to introduce drone and mobile journalism in the country, revolutionizing news coverage in conflict zones and disaster-stricken areas. In 2023, he covered the Israel-Hamas conflict from the Palestine side in Egypt as a one-man team. He co-anchors Balitanghali, the longest-running noontime newscast on Philippine free TV
Del Prado was named Radio Broadcaster of the Year. With over 30 years of experience, he is a respected radio journalist. He anchors Melo del Prado sa Super Radyo and co-anchors Super Balita sa Umaga, Nationwide on Super Radyo DZBB 594 kHz, which also airs on Dobol B TV sa GTV.
The MOPC Grand Journalism Awards recognize excellence, achievements, and dedication to the journalism profession. Organized by the MOPC, Asia’s oldest press club founded in 1945, the awards honor journalists who have made significant contributions to the field.