Three segment producers, two radio news anchors, and a news writer from the Davao City Information Office (CIO) earned recognition during the region-wide Archbishop Thibault Media Awards (ATMA) held on May 16, 2026 at the Bapa Benny Tudtud Auditorium of Ateneo de Davao University.
The awards recognized winners and finalists from more than 240 entries submitted by various print, radio, and television media outlets across 13 categories.
Davao City Disaster Radio 87.5 FM anchor Shannon Pabroa won the overall Mulleris Dignitatem Award for “Abante Kababayen-an: Gender-based violence” entry which features the stories and experiences of women in Davao City and highlights city government programs for the sector. Pabroa was also named finalist under Dignitas Infinita category for the entry “Abante Kababayen-an: Trafficking in Persons.
DCDR anchor Nico Montecillo was also recognized as finalist under Erga Migrants Award with his entry “Abante Kababayen-an: Chasing Opportunities, Avoiding Exploitation: The Fight Against Illegal Recruitment and Human Trafficking”.
Meanwhile, “Madayaw Dabaw” segment producer Lourenhz Igloria was named as finalist under Familiaris Consortio Award for her entry “Kasalan ng Barangay” and the Dignitates Infinita Award with the entry “Bahay Pag-asa”.
Madayaw Davao segment producer Ivy Pearl Marañon was hailed as a finalist for the Familiaris Consortio Award for her entry “Co Su Gian Home for the Aged”.
Cymon Abarsolo, also a Madayaw Davao segment producer was recognized as finalist for the Dignitas Infinita Award with his entry “Foundation Brings Hope to Children with Cancer”.
Meanwhile, CIO News Writer Kristine Nicole Malasado was also hailed as a finalist for the Laborem Exercens Award with her entry *First Batch of seniors end work under Davao City Special Program”.
In an interview, Pabroa said the recognition came as a surprise and motivated her to continue improving her work as a media practitioner.
“I am motivated to do my best sa akong trabaho kay naa diay siya’y impact dili lang sa usa ka tao but sa community. So thank you so much ATMA for the recognition (I am motivated to do my best in my work because it has an impact not only on one person but on the community. So thank you so much, ATMA, for the recognition), ” she said.
She added that the award would not have been possible without the support of her family, friends, colleagues, CIO, and the Davao City Integrated Gender and Development Division.
“Ang IGDD gyud among akong partner in every episode sa akong program ug sila pod ang naghatag og inspirasyon sa akoa as media practitioner kay daghan man pud ko ug natun-an pinaagi sa programa (The IGDD has truly been my partner in every episode of my program, and they have also inspired me as a media practitioner because I have learned so much through the program), ” she said.
Pabroa said she hopes to continue the program to further raise awareness on the struggles, rights, and government programs for women.
“Daghang salamat sa pag-ila sa among ginabuhat (Thank you very much for recognizing our work) This inspired us even more to continue serving and sharing meaningful stories with passion and dedication,” said Marañon in an interview.
Igloria said she was grateful for the opportunity, noting that the recognition affirmed her efforts as a media practitioner. She added that she hopes to continue using her voice to represent marginalized sectors and highlight government interventions.
Abarsolo said receiving recognition after only two years in the media industry was fulfilling, adding that writing for the public has always been his passion. He aspires to gain recognition for his media work not only locally but also nationally.
Malasado, meanwhile, said she was honored to be chosen as a finalist. She added that writing is a continuous learning process and emphasized the importance of integrity and fact-based reporting in serving Dabawenyos.
Acting City Information Officer Harvey James C. Lanticse expressed gratitude for the recognition received by the office’s media practitioners, saying the awards inspire them to continue producing stories that inform and serve the people of Davao City.
“These recognitions remind us that the work we do matters. More than the awards, our goal is really to continue delivering truthful, relevant, people-centered stories and to inform Dabawenyos of the services and programs of the LGU,” Lanticse said. CIO
Written by: K.Cañedo
Edited by: A.Nawal
Photo: J.Faelnar